Why upfront deposits aren't enough

A deposit gets a project started, but it leaves open questions for the rest of the job. Funded milestones try to answer them.

What a deposit does well

A deposit shows the client is serious and helps the contractor order materials and book the crew. It's a reasonable first step.

What it leaves open

After the deposit, the contractor often can't see whether the rest of the money is ready, and the client may not have a clear point where each payment is due.

Skin in the game on both sides

When the whole budget is set aside before work starts and released step by step, the contractor knows the money is there and the client only pays for approved work.

Talk it through early

Whatever structure you choose, agree on it before work begins and put it in the contract.