Terms of Service

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service govern the provision of emergency repair services by Battersea Emergency Repairs (a trading name of My Trusted Builder Ltd, "we", "us", "our") to clients ("you", "the client"). By requesting services from us, you agree to be bound by these terms.

Company details:
My Trusted Builder Ltd
Registered Office: [Registered Office Address]
Phone: 07458 148224
Email: [email protected]

2. Scope of Services

These Terms apply to all emergency and non-emergency repair services we provide, including but not limited to:

• Plumbing and leak detection
• Electrical fault diagnosis and repair
• Roof and chimney repairs
• Water damage reinstatement
• Associated building repairs and redecoration

The specific scope of work for each job will be defined in a written quotation or specification document provided to you before work commences.

3. Quotations and Pricing

3.1 Site Assessment: We offer free initial assessments for emergency situations. For non-urgent work, an assessment fee may apply and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

3.2 Quotations: All quotations are provided in writing (including email) and remain valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated.

3.3 What's Included: Each quotation will clearly specify what is included and excluded from the price. Where work is charged on a time-and-materials basis (for emergency call-outs), hourly rates and material markups will be advised in advance.

3.4 VAT: All prices are inclusive of VAT at the prevailing rate unless otherwise stated.

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Payment Schedule:

• For works under £500: Payment is due in full upon completion
• For works £500–£2,000: 50% deposit required, balance on completion
• For works over £2,000: Stage payments as agreed in the quotation

4.2 Payment Methods: We accept bank transfer, credit/debit cards and contactless payments. Cheques are accepted by prior arrangement.

4.3 Late Payment: Invoices not paid within 7 days of issue may incur interest at 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate. We reserve the right to suspend work or withhold completion until payment is received.

5. Programme and Delays

5.1 Start Dates: For emergency work, we aim to respond within the timeframe stated at the time of your call. For planned work, we will agree a start date with you in advance.

5.2 Completion Times: All completion times are estimates and depend on factors including weather conditions, access to the property, availability of materials and unforeseen complications. We will keep you informed of any delays.

5.3 Access: You are responsible for ensuring we have safe and unobstructed access to the work area. For managed buildings, you must arrange any required permissions from concierge, managing agents or freeholders.

6. Variations to the Scope of Work

6.1 Additional Work: In emergency situations, hidden defects or additional issues may become apparent once work has commenced. Any additional work required will be quoted to you (verbally for urgent situations, in writing for non-urgent) and must be authorised before proceeding.

6.2 Variation Pricing: Additional work will be charged at the rates specified in the original quotation or, if not specified, at our standard time-and-materials rates.

7. Guarantees and Warranties

7.1 Workmanship Guarantee: We guarantee all workmanship for a period of 12 months from completion (24 months for certain works as specified in quotation). This guarantee covers defects in workmanship but not damage caused by wear and tear, misuse, or third-party interference.

7.2 Manufacturers' Warranties: Materials and equipment supplied by us carry manufacturers' warranties where applicable. We will assist you in making warranty claims but are not liable for manufacturers' warranty terms.

7.3 Insurance-Backed Guarantees: For certain structural works, we offer indemnified guarantees backed by insurance. Details will be provided separately where applicable.

8. Insurance

We hold the following insurance cover:

• Public Liability Insurance: Up to £5 million
• Employers' Liability Insurance: As required by law
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Where applicable for design work

Certificate details are available on request. Please note that our insurance does not cover pre-existing structural defects or damage caused by factors outside our control.

9. Cancellation by Client

9.1 Before Work Commences: You may cancel your booking at any time before work commences. Where we have already incurred costs (e.g., materials ordered specifically for your job), these costs may be charged to you.

9.2 After Work Commences: Once work has started, you remain liable to pay for all work completed and materials ordered up to the point of cancellation, plus reasonable demobilisation costs.

9.3 Cooling-Off Period: Where a contract is signed at your home (not at our business premises), you have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. This does not apply to emergency repairs where you have specifically requested immediate work.

10. Liability

10.1 Our Liability: We accept liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, and for damage to your property caused by our negligence or breach of contract.

10.2 Limitation of Liability: Subject to clause 10.1, our total liability to you for any claim arising from our services shall not exceed the contract value for the specific work giving rise to the claim.

10.3 Consequential Loss: We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of rent, alternative accommodation costs, or loss of business, unless such losses were reasonably foreseeable at the time of contract.

11. Force Majeure

We are not liable for failure to perform our obligations where such failure results from causes beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, strikes, supply chain disruptions, or government restrictions.

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Informal Resolution: We aim to resolve any disputes informally through direct communication. Please contact us at [email protected] in the first instance.

12.2 Mediation: If informal resolution fails, we agree to participate in mediation before pursuing legal action, unless urgent injunctive relief is required.

12.3 Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.

13. Third-Party Rights

Except as expressly stated, these Terms do not confer rights on any third party under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

14. Assignment

You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights to receive payment to a third party (e.g., for invoice financing) without affecting your rights.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any written quotation and specification, constitute the entire agreement between you and us and supersede any prior understandings or agreements.

17. Contact for Contract Queries

For questions about these Terms or any contract, contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07458 148224