Introduction

In these terms and conditions (which are referred to in this document as “these terms”), the “customer” means the customer for whom the works are to be carried out for by Heat Hampshire, and the “Company” means UK Plumb Heat Ltd or, where the case may be a franchisee, sub-contractor or representative of the company carrying out business pursuant to a Franchise/Subcontract Agreement entered into with the company.

“Contract” means the agreement between the Customer and the Company to carry out the works of which these terms form a part and (where these terms are scheduled to a signed agreement between the Customer and the Company (“the Agreement) the Agreement, “Works” means the works described in the company estimate or an other document or email issued by the company, as may be varied by agreement in writing between the parties.

For the purpose of these terms, “in writing” includes by email and any document which is set out in a hand held device and any signature on a hand held screen shall be treated as in writing.

Acceptance of Works

The company reserves the right to refuse or decline any work at its own discretion. Where the company agrees to undertake works for the customer, this will be done so by authorised representatives of the company only.

Call Out Fees & Charges

The company charges a minimum £67.50 (+vat) call out fee for all appointments, regardless of work carried out. This includes work quoted for on an hourly rate, or fixed price work. If for any reason we are unable to carry out works during attendance, the minimum 1 hour call out fee would still be payable for our attendance, plus any additional labour time over the first hour, and parts/materials if used. A discretionary small works charge may be applied instead of the call out fee depending on the circumstances of the job.

All charges are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.

Estimates And Quotations

Any estimate supplied by the company is subject to withdrawal at any time before receipt of an unqualified acceptance from the customer, and shall be deemed withdrawn unless it has been accepted within 28 days from it’s date.

Unless otherwise specified, all estimates provided are done on an ‘as is’ basis, and are not a fixed price quotation or firm price. The estimate will set out the likely approximate cost involved based on a visual inspection by the company and/or details supplied by the customer. The final price will be calculated based on the original estimate and in accordance with the companies standard rate card applicable at the time of works being carried out, and may be increase or decrease from the estimated price.

Any additional works that the Client requires to be carried out whilst the specified works are being executed will be charged at extra cost. An indication of such cost will be given and the Client’s agreement to same will be obtained before the additional works proceed.

In addition, the company reserves the right to increase the price prior to any works being carried out, equivalent to the increase of cost to the company including additional materials, labour, equipment hire and transport since the date of the provided estimate (either done so in writing, email, or orally), unless the final price exceeds the estimate price by more than 10%, by which the customer may cancel the contract provided it does so prior to any works commencing (including the order of materials or equipment hired).

Any estimate or quotation provided by the company may be revised in the following circumstances:

  • If after submission of the estimate by the company, the customer instructs the company (whether in writing or orally) to provided additional works or services not referenced or detailed within the estimate.
  • If following the submission of the estimate by the company, there is an increase in the cost of materials to be supplied.
  • If following the submission of the estimate by the company, it is discovered further works and services need to be carried out which had not been anticipated.
  • If following the submission of the estimate/quotation by the company, it is discovered that there was a manifest error when the estimate was prepared.

The company reserves the right to make a charge for the collection of materials, parts and equipment from any supplier, except for works where an estimate has been provided beforehand. If the collection of said materials takes part whilst the company is on site, the time taken for this will be treated as part of the works, and charged at the applicable rate. If any materials are ordered for subsequent collection and delivery, a charge may be made by the company of £45 (+vat).

The company will not be under any obligation to provide an estimate to the customer. The company will only be bound to estimates provide in writing to the customer, which have also been signed by an authorised representative of the company. The company will not be bound to any estimates provided orally.

The customer will reimburse the company for any and all expenses incurred (including labour, materials and equipment hire) upon acceptance of an estimate which is subsequently cancelled by the customer.

Prices and Payment

Any prices or rates advised are all subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.

Materials invoices are due for payment prior to the commencement of any proposed works in order that said materials will be present and ready for installation in line with the proposed scheme of works.

Ownership of any materials supplied, whether fixed or unfixed, shall not pass to the Client until payment in full has been received for said material and any labour costs involved. We reserve the right to take whatever legal action may be necessary to secure payment for the works carried out and materials supplied either fixed or unfixed.

Labour/Final invoices are due for payment immediately upon completion of works/delivery to the customer.

Failure to pay Interim/Stage payments in the agreed timescales will result in indefinite postponement of any works until a resolution has been made.

All appointments made for works to be carried out (including fixed price works and estimates) with the company are done so with payment due immediately upon completion/delivery or invoice.

Where any services or works provided by the company is subject to snagging, the customer agrees to make payment of 95% of the total invoice amount immediately following completion of works. The customer must then provide the company with access without delay to allow the snagging to be completed. Payment for the remaining 5% balance will be due following completion of the snagging by the company or within 14 days of the invoice date should access not be made available.

