Clear expectations.
Work carried out with care.

General

These Terms & Conditions apply to work undertaken by Enriched Building Services (“EBS”, “we”, “us” or “our”).

Enriched Building Services provides building, renovation, plastering, masonry, carpentry, roofing, decorating and property improvement services throughout Cornwall and Devon.

By accepting a quotation, work order or written agreement, the client (“you” or “the client”) agrees to the terms applicable to that project.

Quotations & estimates

Quotations will identify the agreed scope of work, pricing structure and relevant exclusions.

• Fixed quotations apply only to the work specifically described.
• Estimates are indicative and may change following further inspection or discovery of unforeseen conditions.
• Additional work is not included unless expressly stated.
• Quotations may need to be revised if the scope, specification or site conditions change.
• Changes to the agreed work will be discussed and approved before additional costs are incurred, except where urgent action is reasonably necessary to protect people or property.

Unless otherwise stated, quotations include a reasonable opportunity for snagging of items within the agreed scope.

Deposits & payments

Where required, a deposit of 10% of the agreed quotation may be requested to secure the booking, allocate project dates and assist with initial procurement. Deposits will be credited against the agreed contract price.

For larger projects, staged payments may be agreed in advance and detailed within the quotation. Payment arrangements will be confirmed before work commences.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, invoices are payable within 7 days of issue. For longer projects, progress invoices may be issued at agreed milestones or intervals.

Materials, equipment hire and subcontracted services may be included within staged payment arrangements where set out in the quotation.

Late payments

We expect invoices to be settled within the agreed payment period. Where payment is overdue, EBS may pursue outstanding balances and recover costs where legally permitted.

For business-to-business transactions, statutory interest and applicable debt recovery compensation may be claimed under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, where applicable.

For domestic customers, any interest or recovery costs will only be pursued where legally enforceable and fair.

We may suspend further work following reasonable written notice where undisputed payments remain outstanding, subject to the terms of the project agreement and applicable law.

Day-rate & labour-based work

Some projects may be undertaken on an hourly or daily labour basis rather than for a fixed quotation. For day-rate work:

• The applicable labour rate will be agreed before work commences.
• Materials, equipment hire, waste disposal and additional expenses will be charged separately unless agreed otherwise.
• Payment will reflect the labour and materials supplied.
• Additional work outside the original instructions may incur further charges.
• Rectification arising from changes to the agreed scope, pre-existing defects or work undertaken by others may be chargeable where appropriate.

Day-rate arrangements do not include a separate extended workmanship guarantee unless expressly agreed. This does not affect any statutory rights or obligations, including the requirement to exercise reasonable care and skill.

Variations & additional work

Building and renovation projects can reveal conditions that were not reasonably identifiable during the initial inspection. These may include:

• Concealed structural defects, rot, damp or water damage.
• Defective or unsuitable existing materials or previous repairs.
• Hidden electrical, plumbing or drainage services.
• Asbestos or other potentially hazardous materials.
• Inadequate existing construction or workmanship.

Where such conditions are discovered, work may need to pause while the implications are assessed. Additional work, revised costs or changes to the programme will be discussed with the client and agreed before proceeding, except where immediate action is reasonably necessary to make the site safe or prevent further damage.

Materials & procurement

Materials will be selected in accordance with the agreed specification and intended application. Where the client requests particular materials, finishes or products, these will be incorporated where reasonably practicable.

Supplier availability, product changes or material price changes may affect the programme or cost. Any material change to the agreed price or specification will be discussed before proceeding.

EBS cannot accept responsibility for defects in materials supplied directly by the client. Any concerns identified with client-supplied materials will be brought to the client's attention.

Subcontractors & specialist trades

EBS may engage suitably competent specialist subcontractors where work requires additional qualifications, expertise or specialist equipment. This may include electrical installations, plumbing, heating and other regulated or specialist services.

Where subcontractors are engaged directly by EBS as part of an agreed project, their work will be coordinated within the agreed contractual arrangements.

Where the client independently appoints another contractor, EBS is not responsible for that contractor's workmanship, delays or contractual obligations.

Workmanship & snagging

EBS aims to deliver work to a professional standard, with appropriate care and attention to detail. For quoted projects, reasonable snagging of items within the agreed scope is included.

Snagging does not include additional work requested after completion, damage caused by subsequent trades or third parties, normal material characteristics or movement, pre-existing defects outside the agreed scope, or changes to the original specification.

Where a genuine issue relating to EBS's workmanship is identified, please report it promptly so it can be inspected and an appropriate remedy discussed. Nothing in these terms limits the client's statutory rights.

Site access & client responsibilities

The client is responsible for providing reasonable access to the property and working areas. Where applicable, the client should ensure:

• Water and electricity are available where required.
• Working areas are reasonably clear and accessible.
• Valuables and personal belongings are removed or protected.
• Children and pets are kept away from working areas.
• Relevant permissions, approvals and access arrangements that are the client's responsibility are in place.

Any restrictions or circumstances likely to affect the work should be communicated before commencement.

Programme, delays & cancellations

Estimated start and completion dates are provided in good faith. Construction and renovation work can be affected by circumstances outside our reasonable control, including adverse weather, supplier delays, material shortages, unforeseen site conditions and delays caused by other contractors. We will endeavour to keep the client informed and agree reasonable adjustments to the programme.

If a client wishes to cancel or postpone agreed work, they should notify EBS in writing as soon as possible. Payment for work already completed, materials properly procured or reasonable losses arising from cancellation may be recoverable where legally permitted and subject to applicable consumer rights.

Where a domestic contract is agreed online, over the telephone or at the client's property, statutory cancellation rights may apply, including a 14-day cooling-off period in relevant circumstances. Where work is requested to begin during a statutory cancellation period, the necessary express request and acknowledgements will be obtained.

Insurance & liability

EBS maintains business insurance appropriate to its operations and takes reasonable precautions to protect the property and surrounding areas while undertaking work.

EBS will be responsible for loss or damage caused by its negligence or failure to exercise reasonable care and skill, subject to applicable law.

We cannot accept responsibility for pre-existing defects or structural issues, damage caused by third parties, defects in client-supplied materials, consequences arising from undisclosed site conditions, or matters outside our reasonable control, except where the law provides otherwise.

Nothing in these terms excludes or restricts liability where doing so would be unlawful, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or statutory consumer rights. Any additional limitation of liability agreed with a commercial client must be expressly documented in the relevant contract.

Complaints & disputes

We aim to resolve concerns professionally and directly. If a client is dissatisfied with any aspect of our work, they should contact EBS in writing, outlining the issue and providing photographs where appropriate.

We will acknowledge the concern and arrange an inspection or discussion where reasonably necessary. Where an issue relates to our workmanship, we will consider an appropriate remedy in accordance with our contractual and statutory obligations.

Both parties should make reasonable efforts to resolve disputes before considering formal legal proceedings.

Governing law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, subject to any applicable consumer rights.