Stroberi Ltd t/a Stroberi Paving & Patios and / or Stroberi Brickwork — Terms of Business
Effective date: 28th March 2026
Contact:services@stroberi.co.uk | www.stroberipaving.co.uk | www.stroberibrickwork.co.uk
Which clauses apply?
These Terms apply to all customers. Clauses marked “B2B‑only” apply only to business clients. For consumers, your statutory rights are preserved and nothing in these Terms limits those rights.
1. About Us
Stroberi Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides driveways, patios, groundworks, fencing, bricklaying, and building works, which may include load‑bearing walls, retaining walls, reinforced masonry, and structural brick/blockwork, to domestic (consumer) and business clients.
These Terms apply to all works we undertake unless stated otherwise in our written quotation (“Quote”).
2.Scope of Works & Customer Specification
2.1 Scope of Works.
The works, materials, workmanship standards, tolerances, inclusions/exclusions, and any drawings, specifications, or confirmed written records of agreed instructions are set out in the Quote. Anything not expressly listed in the Quote is excluded. This includes (but is not limited to): driveways, patios, groundworks, fencing, bricklaying, decorative brickwork, and building works such as load‑bearing walls, retaining walls, and structural brick/blockwork, carried out strictly in accordance with the agreed Customer Specification.
2.2 No Design or Specification Services.
We do not provide design, specification, engineering, structural design, drainage design, or professional advice.
We carry out construction works only, using normal trade practice and manufacturer guidance, and we build in accordance with the Customer Specification (being your design, specification, drawings, and/or instructions confirmed or approved by you, whether provided in writing or verbally).
Any measurements, dimensions, levels, depths, falls, sketches, layout mark‑ups, Moasure outputs, visual aids or AI‑generated images we may provide are illustrative only, are supplied to assist understanding, and do not constitute design, engineering, or professional advice, nor do they transfer design responsibility to us.
You are solely responsible for the adequacy, accuracy, compliance, structural suitability and fitness for purpose of any design, specification or instructions provided or approved by you, including (without limitation) foundation depths, reinforcement, loading requirements, wall thickness, drainage behind retaining walls, backfill requirements, and all engineering or performance‑related decisions.
2.3 Items Not Included in Per Square Metre Pricing.
Unless expressly listed as included in the Quote, the following items are not included in our per square metre rates and will be charged separately where required:
• removal or breaking out of existing surfaces (including tarmac, concrete, slabs, brickwork, or block paving)
• waste removal and muck‑away
• edging, kerbs, restraining courses, and decorative borders
• drainage works, including channels, gullies, pipework, soakaways, and connections
• manhole adjustments, new recessed covers, and relocations
• additional excavation or sub‑base requirements due to unforeseen ground conditions (including soft spots, rock, roots, obstructions, or concrete)
• access‑related labour or plant (including hand‑digging, long barrow runs, restricted access, or alternative machinery)
• breaking out unusually thick or reinforced concrete
• steps, retaining walls, raised beds, planters, and other structural or landscaping features
• lighting, ducting, or electrical works
• sealing or protective treatments
• upgraded or premium jointing compounds
• any item not expressly listed in the Quote
These items are excluded because they depend on site conditions, access constraints, customer preference, or regulatory requirements and therefore cannot be included in a fixed per square metre price.
3. Quotations, Validity & Acceptance
3.1 Quotes are valid for 30 days unless stated otherwise.
3.2 We reserve the right to revise or withdraw a Quote at any time prior to acceptance.
3.3 A contract will normally be formed upon your written acceptance of the Quote (email is sufficient) and, where applicable, payment of any stated deposit. However, a contract may also be formed by conduct or verbal instruction, including where you instruct us to proceed or permit works to commence.
3.4 Once a contract is formed, these Terms, together with the Quote and any agreed variations, will apply to the works.
4. Cooling‑Off Period (Consumers)
4.1 If you are a consumer and you agree to this contract away from our business premises (for example, at your home, or by email or phone), you have a legal right to cancel within 14 days of accepting the contract.
4.2 If, at your express request, you ask us to start work during the 14‑day cooling‑off period and you later cancel the contract, you will be required to pay for the work carried out up to the date of cancellation and for any materials already ordered or supplied. Some special‑order or custom materials may not be returnable and you may be charged for these.
5. Cancellation by the Customer (Outside Cooling‑Off Period)
5.1 Cancellation before work begins
If you cancel the contract after the 14‑day cooling‑off period and before work begins, you must notify us in writing. You will be charged for any non‑returnable or specially ordered materials already ordered or supplied.
In addition, a cancellation fee of 20% of the total contract value will be payable. This fee represents a genuine estimate of our losses, including administration, scheduling, preparation costs, and loss of anticipated profit. Any deposit paid may be retained and set against these amounts.
