Getting a large deck rebuilt. $42K total. Contractor wants $9k up front for materials, $17k before starting work, $13k once "decking" (top Trex surface) starts, leaving $4K payable upon completion. I'm a homeowner looking to protect myself (and with zero intention of abusing the contractor financially), but understand that the contractor (not knowing me) is looking for a payment schedule most beneficial to him. I have no problem paying for materials upfront, but feel that I should be paying (primarily) upon COMPLETION of milestones (footings, sonotubes placement/filling/code-official approval, ledger, beam installation, joist installation, etc) rather than BEFORE work is done. And leaving only 10% payable upon completions seems way too low. ..... too easy for him to "walk away" if we have a disagreement over workmanship. Notwithstanding my desire to pay upon completion of milestones, I understand that he is entitled to at least sufficient ongoing payments to cover materials and staff/sub-contractor salaries as work progresses. So........... what is (are) typical payment schedules for such a job. FWIT, I'm in New Jersey