Paying a Decorator: Deposits and Stage Payments
How deposits, stage payments and final payments typically work on UK painting jobs, what is reasonable to agree, and how to protect yourself.
Money is where goodwill can quickly fade on a job, usually because expectations were not discussed. Agreeing how and when payment will be made, before work starts, protects both you and the decorator.
Common payment structures
| Structure | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pay on completion | Small, quick jobs | Simple; decorator carries all the risk |
| Deposit, then balance | Jobs needing materials up front | Keep the deposit modest |
| Stage payments | Multi-week or multi-room jobs | Tie each payment to a clear milestone |
| Day-by-day or weekly | Day-rate work | Pay for work done to date |
None of these is inherently right or wrong. What matters is that it is proportionate and in writing.
Deposits
A deposit is often used to cover materials or to secure a booking. A reasonable deposit is typically linked to what the decorator needs to buy, rather than a large share of the job. As a rough guide, many people feel comfortable with a deposit of a modest percentage, but this varies by job size and provider. If you supply the paint yourself, ask why a deposit is needed at all.
Be cautious if:
- The deposit is a large share of the total.
- You are asked for cash on the spot with no record.
- The reason for the amount is unclear.
Stage payments
For larger jobs, linking payments to progress is fair to both sides. For example:
- A small deposit to secure the date and materials.
- A payment when preparation and first coats are complete.
- A final payment once you have checked the work and any snags are fixed.
Define each stage clearly. "When the downstairs is finished" is better than "halfway through".
Final payment
Keep final payment for after you have walked through the job. See how to snag a paint job. It is reasonable to pay promptly when the work is complete and satisfactory, and equally reasonable to wait for agreed fixes before settling the last part.
Paying through a platform
When you book through Compito, you accept an offer and pay online, which keeps the agreement and payment together. You can use the message thread to confirm scope and timing, and reviews are available after a completed booking. This does not replace being clear about what you expect, so still write down what the job includes.
Put it in writing
Whatever the arrangement, confirm:
- Total price and what it covers
- Deposit amount and what it is for
- Dates or milestones for payments
- Payment method
- What happens if extra work is needed
- Who supplies materials
A message thread or an email is enough for most jobs. See how to brief a decorator for a template of what to record.
Dealing with extras
Extra work discovered during the job should be agreed before it is done, with a price or a day rate. Avoid open-ended arrangements such as "we will sort it at the end".
If there is a dispute
Stay calm and keep a written record. Take dated photos and list the specific issues. Try to agree a fix with the decorator first. If you used Compito, contact support through help if something goes wrong. For general advice on staying safe when hiring, see safety.
A worked example of stage payments
Imagine a three-bedroom house interior quoted at several thousand pounds, with the work expected to take around two weeks. A fair payment plan might be:
| Stage | Trigger | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Booking and materials | Date confirmed | A modest deposit |
| Midpoint | Preparation and first coats complete downstairs | A middle share |
| Completion | Final coats done, snags fixed | The balance |
Exact percentages vary, but the pattern keeps both sides covered: the decorator is not funding everything, and you are not paying for work that has not happened.
Questions to ask about money
- What does the deposit cover?
- When is each payment due, and what triggers it?
- Is the price fixed, or based on days worked?
- How are extras agreed and recorded?
- What is the payment method, and will I get a receipt or invoice?
Variations by job type
Small, one-day jobs
Paying on completion is common and straightforward.
Exterior and larger projects
Stage payments make sense. Weather delays can stretch timelines, so agree how the schedule is adjusted and how payments are timed.
Day-rate work
Pay at agreed intervals for days worked. Keep a log of dates and tasks so both of you agree on the totals.
Staying organised
Keep copies of quotes, messages, invoices and receipts in one folder, with photos of progress at each stage. If a disagreement arises, a clear record speeds resolution. Avoid handing over the whole amount before work starts.
If you change your mind
Changes to colours, finishes or scope should be written down with their cost and timing. Agree whether the change moves the payment schedule. This is particularly relevant if the decorator has already bought materials.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to pay a deposit to a decorator?
It is common for larger jobs, especially where materials must be bought. A small deposit is normal; a very large one deserves questions.
Should I pay in cash?
You can, but a traceable method gives you a record. Whatever you use, make sure there is a written agreement of what the payment covers.
What if the decorator asks for more money part-way through?
Ask what has changed, request the amount and reason in writing, and decide whether to agree before the extra work begins.
Can I withhold payment if I am unhappy?
Avoid doing so without discussing it. Raise your concerns in writing, list specific issues and agree what needs fixing before the final payment is made. Staying calm and specific usually gets quicker results.