paying contractors - how far out?

[Rene Bee]

I am working on a gut rehab and the contractor estimates structural and framing will take a month.  Then plumbing and electrical can start.  However all the permits need to be submitted to the city together.  I just spoke to the electrician and he said I have to sign the contract which states that I pay 1/2 on contract execution - which is $10k.  That feels like alot of money and all I need right now is him to pull the permit and work wont start until a month later.  I have been told not to pay contractors to far in advance as they can disappear. 

I was thinking telling him I can pay 1/4 on contract execution and then the rest when he starts the job.

How have those with experience handled this?