Contract stuff
(Terms & Conditions)
Needs
Following our initial meetings, and based upon your instructions (both written and verbal) I will construct a project plan inclusive of drawings and options where appropriate. We can then discuss and refine this to improve my understanding and tailor this to meet your needs and your budget. From there, I will move on to preparing a formal quotation using quality materials which will provide a practical, durable and aesthetically pleasing solution. Once we have agreed this, and subject to your agreement and acceptance of these terms, I will order materials to commence the physical build. If you believe that I have misunderstood your requirements then please correct this where applicable. Where you wish to include options or alternatives, please make this clear.
If I have understood your needs and you wish me to proceed, please sign and date the attached summary order sheet and return it to me. We can then meet to discuss any other thoughts or requirements you may have and agree an outline timeline to completion. I will then build the "unit" off site and we can then agree access to enable me to fine tune and commence the installation. This may take several iterations and the installation process can take anything from a few hours to several days. Experience has warned me to never expect flat walls or square corners therefore there is always a risk that last minute adjustments will be required. If "French fitment" is required around mouldings (skirting or architrave) I will make a pattern and then tailor the finished shape to fit. Where applicable, I may have to resort to a little mastic to finish a "seamless join".
If you have any very specific or absolute requirements then for the avoidance of doubt please put these in writing so that I can ensure they are addressed and maintain them on the project file for reference. Specific or absolute requirements may include (but not be limited to) materials used, surface finish, hardware used or functional action and specific access requirements or limitations.
Payments
I do NOT ask for any payment in advance (for materials or a retainer) however should circumstances arise after substantive commencement (raw materials purchased and cut to bespoke measurement) that might give cause for you to cancel, I would seek settlement of the cost of quoted or actual materials acquired or orders placed which cannot be cancelled.
Once complete (hopefully to meet your reasonable expectations and satisfaction) I would look for settlement of the final invoice within 10 working days (14 calendar days) of submission.
Warranty
I take every care in the selection and suitability of the materials for use and use appropriate joinery techniques and surface finishes however timber is a natural product and centrally heated domestic environments can cause movement resulting in unexpected warpage , sticking or shrinkage and occasionally splitting along the grain. Usually these changes can be addressed quite easily after allowing due time for the materials to fully acclimatise to their new environment. Forcing a door or window open or closed should be avoided due to the stresses being transferred to structural framing - this can sometimes result in deterioration or even failure of joints. Should fittings or hardware fail under reasonable use, I will replace these with identical items is possible or, if not, then a close matching alternative,
Disclaimer
Whilst I am a widely experienced DIY woodworker, I do NOT claim to be a time served carpenter or cabinet maker with any formal qualifications in the field or membership of or affiliation to the Federation of Master Builders or any other professional cabinet making body. I do the work because I enjoy creating stuff in wood in satisfaction of your needs and expectations that will remain functional and aesthetically pleasing for many years to come.
Best efforts
Please be aware that whilst I take every precaution and make every effort to avoid damage, structural renovations such a changing doors (including frame) and windows or installing built in cupboards or other units will create an element of "mess". Disturbance such as dust can be unavoidable and collateral minor bumps and contusions on walls or doorframes may arise whilst large flat boards or unwieldy window frames are carried upstairs or manoevered through doorways. Whilst I do and will take every precaution to avoid this, it can and does happen. Where this is identified, a programme of "best efforts" remedial or restoration works will be applied during the closing "wash up" process prior to handover.
If this is NOT ACCEPTABLE or it is deemed INADEQUATE please make this fact known before returning a signed acceptance of proposal/quotation. Once you have confirmed your wish to proceed, you are deemed to have accepted any and all terms contained herein including the minor risks referred to under "best efforts". Stuff happens. If you are unable to accept this risk or agree to the other terms then unfortunately I am unlikely to be able to proceed since installation and the associated carrying and positioning actions are fundamental to the completion of the quoted works.
If however you might want me to make and deliver an item to an agreed style and given dimensions of your choosing, this may be possible.
SVB 15/12/19