1. DEFINITION
At all times customers should be aware of and agree to these terms and conditions. The terms and conditions are explained to the customer at the start of the relationship, for example with issuing an estimate or quotation, or at the time an order is placed. They allow the customer to discuss any problems they have before an invoice is raised. The law allows the supplier to challenge customers who attempt to impose terms and conditions that remove the supplier’s rights to claim late payment interest or compensation.
2. PERMISSIONS AND SAFETY
It is the responsibility of the customer to obtain all necessary planning permissions and building consents prior to the commencement of thatching works. The customer shall be responsible for the payment of all fees connected with permissions.
2.1 Ensure all overhead cables /wires are well insulated.
3. GENERAL
3.1 Unless otherwise agreed in writing Paul Reading (Strawmaster) shall provide all labour and equipment necessary for the proper execution of the work.
3.2 Irrespective of any insurance affected by Paul Reading (Strawmaster) the customer must advise his insurers that building works are being carried out on his property and to ensure that the insurance covers against loss or damage by fire or any other risks arising out of and during the building operations.
3.3 The date agreed for completion is subject to alteration in the event of delays occurring through inclement weather, additions or variations to the work described in the estimate, shortage, difficulty, impossibility or impracticality in obtaining materials necessary for carrying out the work or other cause beyond the control of Paul Reading (Strawmaster) its employees or sub-contractors.
3.4 The customer must supply an adequate water and electricity supply. Use of toilet facilities is greatly appreciated.
4. PRICES AND PAYMENT
The estimate is subject to review by Paul Reading (Strawmaster) if not accepted within two months of the issue date.
Payment of the whole account shall become due in three stages:-
4.1 Payment of 50% of the estimated cost immediately upon delivery of materials on site.
4.2 Payment of 25% of the estimated cost at approximately the halfway stage of work completion.
4.3 Payment of the balance due within seven days of completion of the work or within seven days of the submission of the final account, whichever shall be later. Paul Reading (Strawmaster) reserves the right to charge interest on late payments and claim compensation for debt recovery costs.
5. ALTERATION
5.1 The value of any variations to the work described in the estimate and authorised by the customer, whether by addition, omission or substitution of any work, should where practicable be agreed in writing before the variation is carried out.
5.2 In the course of any new thatching work being applied to existing wood work or structures, if in the opinion of Paul Reading (Strawmaster) the structure is incapable of sustaining the thatch or additional thatch, such structure shall be replaced or repaired with the agreement of the customer to the additional work and at an agreed increased cost.
6. WARRANTY
6.1 Defects which exist at or appear within three months from the completion of the work, if shown to arise from faulty workmanship or materials will be made good by Paul Reading (Strawmaster) at its own cost. Notice in writing must be given of such defects before the expiry of the period stated.
6.2 Limit of liability
All materials supplied are subject to any conditions of sale attached thereto by the manufacturer or supplier. In the event of any material proving to be defective, Paul Reading (Strawmaster) liability is limited to such amount by way of damages as may be recovered from the manufacturer or supplier.
Any disputes or differences arising out of the execution of the work is to be referred upon application of either party to a person to be nominated by the Executive of the National Society of Master thatchers whose decision shall be final and binding on both parties.
7. TERMINATION
Quotations for thatching are often given and approved well ahead of an agreed start date. Once agreed termination by either party must be by written notice, failure to do so will make the defaulter liable to a 10% charge of the value given in the estimate.
8. GOVERNING LAW
This agreement shall be in accordance with the law of the United Kingdom and is binding on receipt of a signed agreement for the quotation.