Maybe read this:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4922966/is-this-kitchen-cabinet-payment-schedule-reasonable

I would say paying only 50% would not be reasonable.

The designer/builder asked for the balance of what's owed on that day.

His final invoice says balance due upon completion.

If that is what was agreed to, then that is what is expected. A signed invoice is a form of a contract.

If there is a problem later, they're other ways to address it. They'll probably be more inclined to help you then if you pay them on time as agreed Monday.

I just want to forewarn,

If you don't pay contractors or builders are allowed to put a mechanics lien on the home. It's easy & faster than people realize. It's costly to fix. They could also take non-payers to court and that is more expensive with late fees, attorney fees, court fees, accrued interest.

I know someone who got into a real headache with a builder and it cost them.

I don't know if your financial situation is why you asked this, but talk to whoever you owe, be upfront and work it out.

But saying, hey I'm thinking I don't want to pay right away when work done = trouble ahead.

Thank you so very much for your replies. I feel so much better now paying the amount in full the day the install is completed.

Before you pay him in full, go around and check everything and make a list of defective items (if there are any) and have him sign a receipt saying he is paid in full and that the dificiencies will be looked after within ?? 14 days?

If there are no defective items, have him sign a receipt showing that he is paid in full and all of his sub-contractors (if there are any) have been paid in full.

If he doesn't pay a sub-contractor, they can come after you personally.

If you don't have a contract, where is the warranty spelled out?

Good question, daisychain01. I'll be sure to have a warranty in writing before paying in full.

It's fairly standard to pay 50 down/40 delivery/10 completion for custom cabinets that include installation. Completion is the punch list completed. Not "substantial completion". Punch list is anything more than a simple door adjustment but less than a door replacement, and things that you could not reasonably be expected to do yourself. A door replacement is beyond a punch list item. It's a major item that would mean completion isn't complete.

A door adjustment and touching up of dings is one relatively minor thing that I highly recommend that the installer show you how to accomplish yourself, as that is normal wear and tear and normal maintenance. It's not a warranty call for that down the road. But everything should be adjusted and touched up at the time of the completion of the punch list.

If there are defective items or things that need to be fixed, the job is not completed. Inspect the job before you write the check.

"retainage (which is what you want to hold back) would normally only be 10%"

If those were the terms agreed upon. If payment in full upon completion was agreed upon, pay the man...........

Pay please.

Unless you have a contract that says something else you need to pay him. A thorough inspection prior to writing the check is prudent.

Pay the man, IN FULL. assuming no obvious flaws at install.. You don't have days, weeks , to decide if you are thrilled. Minor flaw or adjustment? Either he fixes it on the spot, or you retain an equally SMALL portion until the SMALL issue is resolved. Otherwise? Pay up.