Deposits to Contractors – Front Loading

The law that limits the down payment to a contractor to 10% or $1,000 whichever is less applies only to home improvement contracts. Home improvement contracts are contracts for the improvement of one’s home. Therefore, condominium buildings, apartment buildings, and commercial buildings are not subject to the 10% or $1,000 whichever is less limitation. Notwithstanding, it is never prudent to permit a contractor to “front load” a contract by asking for project funds in advance. This means that owners should not pay for work before it is completed or for materials before they are delivered to the property.