5.2 Cancellation after work has started (mid‑project)
If you cancel the contract after work has started, you must notify us in writing. You will be charged for all work completed and materials ordered or supplied up to the date of cancellation, including any non‑returnable or specially ordered items.
In addition, a cancellation fee of 20% of the remaining contract value (being the total contract price less the value of work and materials already charged) will be payable. This fee represents a genuine estimate of our losses, including demobilisation, rescheduling, administration, and loss of anticipated profit. Any deposit paid may be retained and set against these amounts.
Any balance due after deduction of the deposit must be paid within 7 days of our final invoice.
6. Scheduling, Access & Site Services
6.1 We provide estimated start dates and durations only; these are subject to weather conditions, supplier availability, permits, and other factors beyond our reasonable control.
6.2 You agree to provide clear access to the site, adequate parking and skip space, and reasonable use of electricity and water, unless otherwise agreed with us.
6.3 We may pause works where safety concerns, regulatory compliance matters, Customer Specification issues, or other site‑related matters require clarification or resolution (see clauses 10.4 and 12.2). Any resulting delay or additional cost will be addressed in accordance with these Terms.
7. Ground Conditions, Utilities & Drainage
7.1 Assumptions. Pricing assumes normal ground conditions and does not allow for hidden or unforeseen obstructions (e.g. rock shelves, hardcore, tree roots, contaminated soils).
7.2Hidden obstructions. If unforeseen ground conditions or obstructions are encountered, we will stop work and agree a priced variation before proceeding.
7.3 Buried services. You must provide accurate information about underground services (water, gas, electricity, telecoms, drainage) and any as‑built or service drawings where available. We will rely on the information provided by you. We are not responsible for damage to services that are unidentified, inaccurately located, or incorrectly recorded.
7.4 Drainage & falls. Where the Customer Specification dictates falls, levels, or permeable or impermeable construction, the Customer is responsible for drainage design and regulatory compliance, including any planning or SuDS requirements.
Stroberi Ltd does not warrant or accept any responsibility for overall site drainage performance. We will construct to the falls and levels agreed with or approved by you, but we do not undertake drainage design and do not guarantee drainage outcomes. Any advice or comments we may offer regarding drainage are informal only and must not be relied upon as professional advice.
8. Permits, Compliance & Approvals
8.1 Responsibility for obtaining any permits, licences or approvals (including, without limitation, dropped kerbs, skips, highway licences, planning permission and building control approvals) will be as stated in the Quote. Unless expressly stated otherwise in writing, responsibility for such permits and approvals rests with the Customer.
8.2 We will carry out the works with reasonable skill and care and in accordance with applicable construction standards and local authority requirements as they apply to the execution of the works. We do not provide regulatory, planning, or building control design advice, nor do we guarantee that the works will obtain any approval unless expressly agreed in writing.
9. Variations & Extras
9.1 Changes to materials, layout, levels, edging, drainage details, fencing lines, brickwork, or other aspects of the works which may affect price or programme must be agreed with you and recorded in writing, including any associated price or time impact, before or as soon as reasonably practicable after execution.
9.2 Instructions given on site, whether verbally or otherwise, may be treated as variations where they alter the agreed scope, materials, layout, levels, or method of working, including where changes arise from site conditions, regulatory requirements, or third‑party constraints. We will record such variations in a variation log and notify you of any resulting price or time impact.
10. Design, Specification & Professional Advice (Key Allocation of Risk)
10.1 No Design/Specification Services.
We do not provide design, specification, engineering, structural calculations, retaining wall engineering, loading analysis, foundation depth design, or professional advice.
All works — including paving, driveways, fencing, bricklaying, groundworks, and building works (including load‑bearing walls, retaining walls, reinforced masonry, and structural brick/blockwork) — are carried out in accordance with the Customer Specification.
10.2 Customer Responsibility.
You are solely responsible for the adequacy, accuracy, compliance, structural suitability and fitness for purpose of the Customer Specification and all information provided to us.
This includes (without limitation): foundation depth, reinforcement type/quantity/placement, block type, wall thickness, tie‑ins, geogrid, backfill, drainage behind retaining walls, weep holes, waterproofing requirements, loading conditions, surcharge loads (vehicles, structures, slopes), and stability calculations.
10.3 No Professional Duty or Reliance.
We do not accept any duty (contractual, tortious, or otherwise) to provide professional architectural, engineering, drainage, or compliance advice. Any comments we may offer about layout, materials, finishes, or methods are informal only and must not be relied upon. You confirm that you have not relied on any advice or representation from us regarding design, specification, or compliance, and that you will obtain independent professional advice where required.
10.4 Safety & Compliance Notification (limited duty to warn).
Acting with reasonable skill and care, if we become aware of an obvious defect or danger in the Customer Specification likely to compromise safety or cause material damage, we will notify you and may suspend affected works pending written instructions. We have no obligation to identify non‑obvious or technical design/specification errors.
