Blog>Hiring Guides>What to do when tradespeople ask for larger deposits
Last updated: 5 March 2025
What to do when tradespeople ask for larger deposits
When you have finally decided to make a dream home improvement a reality and found a quality tradesperson, you may be asked for an initial deposit. If this is your first experience with a large home improvement, we’ve written a guide to help you.
Depending on your home improvement project, you may be asked for a deposit to lock in your project and source materials or machinery for the job.
The golden rule is to never pay your deposit in cash. Cash payments are untraceable, which means you have no evidence of that payment being made.
Deposit top tips
When paying a deposit, consider the following:
Before you pay any deposit, make sure the deposit amount is specified either the quote or contract
Be extra cautious of paying anything over 10% of the project value
Only pay for defined materials. If you are paying for materials you could contact the manufacturer/seller directly
Ask for the materials to be sent directly to your address, with an obligation to pay the trade for the materials as soon as you receive them
A tradesperson should never pressure you to book immediately
If something doesn't feel right when booking a tradesperson, then listen to your gut. We always recommend getting at least three quotes for a project so that you can compare and see which works best for you.
Take a look at our guide to hiring a tradesperson for more tips and advice.
If things go wrong
How to leave a complaint
By choosing Checkatrade to source a tradesperson, you will have access to the support network our company provides.
Our experienced team of customer service experts will be on hand to provide you with advice you might need if things don’t go to plan. We will be able to communicate with you and the tradesperson in question, with the aim to resolve any issues which cannot be directly solved between you; giving you extra peace of mind.
If you have any reason to complain about the work of one of our members there are three steps that may help you to resolve your issues:
Step 1 - Contact the tradesperson
Explain your concerns and the reasons you are not happy
Discuss what actions can be undertaken to rectify the situation
Allow the trade the opportunity to rectify the mistakes
Set a final deadline date
Step 2 - Checkatrade support
Checkatrade are here to support by working in partnership with you and the tradesperson to encourage a suitable resolution
Please start by leaving a review
If your own efforts to address your concerns with the tradesperson were not successful, then we are happy to contact the tradesperson on your behalf and seek to understand what action can be taken
Our members know that unsatisfied customers can leave a negative review that will be published on their profile page and are therefore usually eager to resolve any issues
The tradesperson will be notified of all negative reviews and your review will be published on their profile page for all future consumers to see
In the event one of our members falls short of The Checkatrade Standard, membership may be suspended or terminated
Step 3 – Additional options
In the unlikely event that you were unable to resolve your issue using steps 1 & 2 we encourage you to speak to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133 or online at www.citizensadvice.org.uk. They are supported by local authorities and by the Department of Trade.
Take a look at our complaints process in more detail.
Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and does not amount to financial or legal advice or recommendation. The content and materials featured or linked to on this blog are for your information and education only and are not intended to address your particular personal requirements. The information does not constitute financial advice or recommendation and should not be considered as such. The Checkatrade website is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), its authors are not financial advisors, and it is therefore not authorised to offer financial advice. Always do your own research and seek independent financial advice when required. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named or linked to from the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Checkatrade blog and its associated writers assume no liability for your actions.
