What is the typical deposit and payment schedule for flooring installers in NB?

Most NB flooring installers require a deposit of 25 to 50 percent of the total project cost to secure your installation date and order materials, with the balance due upon completion. This is standard practice across the province, and any installer who demands full payment upfront before work begins should raise a red flag.

The most common payment structures in the NB flooring market follow one of two patterns. For smaller projects (single rooms, under $3,000 total), installers typically ask for a 50 percent deposit with the remaining 50 percent due when the job is finished and you have inspected the work. For larger projects ($5,000 and above, whole-house installations), a three-stage payment schedule is common: 25 to 33 percent deposit at contract signing, 25 to 33 percent at the midpoint or when materials are delivered to your home, and the final 33 to 50 percent upon satisfactory completion. Some installers who purchase materials through their accounts simply ask for a materials deposit (covering the cost of flooring, underlayment, and supplies) with the labour portion due at completion.

The deposit serves a legitimate purpose. Flooring materials are ordered specifically for your project — custom-cut broadloom, special-order hardwood species, or specific LVP colour runs are not returnable. The deposit covers the installer's materials outlay and reserves their time on the calendar. However, the deposit should be proportional to the materials cost, not an excessive upfront sum that leaves you with little leverage if the work quality is poor.

Protect yourself with these practical steps. Always get a written contract or detailed quote before paying any deposit. The contract should specify the total price, materials and brands, installation method, timeline, what is included (removal, prep, trim work, disposal), and the payment schedule. Keep records of all payments — etransfer confirmations, cheques, or receipts. Never pay cash without a written receipt. In New Brunswick, contractors are not required to be licensed for residential flooring work, which makes your written contract the primary protection if a dispute arises.

A few warning signs to watch for in NB. Be cautious of any installer who asks for more than 50 percent upfront, especially if they are not ordering specialty or custom materials. Be wary of requests for cash-only payment with no receipt — this may indicate the installer is not reporting income and may not carry liability insurance or WorkSafeNB coverage. If an installer asks for full payment before starting work, or becomes evasive when you ask about insurance, consider other options.

Regarding payment methods, most NB flooring installers accept etransfer (the most common in the province), cheque, and sometimes credit card (though some add a 2 to 3 percent surcharge for credit card payments to cover processing fees). Etransfer provides a clear paper trail and is the preferred method for most residential flooring transactions in NB.

Before committing to any installer, verify they carry general liability insurance and ask for proof. For larger projects, confirm WorkSafeNB coverage as well. Getting three or more quotes from local flooring professionals lets you compare not just pricing but also payment terms and professionalism.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Modern Epoxy Inc
• RenoMe
• 3Tone Construction Ltd
• FRS Flooring Solutions
• Gionetterenovations