Where the customer is represented by a third party person(s) or agent(s) (such as a managing agent, landlord, tenant, or other occupier, friend, family, contactor or other representative), in the event of non payment by the customer, the third party will be responsible for full payment unless the company has agreed otherwise in writing prior to works commencing.

For any late payments whether in part or in full of an invoice to the company, will be subject to the daily interest rate of 3% over the base rate, until payment in full is received by the company.

The company will be under no obligation to provide or issue any guarantees, certificates or other similar documents to the customer for works, unless payment has been made and received in full.

Illustration And Description of Works

Any illustrations, descriptions, imagery either displayed on the company’s website, in marketing materials (both off and online) catalogues, price lists or other are intended to present a general idea of works and services by the company. No part of these shall form part of any contract.

Inspection, Delivery & Completion of Works

The company will advise the customer of the date and time for works to be carried out. The company will always endeavour to ensure they maintain this schedule and that their operatives attend at the agreed time. However, the company accepts no liability in respect of late/non-attendance at any site, or for the late/non delivery of any equipments or materials. All times provided by the company are estimates only.

No liability will be accepted if it is not possible to meet Client’s timescales.

Prior to the commencement of work involving gas appliances, the existing gas supply will be subject to a soundness test to check for compliance with the Gas Safety Regulations. Any faults found will be advised to the Client and any rectification works required may be subject to additional charges.

Should the works include a power/jet flush of the existing heating system, it must be pointed out that, whilst the treatment is generally harmless, depending on the condition of the existing components the process may find weaknesses in the system. Should any such problems be encountered then any rectification works require may be charged at extra cost.

Indemnity

The customer shall indemnify the company against any and all actions, claims, demands, suits, losses, costs, expenses and charges which the company may suffer or incur in connection with a claim by a third party, resulting in a breach of the customer obligations, undertakings and representations and warranties in connection with this contract.

Limitation of Liability

The company’s liability shall be limited to:

Liability for personal injury or death resulting from negligence in the course of carrying out the companies duties.

The reasonable cost of repair or reinstatement of damage or any loss to the customers property, should this result from the negligence of the company or its employees, agents, franchisees or sub-contractors, and the customer incurs such cost.

The company will not hold any responsibility for any damage suffered to a part of any property where the damage is in whole or in part a consequence of a defect or weakness in the part of the property.

The company will not hold any responsibility or liability for damage caused whilst investigating and repairing any plumbing gas or drainage work, including blockages. This includes but not limited to; the removal of bathroom suites, panels, or furniture, tiles and tiling, floor coverings (carpet, rugs, laminate wood, tiles etc), internal and external walls where pipework is/has to be routed and other damages as a result.

If damage to plaster and brickwork is caused it will be the customer’s responsibility to make good. We cannot accept responsibility for any damage to wallpaper, paintwork, tiles, carpet, furniture etc. Any silicone work does not carry any guarantee.

It is the responsibility of the customer to protect the furniture, furnishings, fixtures and fittings. We will made every reasonable efforts not to cause damage. It is suggested that the customer remove items that are considered to be a problem. If items remain within the working area, it is the responsibility of the customer to cover such items.

Defects

Any items or materials supplied by the Client or others for our fixing will be unpacked and inspected in the presence of the Client. Any faults/defects found will be pointed out to the Client whose responsibility it will be to obtain replacement items. Any delays caused by the faulty or damaged items may be chargeable, may result in us withdrawing from site and may affect the completion date of the works.

Subject to the exclusions listed below, the company undertakes to make good and repair any defects in completed works, which appear within six months of the completed date of the same, to the extent that such defect arises from the breach of the companies obligations under this contact.

All defects must be notified to the company by the customer in writing within this period, and the company and its insurers must be provided the opportunity to inspect the work and any alleged defect.

This inspection shall only apply to work being carried out and completed by the company that has been paid in full by the customer.

If after inspection is found that the defect is not as a result of work or service carried out by the company, the company may make a charge for the inspection charged at its hourly rate.

The company reserves the right to not carry out any work where the customer cannot provide sufficient evidence that the work was originally carried out by the company, or where full payment has not been received for said work.

Exclusions are:

  • Any parts or materials supplied by the company will only be provided with the manufacturers or suppliers guarantee, and are not guaranteed by the company.
  • Any systems or structures which have not been installed by the company.
  • Any defects resulting from the misuse, wilful act or faulty workmanship by the customer or any other third party working for or under the direction of the customer.
  • Any structural defects, such as but not limited to subsidence and its resultant effect.
  • Any damage to drainage systems caused by any outside force or root penetration.

