Terms & Conditions

Introduction and Scope: These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern all contracts for services between 4 Woods Carpentry and Construction Limited (trading as "4 Woods Carpentry") ("the Company", "we", "us") and any person or entity purchasing our services ("you", "the Client"). By accepting a quotation or engaging us to perform work, you agree to these Terms. These Terms apply to both residential (consumer) clients and commercial/business clients. If you are a consumer (an individual using our services for personal, non-business purposes), you have certain additional legal rights which are not affected by these Terms. We draw your attention to clauses relating to cancellation and liability in particular. If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us before confirming any agreement.

About the Company: We are 4 Woods Carpentry and Construction Limited, a company registered in England & Wales. [Insert Company Number, Registered Office Address]. Our contact details for any communications under these Terms are:

Address: [Insert Business/Registered address].
Email: [Insert contact email].
Telephone: [Insert contact number].

Quotations and Formation of Contract:

Any written quotation or estimate we provide is valid for a period of [30] days from the date of issue, unless stated otherwise. It will detail the scope of work, materials (if any) to be supplied, and the price or basis of charge (fixed fee or hourly rates).
To proceed with the work, you should formally accept the quotation (in writing, by email, or by signing any provided agreement). The contract between us ("Agreement") is formed when we confirm in writing that we accept your order or instruction to begin work. The Agreement will comprise these Terms, the accepted quotation, and any specific details agreed in writing. In case of any conflict, these Terms will apply unless otherwise explicitly agreed.
If you request additional work or changes to the agreed scope, we will, wherever possible, provide a written variation or change order detailing any impact on cost or schedule. Both parties should agree to variations in writing for clarity.

Specifications and Permits:

You are responsible for ensuring that any specifications, measurements or other information you provide are accurate and suitable for your needs. We are not liable for any issues arising from inaccurate information supplied by you.
Unless explicitly agreed, obtaining any necessary permissions, consents or approvals (such as planning permission, building regulations approval, party wall agreements, or landlord consent) is your responsibility as the property owner/client. We can assist in an advisory capacity, but ultimate responsibility lies with you.
If during the project we identify that additional approvals or surveys are required (e.g. structural engineer calculations or asbestos survey), we will inform you promptly. Any delay in obtaining such third-party inputs may affect the project timeline, for which we will not be responsible if outside our control.

Schedule and Site Access:

We will carry out the work on the dates or within the timeframe agreed (the "Agreed Times" or "Start Date" as applicable). While we strive to meet any projected timelines, dates are estimates unless explicitly guaranteed in writing. We will inform you of any significant changes to the schedule and endeavour to minimise delays.
You agree to give us (and our workers or subcontractors) access to the property/site as required during normal working hours (or as otherwise agreed) to perform the work. The work area should be clear of obstructions and safely accessible. You or your representative should be available to provide access or any necessary instructions.
We will take reasonable care to minimise disruption to your premises. However, you should take precautions to protect or remove any fragile or valuable items in the vicinity of the work. We are not responsible for accidental damage to items that were not reasonably removable or protected, except where due to our negligence.
If we are unable to gain access to the site as agreed, or if the site conditions prevent work from being carried out (for reasons not caused by us), we may charge a reasonable fee for lost time or arrange an alternative schedule.

Standard of Service and Materials:

We shall perform the services with reasonable care and skill, in accordance with the standards expected of a competent contractor in the carpentry and construction industry. All works will comply with applicable building regulations and relevant British Standards where applicable.
Any materials or products we supply will be of satisfactory quality, fit for their intended purpose, and as described. We may substitute specific brands or products with equivalents if necessary (for example, due to supply issues), but will consult you for approval if the substitution is significant.
You acknowledge that construction work can entail some unavoidable dust, noise, and minor disturbance. We will take steps to keep such nuisance to a reasonable minimum and to comply with health and safety laws.
We will ensure that our personnel and subcontractors are appropriately qualified or experienced for their tasks, and that they follow our health and safety policies on site. We carry appropriate insurance cover (including public liability insurance) for the duration of the works and can provide proof upon request.

