Be sure to get his quotation with his company stated on the 50% deposit and remaining upon completion of work. If you do, bring the company quotation with letter head and lodge a report to the police for a record for any action you would want to take against him in the near future.

For renovation work and repainting 40% to 50 % is common practice for contractors to start their works. Unless those contractors that know you in person. Materials and labours aren't cheap.