Paying the workmen

We've got a builder coming next week to do some work on our property & I'm wondering how to pay him.

Do people still make out cheques? I know we've got a cheque book somewhere but not used it for years!

I don't expect the builder will take a card (or will he)

Maybe I should withdraw the money & pay him in cash.

The sum in question is £750. How would you pay him?

Re: Paying the workmen

Carol, was it you who had an unpaid bill a year or two back?? Your new thread had reminded me, wondered about an update.

I have a chequebook somewhere, but never use it. Maybe you could do a bank transfer to their account? Or withdraw the cash? Take Ade with you, maybe?

The builder himself is the best to ask. Just put it like 'what is your preferred method of payment?'

Re: Paying the workmen

No I don't recall anything about an unpaid bill Jazzi.

Re: Paying the workmen

Oh. Somebody here had a builder that didn't get back to them. Or was it Julie? Think it was, now.

Re: Paying the workmen

For that amount Carol, I would wait for his invoice and pay him by cheque, so you have a record of what he did, when, and what he charged.

I had an electrician here a little while back, and he said he would send me the invoice. A week or so later it arrived, and I popped a cheque through his door.

Re: Paying the workmen

Most of my invoices have been paid by bank transfer - I just give them my bank details. Failing that, a cheque or cash is okay.

Re: Paying the workmen

carol

Up to £1000.00. I always ask 10% discount for cash on completion" and it is accepted 90% of the time.
More than £1,000.00 I pay by Cheque, but still ask for discount.

Re: Paying the workmen

I've had a roofer & a P.C. man lately & I gave them cash as they said there would be no VAT then. Neither were that much though. Ask them how they want paying, is probably best.

Re: Paying the workmen

They were fiddling the books then!

Re: Paying the workmen

If it is someone I know and trust, I make a bank transfer as it is quick and simple (with telephone banking), and the recipient receives the money straight away.

If in any doubt, though, I'd pay by credit card.