Terms of business

1. About these terms

These terms describe how Smart Builder London normally works. They are a summary for information. The binding agreement for any project is the written quotation and schedule of works we issue to you and which you accept.

2. Quotations

• Survey visits and written quotations are free and carry no obligation.
• Quotations are itemised by stage, and state clearly what is included and what is excluded.
• Where an element cannot be priced accurately before work opens up — for example the condition of a floor beneath existing covering — it is shown as a provisional sum and labelled as such.
• Unless stated otherwise on the quotation, prices remain valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

3. Programme

Every quotation carries an indicative programme and a proposed start date. We review progress against it with you weekly. Dates can be affected by matters outside our control, including building control and planning turnaround, party wall procedures, weather that prevents external work, and lead times on materials you have specified. Where a date moves, we will tell you why and give you a revised one.

4. Variations and unforeseen work

Older properties frequently conceal something. If we uncover work that is not in the agreed scope, we will stop, photograph it, explain it and price it in writing as a variation. We will not proceed with it, and it will not appear on an invoice, until you have agreed to it. The same applies to changes you ask for once work is under way.

5. Payment

• Payment is by bank transfer. Our account details appear on your quotation and on every invoice.
• A deposit is payable to secure your start date and to order the first materials.
• Subsequent payments are due at the completion of each stage set out in the quotation — against work already carried out, never in advance of it.
• The final balance is due after the joint snagging walk-round is complete and any certification has been issued to you.
• Invoices are payable within 7 days of issue unless agreed otherwise in writing.

Security note. Our bank details do not change during a project. If you receive any message appearing to come from us that says they have, do not act on it. Call 07387 992630 and confirm with us directly before transferring anything.

6. Access and site conditions

We will agree an access route, working hours and a place for materials before work starts. We ask that you clear the working area of belongings, and we will protect floors, fittings and adjoining rooms. Site is cleared and made safe at the end of each working day.

7. Approvals and consents

We coordinate building control, book inspections and attend them. Obtaining planning permission, listed building consent, freeholder or landlord consent, and serving party wall notices, remain the property owner’s responsibility — though we will tell you at survey stage which of these apply and can recommend professionals to help.

8. Certification

Where work requires it, you will receive electrical certification, gas certification and a building control completion certificate. Notifiable gas and electrical work is carried out by appropriately registered engineers.

9. Workmanship

We stand behind our work. If something we have installed or built fails through our workmanship, tell us and we will come back and put it right. This does not affect your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Manufacturer warranties on materials, appliances and fittings are passed to you and are administered by the manufacturer.

10. Cancellation

Where a contract is agreed at your home rather than at our premises, you generally have a statutory right to cancel within 14 days under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. If you ask us to begin work within that period and then cancel, we may charge for work already carried out and materials already ordered. Your cancellation rights are set out in full with your quotation.

11. This website

Content on this site is provided for general information about our services. Timescales, scopes and cost drivers described here are typical rather than guaranteed, and do not constitute a quotation. Nothing on this site should be relied upon as structural, planning or legal advice.

Photographs, text, the logo and the artwork on this site are our property or used with permission, and may not be reproduced without consent.

12. Complaints

If something is not right, tell us first and give us the chance to fix it. Call 07387 992630 or email info@smartbuilderlondon.co.uk. We will acknowledge within two working days and set out how and when we will resolve it.

13. Governing law

These terms and any contract between us are governed by the law of England and Wales, and are subject to the jurisdiction of its courts.