Terms & Conditions

1. About Us

SGS Carpentry & Construction is a sole trader business based in Rayleigh, Essex, providing carpentry, construction, and home improvement services across Essex and the surrounding area.

Contact: sam@sgscarpentry.co.uk  ·  07946 651704

2. Quotations

All quotations provided by SGS Carpentry & Construction are subject to the following conditions:

• Validity period: Quotes are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. After this period the quote may be subject to revision due to changes in material costs or availability.
• Scope: Quotes are based on the specification discussed at the time of survey. Any changes to scope, materials or access conditions after a quote is issued may result in a revised price.
• Estimates: Where a full survey is not possible, we may provide a budgetary estimate. This is not a fixed quote and will be confirmed once a site visit has taken place.
• VAT: SGS Carpentry & Construction is not currently VAT registered. Prices quoted are the prices you pay unless otherwise stated.
• Acceptance: A quote is accepted when you instruct us to proceed in writing (including by email or text message) or pay a deposit.

3. Payment Terms

Our standard payment terms are as follows:

• Deposit: A deposit of up to 30% of the total contract value may be required before work commences, to cover materials and scheduling.
• Stage payments: For larger projects, payments may be structured in agreed stages linked to project milestones.
• Final payment: The balance is due on practical completion of the works, prior to our final sign-off visit.
• Invoices: Payment is due within 14 days of invoice unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Late payment: Overdue invoices may incur interest at 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998.
• Methods: We accept bank transfer (BACS). Details will be provided on your invoice.

4. Variations and Additional Works

Any work requested beyond the original agreed scope will be treated as a variation. We will advise you of any additional cost before proceeding. Variations must be agreed in writing. We are not obliged to carry out additional works without agreement on price and programme.

5. Materials

Unless otherwise specified, SGS Carpentry & Construction will source materials required to complete the works. Where you supply your own materials:

• You are responsible for ensuring they are fit for purpose, correctly specified, and delivered to site on time
• We accept no liability for defects arising from customer-supplied materials
• Any delays caused by late delivery of customer-supplied materials may affect our programme and may result in additional charges

6. Programme and Timescales

We will provide an estimated start date and duration at the time of booking. While we take scheduling seriously and aim to keep to agreed timescales, start dates and completion dates are estimates and may be affected by factors outside our control, including weather, supply chain delays, or unforeseen site conditions. We will keep you informed of any changes as soon as they arise.

7. Access and Site Conditions

You agree to provide safe and adequate access to the property and working areas on agreed working days. We require a suitable area to store tools and materials during the project. If access is refused or restricted without notice, we reserve the right to charge for any lost time at our standard day rate.

8. Workmanship Guarantee

We stand behind the quality of our work. Our guarantee terms are:

• Workmanship: We guarantee our workmanship for 12 months from practical completion. We will return to rectify any defect that arises from our work at no charge within this period.
• Materials and products: Manufacturer warranties apply to supplied products. We will assist you in making a claim where a product fails within its warranty period.
• Exclusions: The guarantee does not cover fair wear and tear, damage caused by misuse, water ingress unrelated to our works, or defects arising from customer-supplied materials.

9. Subcontractors

SGS Carpentry & Construction co-ordinates specialist trades (including plumbers, electricians, plasterers and tilers) as part of a fully managed service. All subcontractors are vetted and carry their own insurance. SGS Carpentry & Construction remains your single point of contact and is responsible for the overall quality and management of the project.

10. Insurance

SGS Carpentry & Construction holds public liability insurance. Evidence of cover is available on request. We strongly recommend that you notify your buildings and contents insurers before any building works commence.

11. Cancellation

• By you: If you cancel after a deposit has been paid and before work has commenced, the deposit may be retained to cover materials ordered and administration costs. For cancellations after work has commenced, you will be invoiced for work completed to date plus reasonable demobilisation costs.
• By us: We reserve the right to withdraw from a project prior to commencement if site conditions, access or safety do not meet acceptable standards. Any deposit paid for unstarted works will be returned.

12. Liability

Our liability to you in connection with any project is limited to the total value of the contract for that project. We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses, loss of profit, loss of use, or losses arising from delays beyond our reasonable control.

Nothing in these terms limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.

13. Disputes

In the event of a dispute, we ask that you contact us in the first instance so we can seek to resolve the matter directly. If we are unable to resolve the dispute informally, either party may refer the matter to a recognised trade dispute resolution scheme or the courts of England and Wales.

14. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

15. Changes to These Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. The version in force at the time you accept a quotation is the version that applies to that contract.