SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/home-final-payment

When should you make the final payment to a post-disaster repair contractor?

After the work is done to your satisfaction.

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  1. After the work is done to your satisfaction ✔
  2. Before the materials are ordered
  3. When the crew arrives

Why: Don't pay in full up front. The CFPB says to wait to make the final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction. Be extra wary of wire transfers, gift cards, virtual currency and cash.

Huh, didn't know that: Written contracts should match the verbal promises that were made.

The dad joke
Paying the contractor in full up front is how you meet a contractor who is out of town.
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References

Answer: After the work is done to your satisfaction. Don't pay in full up front. The CFPB says to wait to make the final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction. Be extra wary of wire transfers, gift cards, virtual currency and cash.

  1. CFPB: Avoiding scams after a disaster www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-avoid-scams-and-fraud-after-a-disaster-en-1529
    until the work is done to your satisfaction
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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