Client Responsibilities:

You confirm that you own the property or have the authority to authorise the works at the site. You will provide us with any relevant information about hidden utilities or hazards that could affect the work (e.g. locations of water pipes, gas lines, electrical cables, asbestos or other known risks).
You will ensure that necessary facilities (such as water, electricity, and basic welfare amenities) are available to our team during the work. If such facilities are not available, please inform us in advance so we can discuss alternatives (additional charges may apply if we must provide our own power/water supply).
If you are providing any materials yourself or engaging other trades separately, those materials or third-party works must be provided in a timely manner so as not to delay our work. We are not liable for delays or defects caused by others outside our contract.
You agree to follow any safety instructions we provide while the work is ongoing, and to keep children and pets away from the work area for their safety.

Price and Payment:

The price for the work is set out in the quotation (or as varied by any agreed change orders). Unless stated otherwise, quoted prices include the cost of labour and materials but exclude any applicable VAT (if we are VAT-registered, this will be indicated and VAT will be charged additionally at the prevailing rate).
A Deposit of [e.g. 20% of the quote] may be required upon acceptance of the quotation, especially for large projects or where custom materials must be ordered. Any required deposit and payment schedule will be stated in the quotation. Work will not normally commence until the deposit is paid.
We may invoice in stages (for example, an initial deposit, interim progress payments, and a final balance) as set out in the quotation or otherwise agreed. If no specific schedule is given, we will invoice at reasonable intervals or at project milestones.
Invoices are payable within [14] days of the invoice date, unless otherwise stated. Payment can be made by [accepted methods, e.g. bank transfer].
If you fail to pay any sum by the due date, we reserve the right to charge statutory interest on the overdue amount. For business clients, interest may be charged under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 at 8% above the Bank of England base rate. For consumers, we may charge interest at 4% above the base rate (not exceeding any statutory limits), and only after giving you a reminder and reasonable opportunity to pay.
We also reserve the right to suspend work if invoices are significantly overdue, after giving you notice. Suspension of work for non-payment does not affect your obligation to pay for completed work or incurred costs.
You must not withhold payment of any undisputed portion of an invoice. If you dispute any item, please notify us as soon as possible and we will work in good faith to resolve the issue.

Changes and Extras:

If you request any alteration to the scope of works (for example, additional tasks or changes to the originally agreed design or materials), inform us as soon as possible. We will advise if the change is feasible and any impact on price or schedule. We will normally provide a written quote for the variation. No additional work will be undertaken without your agreement.
Occasionally, unforeseen issues may arise once work commences (such as hidden defects, structural issues, or changes required by building inspectors). If we encounter such issues, we will inform you promptly and not proceed without obtaining your instructions. Additional necessary work (that could not reasonably have been anticipated in the original quote) will be charged at a fair rate or price to be agreed.
If a change or delay occurs that is beyond either party's control (e.g. extreme weather, supply chain delays, or discovery of hazardous materials), both parties will cooperate to adapt the plan (including time or cost adjustments) reasonably. We will aim to mitigate any cost increases where possible.

Project Completion and Handover:

On finishing the work, we will notify you and arrange a final inspection/walk-through with you. We will note any snagging or outstanding items, which we will address within a reasonable timeframe.
Once the work is completed in accordance with the contract, the final invoice will be issued (taking into account any deposit or interim payments already made). Any certificates or documentation (e.g. electrical safety certificates, guarantees for materials, building compliance certificates) will be provided to you as applicable.
You agree to sign any completion or satisfaction note if required by a third-party warranty provider or insurer, provided the project has been completed as per the contract.