10.5 Statutory Rights (Consumers).
Nothing in this section limits or excludes any statutory rights you may have as a consumer, including our duty to perform services with reasonable care and skill.
11. Materials, Samples & Tolerances
11.1Natural variation. Natural stone, clay, and concrete products may vary in shade, texture, and dimensional tolerance. Samples are indicative only, and reasonable batch variation is not a defect.
11.2 Standards & tolerances. Workmanship will meet reasonable industry practice appropriate to the type of works being carried out. Minor variations in line, level, joint width, alignment, or texture within accepted trade tolerances are not defects.
11.3 Substitution. If a specified product becomes unavailable, we may propose an equivalent substitute of comparable type, quality, and performance. Any substitution requires your approval (email acceptable).
12. Health & Safety, Site Protection & Waste
12.1 Do not access active work areas without our permission. You are responsible for ensuring that children, pets, visitors, and other third parties are kept away from the site. We operate safe systems of work and provide appropriate PPE to our team.
12.2 We will take reasonable care to protect adjacent surfaces and landscaping. Some disturbance, noise, dust, and temporary disruption are inevitable with construction and excavation works. We will remove construction waste generated by us unless the Quote states otherwise and will leave the site in a reasonably tidy condition on completion.
13. Subcontractors
We may engage vetted subcontractors to carry out part of the works. Any subcontractors engaged by us will be required to comply with our health & safety and quality standards. We remain responsible to you for delivery of the contracted works.
14. Filming, Photography & Marketing
14.1 We may reasonably document projects and publish photographs and/or video of completed or ongoing work (which may include our personnel) for the purpose of showcasing workmanship and promoting our services.
14.2 If you object to your property being identifiable in any marketing materials, please notify us in writing. We will take reasonable measures to address such an objection (for example, blurring or removal). Any on-camera interviews or featured appearances of individuals will only take place with their explicit consent.
14.3 Any information, commentary, articles, videos, images, or other content we publish on our website, social media channels, blogs, or other marketing materials is provided for general information only. Such content is not project-specific advice and must not be relied upon as design, specification, drainage, compliance, or professional advice.
15. Payment Terms
15.1 Unless otherwise stated, a deposit (if any) is payable on acceptance of the Quote. Stage payments will be set out in the Quote (for example, materials on delivery, mid‑stage, and practical completion).
15.2All invoices are payable upon receipt. Payment is due immediately in cleared funds unless we state a different due date in writing.
15.3 If payment is not received by the due date, we may suspend works until payment is received and may charge interest and reasonable recovery costs in accordance with Section 16 (Non‑Payment & Recovery of Costs).
15.4 Final payment is due upon receipt of our final invoice.
16. Non‑Payment & Recovery of Costs (Consumers & B2B)
If you do not pay any invoice by the due date:
We may suspend work.
All work and services may be paused immediately until full payment is received.
We may end the contract.
If payment remains outstanding after work has been suspended, we may end the contract and invoice you for all work completed and materials supplied up to the date of termination, together with any applicable cancellation fees as set out in these Terms.
Interest may be charged.
We may charge interest on overdue amounts at 8% per year above the Bank of England base rate, calculated daily from the due date until payment is received. This rate reflects a reasonable estimate of our costs of late payment for consumer contracts and is the statutory rate for business clients.
Recovery costs.
You will be responsible for any reasonable and properly incurred costs we incur in recovering overdue payments, including legal fees or debt collection charges.
Materials remain our property.
Any materials delivered to site remain our property until paid for in full. We may remove any unfixed materials from site if payment is not made, provided this can be done safely and without damage.
Suspending or ending the contract due to non-payment does not affect our right to recover payment for work already completed, materials supplied, or any additional costs we incur as a result.
17. Quality, Snagging & Defects
17.1 We warrant that the works will be carried out with reasonable skill and care in accordance with recognised industry practice.
17.2 A snagging inspection will be conducted at or shortly after practical completion. Any snagging items must be notified to us within a reasonable time and will be limited to minor defects in workmanship, excluding changes of mind or items arising from normal tolerances.
17.3 Defects arising from normal wear and tear, misuse, lack of maintenance, abnormal settlement beyond our control, extreme weather, or defects attributable to the Customer Specification or customer‑supplied materials are excluded.
18. Allocation of Design/Specification Risk & Indemnity
18.1Exclusion for Customer Specification.
Subject to our obligation to exercise reasonable skill and care in carrying out the works, we accept no responsibility and shall have no liability for losses, costs, or damages arising from or in connection with any error, omission, inadequacy, or non‑compliance in the Customer Specification or in any information provided by you or by third parties engaged by you.
