Should I put a down payment down on a subcontractor?

[Christine Krizenesky]

We recently bought our first flip and began to get estimates. One of the subs needed is a chimney repairman/tech. He recently gave an estimate for $6500 and wants $2500 down and the balance upon completion. Is it usual to require this much down, up front?

[Ben Skaggs]

@Christine Krizenesky

Yes good contractors will ask for a down payment. Would you yourself buy any materials for a job with your own money only to show up and the customer got someone else to do the work?

If you are unfamiliar with what goes into repairing the chimney, ask the contractor for a detailed estimate. All materials and labor each on its own line. If they are willing to show you what's going into the project so you understand, then you have a contractor that cares about their customer.