By far the most common deposit structure is 50% upfront and 50% on completion.
Markup for residential contractors considers all costs, including labor, materials, fees and permits, insurance, and more. The higher the markup, the more revenue your company makes. The average markup for a general contractor is between 15% and 20%.
Every contractor I've worked with has taken 50% up front and 50% when the job is finished. This is normal. One thing I would recommend is you vet your contractor thoroughly--check reviews, make sure they have a legitimate website, testimonials etc...
Contract value refers to the overall financial commitment associated with a contract, including all anticipated revenue, fees, costs, and payments. It encompasses the total worth of the contract, including base fees and any additional services or modifications. Contract value is like looking at the bigger picture.