PAYMENT CONTROL
Deposits and Payment Protection
A deposit transfers risk to the household before work begins. The amount, purpose, protection and refund position should be clear in writing.
Reviewed 10 August 2026 · Independent household decision support
Before paying
- Verify the legal business identity and payment details independently
- Ask what the deposit buys and whether it is protected
- Obtain a receipt and written contract
- Understand cancellation and refund terms
- Avoid paying the full balance before inspection and handover
Staged payments
Link payments to objective milestones you can verify, not simply dates. Define what evidence demonstrates completion of each stage and retain a meaningful final balance until agreed handover items are supplied.
Warning signs
- Pressure to pay immediately
- Personal bank accounts without explanation
- Large unexplained deposits
- Cash-only demands
- Different business names across quotation, invoice and bank details
Independent guidance
Citizens Advice recommends checking whether deposit insurance applies and keeping receipts for deposits and materials.
Use this guide
Keep important answers in writing and make sure they appear in the final contract.
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QuoteGuardian content is general information—not financial, legal or engineering advice.
Related guidance
- Citizens Advice before work starts — External specialist resource
- EnergySector UK market coverage — External specialist resource