Itemizing Contractor Cost

[Val J.]

I'm thinking of having windows installed in a rental property. The contractor has quoted me a price of $5500. He's asking me to pay 50% up front and the balance when the job is finished. He told me he wants the 50% up front to purchase the windows and he wants me to make the check out to him & not the window company. When hiring a contractor for a job, do you ask for a break down of material and labor cost or do you just pay for ask my guy has requested without a break down?