Building Service Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

These terms and conditions govern the provision of building and construction services by Arron Bennett Building Contractors. By engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully before instructing us to proceed with any work.

2. Definitions

In these terms and conditions, the following definitions apply:

• "Company" means Arron Bennett Building Contractors, its employees, agents, and subcontractors.
• "Client" means the person, business, or organisation engaging our services.
• "Services" means the building, construction, renovation, or maintenance work agreed between the parties.
• "Project" means the specific work to be carried out as described in the quotation or contract.
• "Quote" means the written estimate provided by the Company for the Services.

3. Services

3.1 Scope of Services

We provide a range of building and construction services including extensions, new builds, roofing, maintenance, and project management. The specific scope of work for your project will be detailed in your individual quotation and contract.

3.2 Quotations

All quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated. Quotations are based on the information available at the time and may be subject to revision if additional information becomes available or site conditions differ from those anticipated.

3.3 Acceptance

A contract is formed when the Client accepts our quotation by signing the contract documents, confirming acceptance by email, or paying a deposit. Acceptance constitutes agreement to these terms and conditions in their entirety.

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Deposits

A deposit of between 10% and 30% of the total contract value is required before work commences. The exact deposit amount will be specified in your quotation. Deposits are non-refundable in the event of cancellation, except where we are unable to carry out the work through no fault of the Client.

4.2 Stage Payments

For larger projects, payments will be required at agreed stages of the work. Stage payment schedules will be outlined in the project contract. Work may be paused if stage payments are not received by the agreed dates.

4.3 Final Payment

The final payment is due upon practical completion of the work. Practical completion is deemed to occur when the work is substantially complete and fit for its intended purpose, even if minor snagging items remain outstanding.

4.4 Late Payment

Late payments will attract interest in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998. We reserve the right to suspend work and recover reasonable debt collection costs where invoices remain unpaid beyond their due date.

5. Client Responsibilities

As our Client, you are responsible for the following:

• Providing accurate and complete information about the property, site conditions, and project requirements.
• Obtaining any necessary planning permissions, building regulations approvals, and other required consents before work commences.
• Ensuring safe and unobstructed access to the property and work areas at agreed times.
• Removing or securing valuable, fragile, or sentimental items from the work area prior to commencement.
• Arranging disconnection or protection of utilities where required and as agreed.
• Making timely decisions and providing approvals to avoid delays to the project programme.

6. Our Responsibilities

We commit to the following in delivering your project:

• Carrying out all work to a professional standard in accordance with good building practice and relevant British Standards.
• Complying with all applicable building regulations, planning conditions, and statutory requirements.
• Maintaining appropriate public liability and employers' liability insurance throughout the project.
• Using reasonable endeavours to complete the project within agreed timescales.
• Maintaining a clean and tidy site, clearing waste materials regularly and leaving the site in a safe condition at the end of each working day.
• Taking reasonable steps to minimise disruption to you, your household, and neighbouring properties during the works.

7. Project Timelines

7.1 Start and Completion Dates

Any start and completion dates provided are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Timescales may be affected by factors including adverse weather conditions, delays in materials delivery, unforeseen structural issues, changes to the scope of work, and delays caused by third parties or other contractors. We will not be liable for any loss arising from reasonable delays to the project programme.

7.2 Notification of Delays

We will notify you as soon as reasonably practicable if we anticipate a significant delay to the project and will advise you of the expected revised completion date.

8. Variations and Changes

Any variations or changes to the agreed scope of work must be confirmed in writing before the additional work is carried out. Variations may affect both the cost and the timeline of the project. We will provide a written variation order detailing the additional cost and any programme implications before proceeding.

9. Materials and Workmanship

9.1 Materials

We will use materials of suitable quality for the work being undertaken. Where the Client wishes to specify particular materials or suppliers, we reserve the right to approve such materials as fit for purpose before agreeing to use them. We cannot accept liability for defects arising from Client-specified materials.

9.2 Existing Structures

We are not liable for the condition of existing structures, materials, or installations that are not part of our agreed scope of work. Where work on existing structures reveals unforeseen defects or conditions, we will notify you and agree on how to proceed before continuing.

10. Guarantees and Warranties

10.1 Workmanship Guarantee

We guarantee our workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of practical completion. This guarantee excludes defects arising from fair wear and tear, damage caused by the Client or third parties, failure to carry out recommended maintenance, or the use of materials specified or supplied by the Client.

10.2 Manufacturer Warranties

Where materials or products carry manufacturer warranties, we will pass the benefit of these warranties to you upon receipt of full payment. Manufacturer warranties are subject to the terms and conditions of the manufacturer and are separate from our workmanship guarantee.

11. Insurance and Liability

11.1 Public Liability Insurance

We maintain public liability insurance to cover our legal liability for injury to third parties or damage to third-party property arising from our work activities. Details of our insurance cover are available on request.

11.2 Limitation of Liability

Our total liability to you shall not exceed the total value of the contract. We shall not be liable for any indirect losses, loss of profits, loss of business, or consequential losses of any kind. We are not liable for damage to third-party property not caused by our negligence, or for defects in pre-existing structures or installations.

12. Health and Safety

We comply with all applicable health and safety legislation including the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM Regulations 2015). We will maintain a safe working environment and take all reasonably practicable steps to protect the health and safety of our workers, the Client, and members of the public during the works. The Client must not interfere with safety measures or allow children or unauthorised persons into the work area.

13. Cancellation and Termination

13.1 Client Cancellation

If you wish to cancel or terminate the project, you must provide written notice to us. You will be liable for all work completed to date, the cost of materials ordered or purchased for the project, and any reasonable costs we have incurred as a result of the cancellation.

13.2 Our Right to Terminate

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate the contract in the event of non-payment of invoices, denial of site access, material breach of these terms by the Client, or where we reasonably consider that continuing the work poses a risk to health and safety.

14. Complaints and Disputes

14.1 Complaint Procedure

If you are unhappy with any aspect of our work or service, please contact us in writing as soon as possible. We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days and endeavour to resolve it within 28 days. We are committed to resolving complaints fairly and efficiently.

14.2 Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute that cannot be resolved through our complaints procedure, the parties agree to attempt to resolve the matter through negotiation in the first instance. If negotiation fails, the parties agree to consider mediation before resorting to legal proceedings.

15. Data Protection

We process your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which forms part of our terms of engagement. By engaging our services, you consent to the processing of your personal data as described in our Privacy Policy.

16. Intellectual Property

All designs, drawings, plans, and documents prepared by us remain our intellectual property. We grant you a licence to use these materials for the purposes of the specific project only. You may not reproduce or use our designs for any other purpose without our prior written consent.

17. Subcontractors

We may engage subcontractors to carry out part or all of the works. We remain fully responsible to you for all work carried out by subcontractors as if we had carried it out ourselves. We will ensure that any subcontractors we engage are competent and appropriately insured.

18. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations where such failure or delay results from events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, extreme weather events, pandemic or epidemic, strikes, civil unrest, government action, or failure of third-party suppliers. We will notify you as soon as practicable of any such event and its expected duration.

19. Entire Agreement

These terms and conditions, together with any quotation, contract, or variation order issued by us, constitute the entire agreement between the parties. They supersede all previous agreements, representations, and understandings between us. No verbal agreement or representation shall be binding unless confirmed in writing.

20. Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

21. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to update or amend these terms and conditions from time to time. The current version will always be posted on this page. All new projects will be subject to the terms and conditions in force at the time the contract is entered into.

22. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these terms and conditions, please contact us:

• Email: enquiries@arronbennettbuilding.co.uk
• Phone: 07773 463383
• Address: Cornwall