I used to require 1/3 up front on contract signing (anything over $1000 requires a written contract signed by both the customer and myself) now I require 50% up front. This is because of slow payers. When you won't start without the up front payment they get up the money quick enough but they keep you waiting forever for the balance. Meanwhile I have to pay for materials, salaries, etc. We're not a bank!
Royta, as for CA, all I can say is get the heck out. Then when all they have is illegals doing the work maybe they will rethink their stupid laws.
-Hal
