Before the deposit
Contractor deposit checklist
Ten facts to resolve before money changes hands. Free to print, save, and share.
Responsible business
The quote and contract identify the legal person or company responsible for the work.
Applicable license source
I found the state, county, city, or trade authority that regulates this work, or confirmed that no general license applies.
License match
The current record, named holder, classification, and published status align with the contractor and project scope.
Business record
The entity is identifiable, and the business name on the quote can be connected to it.
Insurance proof
Current evidence names the contractor I am hiring. I know who supplied it and whether the agency confirmed it.
Payment name
The requested payee matches the contracting business, or the relationship is explained and documented in writing.
Deposit calculation
I calculated the deposit as a percentage of the total quote and checked the rules that apply where the work will occur.
Written payment schedule
The contract connects payments to defined materials, work, or milestones and states cancellation and change-order terms.
Source trail
I saved the source URLs, names searched, documents, dates checked, and written responses.
Unanswered questions
Any mismatch, missing record, pressure tactic, or unanswered proof request is resolved before I send money.