[TAKerry]

I would think that 400 hrs would be close. 1000 hours would be one man working 8 hrs a day, 5 days a week for a little over 6 months. A competent worker should be able to complete a tremendous amount of work in that time. I would think that hours are hours, regardless if one guy or ten are working on the car. As far as deposits, I would see no problem giving a start up deposit. I am a contractor and depending on the size of the job I will take up to a 30% (allowed by law) deposit to start a job. This will cover the start up cost for the material, I dont see why I should bankroll the lumber/shingles/flooring etc. that is immediately being used on the customers property. In my case things are a bit different because I wont bill until parts are delivered to job site, at the least the customer can see a tangible product for the value, not as easily done when you car is away at a shop. You have no idea where the money is being spent.