My buildwer asked me for an interim payment of the roof work he is doing this week.

Payment schedule should really be agreed before the work begins.This is the only way to keep both parties happy.You could refuse to pay,but he may well walk.Talk to him and explain your concerns.Maybe you can find some common ground to ensure that the job progresses with all parties happy.

hi,what you have to remember is that the builder has to pay labour and materials for ongoing works.you should of at least pay him for materials that he has paid for.There has to be trust either way.He is trusting you to pay him.many thanks nick

That is very difficult. A builder is entitled to ask for stage payments as a job proceeds, after all, he is in many cases extending a lot of credit. But, if this is the intention, this must be specified in the quote. The quote should say "Payment is due on completion" or "Interim payments will be required, the balance due on completion" or some such variation. A roof may leak as the work progresses, sheeting is not always perfect. To keep the peace, perhaps pay a small amount, say £500.00, and repeat as the work progresses. But make completely sure there are no leaks where the roof has been repaired and as the work progresses. This will mean someone going into the loft space to check. Make sure the lead flashing around the chimney is in good condition as well, or is replaced. Also, the new roof may be subject to building regulations, make sure this is in place and the roof inspected by building control when complete. Telephone your local Council Building Control to ask advice. Kind regards, Paul Albright

money issues should always be heard up front before work starts but you are within your own rights to get the job done before you hand over any money, i suppose it all depends on total costs of job too as its understandable that the builder may have forked out in materials and plant.

depends on the payment schedule that was set up

Your contractor should not be asking for money ahead of completion unless stage payments were agreed in advance. In fairness to the contractor the work cannot be considered water tight until it has been finished--we have all been caught out! However, I am sure you explained the history of the job, and your contractor should expect you to be sceptical.Both parties need to understand eachothers position, but really this should have been sorted out before works started. Hugh Pursey

sorry if its leaking after the membrane has been installed its not done right, although you roof tiles are the main protecting and the felt is only a secondary defence. the membrane has to be 100% water tight never done a roof where it doesnt rain after the menbrane is on before the tiles are replaced. my advice get a proper roofer one that can seal your roof properly

You are well within your rights to not pay a penny until all work is satisfactorily completed. It may make things a bit awkward but usually this should all be discussed before the work is started. We do stage payments on big jobs. On small jobs (up to £3000) we do payment on completion. If you explain to the roofer your concerns he may be happier waiting. Any good builder or roofer should have trade accounts meaning any materials are purchased on credit. But obviously not everyone works like this. Just because he is asking for an interim payment does not make him dodgy. But it is best for things to have been clarified before hand. I would try and pay on completion. But discuss it with him in a open conversation, and tell him why you would rather wait. All the best, John

No, they cant make you pay any money upfront , Also If they have felt and battened the roof no water should be passing through it,so be careful on the quality of there work,if you are unsure get another roofer to take a look so you can be happy they are doing a good job.