How much of a deposit should I pay a contractor?
Researched by the LokalMatch editorial team1 answer
The contractor wants half the price up front “for materials”, before anyone has been to the house.
Answers (1)
LokalMatch EditorialLokalMatch editorial
Ontario’s consumer guidance says keep the down payment to a minimum and recommends no more than 10 per cent, and never to pay the full contract before the work is done. Half up front, before a delivery has arrived, is not how this normally works.
The province is blunt about the reason. A large deposit taken to pay for materials can be cashed by someone who never finishes, or never starts. A contractor with a supply account does not need your money to buy shingles.
Where a deposit genuinely is needed — cabinets, windows made to size, anything ordered to measure — ask to see the supplier’s order confirmation. Then tie the rest of the payments to stages you can stand in front of and check: rough-in complete, drywall up, inspection passed.
Answers come from pros and are reviewed by LokalMatch before they’re published. They’re general information — for regulated or safety-critical work, have a licensed professional assess your situation.
Sources
Where the facts on this page come from.
Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs — Government of Ontario (accessed September 21, 2026)