Quality Guarantee and Defects:

We want you to be satisfied with the quality of our workmanship. Unless a longer specific warranty period is stated for certain works or products, we guarantee our workmanship against defects for a period of [6] months from completion. If within that time you notify us in writing of any problems due to our workmanship (not including general wear and tear or issues caused by misuse or external factors), we will inspect and, if confirmed to be our responsibility, repair or rectify the issue at our cost.
Many materials or products (e.g. windows, appliances, etc.) come with manufacturers' warranties that may extend beyond our workmanship guarantee. We will pass on the benefit of any such manufacturer warranties to you, to the extent possible.
This guarantee does not cover minor cosmetic issues (like hairline cracks in plaster or paint touch-ups) that can arise as materials settle or dry, nor does it cover damage caused by lack of maintenance or accidents after completion.
Your statutory rights for services and goods are not affected. For consumers, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides that services should be performed with reasonable care and skill, and if not, you are entitled to remedies such as re-performance or a price reduction; and that any goods supplied should be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. We will always aim to resolve any issues in line with your legal rights.

Liability:

We maintain appropriate insurance to cover liabilities arising from our work. Our liability to you for any claim arising under this contract (whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise) is limited to the value of the contract (i.e., the total price payable for the work) in respect of direct losses. We will not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses such as loss of profit, loss of use, or loss of enjoyment, except where such loss was reasonably foreseeable and is a result of our breach of contract or negligence.
We do not exclude or limit our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or for any other liability which cannot be excluded or limited under law. If you are a consumer, nothing in these Terms affects your rights under applicable consumer law. Any term that would exclude or unfairly limit your rights as a consumer is not enforceable.
We will not be liable for failure to perform, or delays in performing, any of our obligations if that failure or delay is due to events beyond our reasonable control (force majeure). This includes, for example, extreme weather events, acts of God, strikes, supply shortages, wars or government restrictions, pandemics, or other unforeseeable events. If such events occur, we will notify you and the timeframe for performance will be extended by the period of the delay or an alternative solution will be agreed. If a force majeure event continues for an extended period (e.g. more than 8 weeks), either party may have the right to terminate the contract by written notice, and you would pay for any work already completed or materials purchased up to the point of termination.
If any damage to your property is caused by our negligence or that of our subcontractors, we will make good that damage. However, pre-existing faults or weaknesses (such as existing structural defects or faulty plumbing/electrics not installed by us) which result in damage are not our responsibility. In any case, we expect that you carry appropriate property insurance during the works (it is often required by home insurance policies when work is being done).

Cancellation and Cooling-Off (Consumers):

Your 14-Day Cooling-Off Right: If you are a consumer and our contract was agreed in your home, via email, online or over the phone (off-premises or distance contract), you have a legal right to cancel the contract within 14 days of accepting our quotation or otherwise entering the contract, without giving any reason. To exercise this right, you must inform us of your decision to cancel by a clear written statement (e.g. by email or letter) before the 14-day period expires. We will promptly acknowledge your cancellation in writing.
If you cancel within this cooling-off period and work has not yet begun, we will refund any payments you have made in full within 14 days of your cancellation notice.

Early Commencement of Work: If you wish us to begin work before the 14-day cancellation period ends (for example, you want the project to start as soon as possible), you can make an express request for us to do so (typically by signing a written waiver or consent). By doing this, you acknowledge that if you later cancel within the 14 days, you will be responsible to pay for any work performed (and materials purchased) up to the point of cancellation. We will deduct the cost of the work already carried out or committed from any refund due. If the service has been fully performed within the 14 days at your request, you may lose the right to cancel (i.e. if the work is finished within the two weeks, the law recognises that the right to cancel can be waived in such cases).
We will provide you with a cancellation form or other written confirmation of your cooling-off rights at the time of contract, as required by the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. You are not obliged to use the form to cancel; an email or letter is sufficient as long as it clearly indicates your decision.

