Is it normal to pay a deposit before job starts?

Depending on the job I don't always ask for one. If I don't know much about the customer/not a recommendation and I'm buying materials then yes I do ask for one. It just shows commitment from their side. Many years ago I did new fascias, soffit and guttering for a lady who it turned out didn't own her bungalow. She owed money to all kinds of tradesmen.

Depends how large the project is, typically for a days work I would say no, but for larger projects that cover a range of materials I would ask for up to 50%, with the labour cost to be paid upon completion. If you have any doubts get a written quote and even I signed contract to give you peace of mind and security for both parties

Depends if the job ar to big I want deposit bifore I start the job I is small job I'm no taking deposit

Alot of tradesmen would ask for a deposit to make sure you as a customer don't bail leaving them with a dairy that's half empty. However I understand customers are reluctant to pay anything until the work is complete. I always find that paying or receiving the payment in installments throughout the job is the most effective. If a tradesman wants a deposit before they start its usually 20% but as a customer it's your responsibility to do your research and make sure the tradesman is trust worthy.

Depending on the size of the job I would normally ask the customer to pay for the materials up front to ensure that if they pull out etc I’m covered and not out of pocket when agreed on what we were using I would ensure a recipt for proof of price of materials so they new I hadn’t overcharged I would then proceed to start the job and wouldn’t ask for any payment until the job was finished and customer was happy