Payment How does the contractor request payment for their work? It is very important that you get written confirmation of the quote and what work the quote covers. The contractor should also provide a written contract. At Cornerstone on acceptance of our written estimate we provide a written contract that includes details of the cost of the project, a week commencing start time, a timetable, a practical completion date and a schedule of payments. Be wary if the contractor asks for lumps sums in advance. We ask for a deposit of 1.5% of the total cost to show our commitment to each other. We also ask that on producing an invoice we have a weekly payment as work progresses. As a rule we never draw more payment than work completed at any one time. We have accounts with all the major merchants and service suppliers and their terms are monthly.