We've got a builder coming next week to do some work on our property & I'm wondering how to pay him.

Do people still make out cheques? I know we've got a cheque book somewhere but not used it for years!

I don't expect the builder will take a card (or will he)

Maybe I should withdraw the money & pay him in cash.

The sum in question is £750. How would you pay him?

Ask him first, if he is with a company they might send an invoice after for you to pay, can't be a days work so you could wait till he comes.

Our builder invoices us by email and we pay by electronic transfer of funds. Apart from the gardener, who likes cash but will take a cheque if absolutely necessary, I think we pay just about everyone electronically these days.

You could be prepared for either way but don't. Sign the cheque until he says which way. Cheers Penny

For that amount it's got to be cheque or on line bank transfer.

In today's climate no way would I draw, and carry, that sort of sum in cash.

Hurrah - the builders have arrived and the scaffolding's going up. I'm quite excited to be getting this long awaited job done at last.

I asked the senior one about preferred method of payment and he said 'Cash' so cash it will be.

He has agreed to give me a proper invoice.

If you pay him cash he doesn't have to pay tax, (you and others pay for him :-))