Yes. Payment is progressive. Let me write down the terms and conditions that are stated in his contract.
1. 10% upon confirmation
2. 40% upon up lift of good after hacking
3. 40% upon completion of tiling / wet works
4. 10% upon project completed.
As such, after the tiling he had asked us for the 3rd payment. Even though we do not really agree with the progression of payment, what can we do? The T&Cs that are stated in the contract and we had signed on the dotted line. Actually, we do not mind paying up promptly as long as all the jobs are done professionally and with good workmanship.
Just to clarify, we actually did chase him for the drawings right at the start of the project, but he has not been prompt in his follow-up. Thats why we think its ok to let him proceed with the standard items like tiling, plumbing. Well I understand that some of you may have good experience with him while others dun. Well I guess we are the unlucky ones then...