How much deposit should a contractor ask for?

20–30% is standard on residential renovation. Anything under 15% is unusual; anything over 40% may run into local consumer-protection rules limiting up-front payments on home-improvement work.

Is retention the same as a holdback?

Yes. 'Retention' is UK/EU/AU usage; 'holdback' is common in US and Canadian construction. Both mean the same thing — a percentage kept from each progress payment until final sign-off.

What if the client refuses to sign a change order?

Stop work on the change, put the request in writing, and continue only after signature. Doing unsigned change-order work is the fastest route to unpaid invoices.

Can I invoice more than once a month on a big project?

Yes. Milestone-based invoicing can be more frequent than monthly. The contract governs — if it says 'as each milestone completes', you invoice on completion.

How do I invoice retention at the end of a job?

Issue a final 'retention release' invoice referencing all prior progress invoices, listing the total retention held, and requesting release. Include the sign-off document as backup.

Contractor Progress Billing: Milestone Invoices That Actually Get Paid

How to structure milestone invoices, retention, and change orders so construction clients pay on schedule and disputes stay small.