Making Payments

Paying Your Contractor

ANVL makes contractor payments easy, fast, and secure. You'll pay through our payment system, and funds go directly to the contractor.

Payment Terms Explained

Your proposal included payment terms—typically a deposit percentage due when you approve, with the balance due upon completion. Example: "50% ($2,500) due upon approval, 50% ($2,500) due upon project completion." Follow these terms to keep your contractor on schedule.

Payment Methods

ANVL accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. All payments are processed securely through Stripe, a trusted payment processor. Your payment information is encrypted and never shared with contractors.

Making a Payment

When it's time to pay, click "Make Payment" on the job page. Enter the amount, select your payment method, and confirm. ANVL processes the payment and sends a receipt to your email. The contractor receives notification that payment was received.

Deposit Payments

The deposit is typically due when you approve the proposal, before work begins. This secures your spot on the contractor's schedule. Deposits range from 25%-50% depending on the contractor. Never pay the full amount upfront—protect yourself with milestone payments.

Progress Payments

For long projects, you might make progress payments: 25% at approval, 25% at 50% completion, 25% at 75% completion, 25% upon final completion. Progress payments incentivize the contractor to complete on schedule and give you leverage if quality issues arise.

Final Payments

The final payment is typically due upon project completion. The contractor may ask you to inspect work and approve before invoicing. Make sure you're satisfied with quality before paying the final amount. Once paid, your obligation is complete.

Payment Receipts and Records

ANVL sends payment receipts to your email. Keep these for records and taxes. Payments made through ANVL are documented and traceable, which is important for disputes or warranty claims.

Failed Payments

If a payment fails (declined card, insufficient funds), ANVL notifies you immediately. Update your payment method and try again. Contractors prefer quick resolution—delayed payments can derail schedules.

Disputes and Holds

If you're unhappy with work quality or the contractor doesn't complete as promised, you can open a dispute. ANVL can hold payment in escrow while you and the contractor resolve the issue. This protects both parties. Be fair and specific: "This outlet doesn't work properly" is legitimate; general complaints require evidence.

Refunds and Credits

If the contractor overcharges or needs to provide a credit, they can issue a credit memo through ANVL. Credits are applied to your account or refunded to your original payment method.

Payment Security

Your payment information is encrypted and secure. Contractors never see your full credit card—ANVL processes all payments safely. This protects both you and the contractor from fraud.

Tax Considerations

Home improvement payments may affect your taxes. Keep all payment records for tax purposes. Certain improvements qualify for tax credits (energy-efficient work, etc.). Consult a tax professional about your situation.

Cancellation Policies

Review the proposal for cancellation terms. If you cancel after the contractor starts, you typically owe for work completed plus materials already purchased. Discuss cancellation scenarios upfront to avoid disputes.