I've just hired a contractor to replace some French doors on our house. We did due diligence in the bidding process, and hired the contractor that we felt best about. So far, so good.
However, in their contract, they required, in addition to the maximum allowed by State law, another deposit of 36% of the total contract, before they start work. In this case, we're talking about 3-5 weeks before they start work.
This contractor checks out in every other way, and the other bidders all seemed to be requiring the same amount up front. They way they tap dance around the law is buy sending in a two-man crew to "re-measure" the work before ordering the doors. This, they claim, constitutes the start of work.
So my question is this: Is this an accepted way of doing business; and if so, doesn't it completely side-step State contracting law?
I assume that this law was enacted to protect consumers against past abuses.