Permits Licenses, Regulations And Other Consents/Access

It is the customers duty to ensure suitable permission, permits, licenses and all other consents from the owner/landlord/agent/organisation, and/or planning permission if necessary is obtained prior to installation work carried out by the company. The company will not be held responsible for any damage to the property (such as fixings, holes etc) if this has not been obtained, and in the event of equipment supplied or installed requiring removing or re-positioning, extra charges will be incurred.

The customer shall provide clear access to enable the company to undertake works, and will make the necessary arrangements with the proper persons or authorities for any traffic controls and signals required in the connection with carrying out the works.

The customer shall obtain permission for the company to proceed over property belonging to neighbours or third parties if this is necessary. The customer shall indemnify the company in all aspects of claim from neighbouring/third party properties arising out of the presence of the company or its employees/representatives.

The customer will at all times ensure the environment is safe for the company and its employees/representatives for the purpose of carrying out the works.

Where applicable to drainage works and services, the customer shall provide the company, if possible, a plan of the drainage layout. If this is not available the company reserves the right to make an additional charge at the applicable rate if blockages occur in drains not covered or identified by the customer.

By instructing the company to proceed with any works as agreed, it is thought by the company the customer has sought the necessary permission as set out above. The customer will be liable to the company for all loss and damage whether indirect, direct or consequential which has been suffered by the company as a result of the failure or delay by the customer in performing the obligations as detailed above.

Force Majeure

The company will use all reasonable efforts to carry out and compete works on time, but shall not be liable to the customer or any third party if the works prove impossible due to events or circumstances beyond the company’s reasonable control.

Cancellations

If the customer cancels any contract with the company, without the companies consent, the customer agrees to indemnify the company against any and all loss, damage, claims or actions arising as a result of such cancellation, unless otherwise agreed in writing, and is without prejudice to the company’s right to payment in accordance with the section ‘Prices & Payment’, above.

Removal Of Waste Materials

The company is not responsible for the removal of any waste materials. The customer is responsible for the removal or any/all waste materials resulting from the works carried out by the company unless agreed as part of an estimate/quotation.

The price specified in this quotation does not include for the removal of any dangerous waste materials such as asbestos found when carrying out the works. This will be subject to an extra charge.

Frozen Pipes

The company will not be liable for any fractures found in frozen pipes attended by the company, and cannot guarantee to clear blockages occurring within frozen pipes or drainage systems.

Guarantees

Any guarantee provided by the company shall be for labour only, in respect of faulty workmanship from 24 months of the date of completion. Any parts, equipment or components supplied by the company will be covered by the respective manufacturer’s warranty.

The companies guarantee will become null and void if the work/appliance completed/supplied by the company is:

  • Subject to misuse or negligence
  • Repaired, tampered with or modified by anyone other than a company operative/representative. The company accepts no liability for (or guarantee suitability for) materials supplied by the customer or other third parties, and will not accept liability for any damage or faults as a result.

The company is unable to guarantee any work in respect of blockage in waste and drainage systems.

The company is unable to guarantee any works which has been undertaken on instruction by the customer against the companies/operatives advice/recommendation.

The company will only guarantee work directly undertaken by the company and its employees. Any work carried out on behalf of the company by agents or sub-contractors will be guaranteed under their own respective policies.

The company will not guarantee work where the customer has been notified either verbally or in writing by the company of any related work which requires attention.

The customer shall be solely liable for any hazardous situation in respect of Gas Safe regulations, or gas warning notice issued, unless otherwise caused by our Gas Safe operative.

All Gas Safe Engineers operate under their own Gas Safe Registration, and as such are solely responsible for any gas related work and subsequent liability.

Intellectual Property Rights

All content of the company website, including graphics and logos remain the sole property of the company, and are not to be copied, reproduced or distributed either in part of full without our prior written consent.

Complaints Procedure

In the unlikely event the customer experiences a problem with the service provided by the company, the customer must put their complaint in writing. Upon receipt of this complaint the company will endeavour to resolve the matter within seven days.

Notice Of Your Right To Cancel

The customer has the right to cancel this contract within 14 calendar days starting on the day the notice of right to cancel is issued.

Should you send your cancellation notice in writing via the post, it is recommended that you retain proof of postage by certificate of posting, or recorded delivery. We advise that all notices of rights to cancel are sent via email.

Notice of cancellation is deemed to be served as soon as it is posted/sent.

Work carried out prior to expiry of the cancellation period:

By signing a written estimate, you agree work will commence before the seven day cancellation period expires, and should you subsequently cancel in accordance with your rights, you are advised that reasonable payment may be due for any works carried out, including labour at the applicable rate.

Availability

While every effort is made to make the allotted scheduled appointment, Heat Hampshire cannot guarantee times due to unforeseen circumstances.