Hello: Getting a bit ahead of myself here, but in the Spring will be having all new siding and windows installed. What is "typical" as to how the contractor is paid ? e.g., I imagine it's reasonable to pay him the amount for the window costs (but not labor) early on so he can purchase the windows beforehand. Right ? And I guess some kind of additional deposit is also reasonable beforehand. If so, what approx % of the total price should this be ? How about the overall payments: Would splitting it into thirds, perhaps, be typical ? Such as 1/3 of the est. cost after 1/3 of the work is done, etc. ? Really don't know how to handle this; Don't want to be made a fool of, but also want to do what is considered normal for this. This would be a contractor who runs his own Very small business. Is some kind of "bond" normal to protect us to make sure that the job is completed, etc.? Don't want to scare him off, but If so, what and how ? Any thoughts would be most appreciated. Thanks, Bob

Our homes previous owned demolished the in ground pool in the back yard and filled it with debris and river rock. We'd like to build a 12' x 12' wood deck over the spot where the pool was but don't know how to anchor it so that it will remain level. Has anyone else faced this situation?