Should I pay a deposit for a roof replacement?

[Byron W.]

About to get a flat roof replacement done and I'm wondering, should I pay a deposit? I've been stiffed multiple times in the past with other contractors on projects, so I've since, refused to pay anything up front outside of material costs. What has been everyone's strategy on this?

Also, if you have any roofer recommendations, please send them my way. Thanks!

[John Warren]

@Byron W. I almost always give a deposit on a sizable job, but it also depends on how well you know your contractor. I would think 25-30% would up front would be enough in some cases with 50% being the maximum I would do.  I am preparing to do a flat roof replacement on one of my properties in Berwyn, and I ended up getting the best pricing through the GC I have been using to do most of the unit turns. 

Take your time on the flat roof research. There are multiple opinions on best materials to use (modified bitumen versus TPO) and how you should handle tuck pointing, copings, etc. Make sure your roofer has been around for a while and that your roofer offers a long warranty. It is not uncommon to get 10 years on a flat roof.