09/03/2026
Here's a number worth knowing before you write a deposit check: California caps home improvement down payments at 10% of the total price, or $1,000 — whichever is less.
So on a $30,000 project, the most you should be asked for upfront is $1,000. Not $3,000. Not "half down to get started."
If a contractor's asking for more before any work has happened, that's worth a second look. Send us the numbers if you want us to check them.