Remodeling contract deposits typically fall somewhere between ten and fifteen percent of the estimated total cost. However, the amount you charge upfront depends on where you operate, as some states have limitations for the maximum upfront payment that a contractor can require. If the contractor has to order certain materials in advance, that also could affect the payment required before work gets started. You can conduct online research in your specific market or speak with peers who have done similar work to find out what the market rate is.