Terms and Conditions

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1. Parties, Definitions and Interpretation

1.1. In these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"):

“I”, “Me”, “My” refers to My Handy Chap, the service provider.

“Client” or “Customer” refers to the person, company, or organisation commissioning the services.

“Contract” refers to the agreement formed between Me and the Client.

“Estimate” includes both estimates and quotations issued by Me.

“Works” refers to the services to be provided as described in the Estimate, quotation, or written communication between Me and the Customer.

“Additional Works” refers to any services not originally included in the Estimate or quotation.

References to "writing" include all electronic forms of communication, including email.

Words indicating any gender apply to all genders; singular includes plural and vice versa.

2. General Provisions

2.1. These Terms apply to all Estimates, orders, and authorisation of Works.

2.2. I reserve the right to decline work at My sole discretion.

2.3. These Terms take precedence over any terms submitted by the Customer unless otherwise agreed in writing or attached as a schedule to a signed contract.

2.4. If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

2.5. Authorisation of any Works shall be taken as acceptance of these Terms.

3. Estimates, Authorisation, and Pricing

3.1. Estimates and Authorisation

Estimates are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated.

Unless explicitly marked as fixed, all Estimates are subject to change.

Each Estimate includes a breakdown of labour and materials where applicable.

A copy or link to these Terms will be provided alongside the Estimate.

Authorisation to proceed with Works or materials purchase confirms the Client’s acceptance of these Terms and forms a binding Contract.

3.2. Pricing Structure

Charges consist of labour and materials.

Material costs fluctuate with market conditions and delivery fees. Prices provided are non-negotiable and confirmed with the Client before purchase. Once agreed, the Client is liable for reimbursement if the job is later cancelled.

Labour is charged hourly (in half-hour increments with a one-hour minimum), or at half-day/daily rates. See Section 4 for details.

Parking or congestion charges are additional, though I hold a Devon County Council Trade Parking Permit which often avoids these. Any unavoidable costs will be communicated to the Client promptly.

3.3. Materials Collection

Where materials are delivered, the supplier's delivery fee is included.

Time spent collecting materials during Works or Additional Works will be charged at the applicable labour rate.

4. Rates, Fixed Pricing, and Estimate Variations

4.1. Labour Rates

My current rates are published at: https://myhandychap.co.uk/services

Rates in effect at the time of authorisation will apply.

4.2. Fixed Price Jobs

Fixed half-day/daily rates offer a discount and apply regardless of job duration.

Time beyond fixed periods is charged at standard hourly rates.

4.3. Estimate Variations

Estimates may change due to:

Changes in the scope of work

Fluctuations in material costs

Discovery of unforeseen conditions

Requests for Additional Works

5. Deposits

5.1. Deposit Requirements

Labour estimates over £400: 25% deposit

Over £700: 35% deposit

Over £1,000: 50% deposit

5.2. Deposit Refunds

Deposits are refundable, less any incurred costs, if cancelled with a minimum of 72 hours’ notice.

See Section 7.1 for cancellations within 72 hours.

5.3. Deductible Costs

Deductions may include card or contactless payment processing fees.

6. Payment Terms

6.1. Materials Payment

Payment for materials is required prior to commencement of Works.

6.2. Labour Payment

Payment for labour (less deposits) is due on the day of completion.

6.3. Accepted Payment Methods

Cash

Card & contactless (via Zettle, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)

Bank transfer

Online payment links

Cheques are not accepted.

6.4. Late Payments

Interest may be charged at 8% above the Bank of England base rate.

Additional charges may apply for delayed payment or recovery costs.

7. Cancellations and Rescheduling

7.1. Cancellations – Customer Responsibility

More than 72 hours’ notice: No charge

Less than 72 hours: £20

Less than 48 hours: £35

Same-day: Full estimated cost

On-site cancellation: Full estimated cost + £50

Deposits will be deducted from any charges, and any refunds processed within 72 hours.

7.2. Rescheduling – Customer Responsibility

More than 72 hours’ notice: No charge

Less than 72 hours: £10

Less than 48 hours: £20

Same-day: 25% of Estimate

On-site reschedule: 50% of Estimate

7.3. Material Costs

The Client remains liable for the cost of any purchased materials.

Where paid, materials will be retained by the Client unless agreed otherwise.

8. Guarantees and Warranties

8.1. Workmanship Guarantee

12-month warranty on My workmanship and supplied materials.

Defects must be reported in writing within the warranty period and within 48 hours of issue discovery.

Warranty becomes void if:

Payment has not been made in full

Work is altered or interfered with by others

8.2. Exclusions

Materials supplied by the Client (manufacturer’s warranty only)

Installations not carried out by Me

Pre-existing faults or blockages

Misuse, negligence, or unauthorised alterations

Work undertaken against My advice

9. Liability

9.1. My Liability

Limited to repair of faults covered by warranty or direct damage caused by My negligence.

I accept no liability for indirect or consequential losses.

9.2. Customer Liability

Ensuring a safe and accessible work environment

Obtaining permissions from landlords or authorities as necessary

Removing or protecting furniture and personal items prior to commencement

Informing Me of any hazards (e.g., asbestos, electrical risks)

10. Force Majeure

10.1. I am not liable for delays or failure to perform due to:

Illness, strikes, industrial disputes

Acts of God or extreme weather

Traffic or transport delays

Any other events beyond My reasonable control

10.2. If Works must be delayed, I will offer to reschedule at a mutually convenient time or allow the Client to cancel without penalty. Payment for completed Works remains due.

11. Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

12. Tools and Material Storage

12.1. Materials on Site

Materials may be stored at the Client’s property during Works.

Once Works begin, the Client is responsible for the security of materials stored on site.

If on-site storage is not possible, this must be discussed prior to commencement.

12.2. Tool Storage

For multi-day projects, tools may be left on site with prior agreement.

Tools will be securely stored, and must not be used by the Client to avoid injury or liability.

This will be agreed in advance if deemed beneficial to the efficiency of the Works.