re: Contractor payment question

I think 15% is more in line with new construction or large remodels, that's only $7500 on a $50k job so he would have to have others going and then you aren't getting his full attention. It all depends upon how he runs a job as to whether that works for you, if he has a trusted worker for your job then it may be fine but if he calls the shots then it is bad. For this reason you can normally assume that as the job gets smaller the markup gets larger. If you agree to pay the agreed percentage on all invoices plus his payroll then you can best control costs and also change orders while in progress. As long as the guy is reputable he won't present you with any false bills, he makes his margin for overseeing it and you get a great job.