John S.

He claims that down payments aren't necessary and he said it's "troubling" if a contractor points out that customers will often back out of contracts when they haven't paid a down payment.

But that person was right. And it isn't "troubling" if it happens a lot to a contractor. It's troubling if a homeowner can't keep their legally required obligation. It's "troubling" if a homeowner wants to break the law. It's "troubling" this Askthebuilder guy would blame a victim rather than a law-breaker and contract breaker.

The fact is, down payments are necessary to lock in that time slot and ensure that you don't have last minute cancellations.

And if a contractor commits a material breach of contract and you sue, you can win attorneys fees on top of the amount owed to you or the damages owed to you- especially if you put that language in the contract you sign.

This guy is preying on (some) homeowner's dislike of contractor's on an emotional level, and using it to try to prop up his phoney website.