50% Up Front

[Arnie Guida]

Got a bid and the contract said 50% up front. I've got a nice place in a nice part of town, you've got...a truck, and I'm the one not trusted. That's funny.

[Stan Butler]

Not a chance would I put down 50% on a project with a new contractor.  The biggest risk for contractor is most likely the cost of materials.  You could always offer to pay for the materials yourself so that way its only labor you are paying to the contractor.  I would try to scope out 1 week deliverables and payment at the end of each week.  This way neither party can get too far behind.