Starting the works
- If your work is being funded by a disabled facilities grant then your contractor must not start work or receive any payment from you until the funding is approved.
- Generally you should not be required to pay money up front or give an advanced deposit for works. For larger projects however it may be a requirement of the contract which you should read carefully. Discuss any queries with your contractor and agent before you sign it.
- If you can not avoid a deposit then pay as little as possible and by credit card if you can, which gives added protection if over £100 in value.
- Don’t pay for materials up front before your contractor starts, unless they can be delivered direct to your property. Then only pay on receipt of goods and always retain the delivery invoice and receipt.
- Staged payment can be agreed for larger jobs. If you are applying for a council grant or loan, interim payments will need to be agreed with the grant officer first.
- Always insist on a receipt for any money paid during or at the end of the job.
- If there are any additional works once the contractor is on site ask for a fixed price before any further work is carried out. If works are funded with a council grant then the grant officer will need to agree to the work and the cost
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