Cancellation (After 14 Days or Business Contracts):

If you (as a consumer) waive your cooling-off right and the 14-day period has elapsed, or if you are not entitled to a statutory cooling-off (e.g. if you are a business customer or the contract was signed at our business premises), then any cancellation of the contract will be subject to our agreement and the following terms.
If you request to cancel or significantly postpone the project after the statutory cancellation period, please notify us in writing as soon as possible. We may charge for any actual costs incurred up to the date of cancellation, including:
- The cost of any materials specifically ordered for your project that we cannot return or reuse.
- A fair proportion of the work already carried out, including preparatory work.
- Any restocking or cancellation fees charged by our suppliers or subcontractors.
If you cancel with short notice (for example, just a few days before the agreed Start Date or once work has commenced), we reserve the right to retain any deposit paid as part of covering these costs and lost business, and/or invoice you for work done and costs incurred to date. We will provide an itemised breakdown of such charges upon request. We will act reasonably and try to mitigate costs where possible (for instance, by attempting to return unused materials or reallocating staff).
If we (the Company) have to cancel the contract (other than due to your breach or a force majeure event) before or during the work, we will inform you as soon as possible and refund any advance payments for work not performed. This may occur, for example, if we discover before start that the job is not feasible for safety or technical reasons, or if key personnel become unavailable. We will discuss alternative solutions with you (such as rescheduling) before cancellation. If cancellation is necessary, we will leave the site safe and secure and return any of your property. Any refund of payments will be made within 14 days of our cancellation notice.
Your statutory rights to cancel or terminate the contract in the event of our breach remain unaffected. For example, if we materially fail to perform the work with reasonable care and skill, you may be entitled to cancel and/or seek a refund or damages by law. We hope to resolve any issues before it reaches that stage.

Complaints and Dispute Resolution:

We are committed to customer satisfaction. If you have any concerns or are not happy with any aspect of our service, please inform us as soon as possible (preferably in writing to the contact details above). We will acknowledge any complaint within 5 working days and aim to resolve it promptly and fairly.
In the event we cannot resolve a dispute between us through our internal complaints process, we may suggest mediation or another alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method to avoid litigation. If a solution still cannot be reached, either party can seek remedy through the courts as appropriate.

Subcontractors: We may use qualified subcontractors or specialist trades to carry out parts of the work (for example, electrical or plumbing work by certified professionals). We will remain responsible for the work of any subcontractors we engage and will ensure they are bound by the same standards and terms as in this contract. If you object to any subcontractor for a valid reason, please let us know and we will discuss alternative arrangements if feasible.

Data Protection: In performing the services, we may obtain some personal information from you (such as your contact details). We will only use this information for purposes of carrying out the work, administering our relationship, and as otherwise described in our Privacy Policy. We will handle all personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws (UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018). Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details on how we manage your data.

Miscellaneous:

Health & Safety: We adhere to all relevant health and safety laws and regulations. Both parties agree to cooperate on health and safety matters on site. If there is a safety risk that requires work to stop (e.g. discovery of asbestos or unsafe structure), we will pause work and discuss next steps with you.

Insurance: We will maintain public liability insurance [and employer’s liability insurance] throughout the project. You are responsible for your own building insurance; please notify your insurer if required when construction works are being done on your property, as this can be a policy requirement.

Intellectual Property: If the services include design work or drawings by us, we retain the intellectual property rights to those designs until full payment is received. After payment, you have a licence to use the design for the intended purpose. We are not responsible if our designs are used for other projects or modified by others without our supervision.

Third Party Rights: This contract is between you and us. No other person shall have any rights to enforce any of its terms (except in the case of lawful assignment or subcontracting, which does not confer rights on those third parties to enforce).

Sever ability: If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable by a court, the remainder of the Terms shall continue in effect. We will agree on a valid term that closely matches the intent of the invalid term if possible.

No Waiver: If either party delays or chooses not to enforce any term of the contract at any time, it will not waive that party's right to later enforce that term or any other terms.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction: These Terms, and any disputes or claims arising from them or the services, shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales. Both you and we agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes or claims (except that if you are a resident consumer in another part of the UK, you may also bring proceedings in your local courts).

By accepting a quotation or engaging us to perform work, you confirm that you have read and agree to these Terms and Conditions. We encourage you to retain a copy of this document for your records.