18.2 Indemnity — Customer Specification (B2B only).
The customer (business client) shall indemnify and hold harmless Stroberi Ltd against all claims, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from or related to the Customer Specification, including claims alleging inadequacy, error, or non‑compliance of the Customer Specification, except to the extent caused by our failure to exercise reasonable skill and care in executing the works.
19. Limitations of Liability
19.1 We hold appropriate public liability insurance and, where applicable, employers’ liability insurance.
19.2 We are not liable for any indirect or consequential losses (B2B only).
19.3Non‑excludable liabilities. Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability which cannot lawfully be limited or excluded, nor does it affect your statutory rights as a consumer.
20. Force Majeure
We shall not be liable for any delay in performance or failure to perform our obligations to the extent caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including (without limitation) severe weather, supplier shortages or failures, strikes or labour disputes, shortages of materials, acts of government, or regulatory changes. Where such events occur, the time for performance of the affected obligations will be extended accordingly.
21. Data Protection
We process personal data only where necessary and in accordance with applicable data protection law and our Privacy Notice (available on our website). You may contact services@stroberi.co.uk to exercise your data protection rights or to request further information.
22. Complaints
Please raise any concerns promptly with our site lead or by email to services@stroberi.co.uk, ideally as soon as they arise and whilst the works are ongoing. We aim to respond within 5 working days and, where appropriate, to agree reasonable remedial actions. Any remedial action offered does not constitute an admission of liability.
23. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
23.1 These Terms and any contract formed under them are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
23.2 The parties will seek to resolve any dispute amicably where reasonably possible. If a dispute cannot be resolved, either party may refer the matter to mediation by agreement. Nothing in this clause restricts either party’s right to commence court proceedings.
24. Reliance, Entire Agreement & Third‑Party Rights
24.1 Reliance.
You acknowledge that, except as expressly set out in these Terms or the Quote, you have not relied on any statement or representation by us relating to design, specification, drainage, or regulatory compliance when entering into this contract.
24.2 Entire Agreement.
These Terms, together with the Quote and any agreed variations, constitute the entire agreement between us in relation to the works and supersede all prior discussions, correspondence, or representations. Any changes must be agreed in writing.
24.3 Third‑Party Rights.
No third party has any right to enforce any term of this agreement.
25. Paving & Patios
25.1 Scope.
Laying of slabs, blocks, or natural stone as forming part of the agreed scope of works, including the associated excavation, bedding, jointing, and build‑up. Any stated dimensions, depths, build‑ups, levels, or falls describe the scope of construction only and do not constitute design, engineering, or an assessment of structural or drainage adequacy.
25.2 Customer Specification & Levels.
Levels, falls, layouts, and transitions will be constructed in accordance with the Customer Specification, being those details provided or approved by you, whether set out in the Quote, drawings, measurements, visual materials, or agreed on site. Interfaces with existing surfaces, thresholds, buildings, boundaries, and adjacent features are necessarily constrained by existing conditions and may require reasonable adjustment to achieve practical buildability.
25.3 Items Not Included.
Unless expressly included in the Quote, the works do not include: edging, kerbs, restraining courses; decorative borders; drainage works (including ACO channels, gullies, pipework, soakaways, or connections); manhole adjustments or new recessed covers; steps, retaining features, planters, walls; lighting or ducting; sealing or protective treatments; or specialist waste removal beyond standard cart‑away arising directly from our works.
25.4 Sub‑Base, Compaction & Ground Conditions.
Sub‑bases and bedding layers will be installed to a reasonable standard consistent with domestic paving practice and the agreed scope of works. Ground conditions, soil variability, soft spots, or hidden obstructions may affect performance and may require additional works as a variation. Some initial settlement or bedding‑in may occur, particularly in the early life of the installation or following weather changes.
25.5 Tolerances & Appearance.
Reasonable tolerances apply to line, level, falls, joint width, alignment, and surface regularity consistent with good practice for the materials chosen. Minor variations in appearance, cut sizes, joint alignment, or surface flatness within accepted trade tolerances are not defects. Perfect uniformity or zero‑tolerance finishes are neither achievable nor implied.
25.6 Materials & Weather.
Natural and manufactured paving products may vary in shade, texture, size, and batch. Packs may be blended. Jointing compounds may vary in colour or texture and may cause temporary staining which typically weathers over time. Laying and jointing operations may be paused or rescheduled due to rain, frost, high temperatures, or other adverse conditions to protect quality.
25.7 Drainage & Surface Water.
We construct to the levels and falls agreed or approved by you. We do not undertake drainage design, hydraulic assessment, or regulatory drainage compliance and do not guarantee surface water performance. Minor surface water retention (including micro‑ponding) may occur within normal tolerances and is not a defect.
25.8 Maintenance & Aftercare.
Paved surfaces require ongoing maintenance. You are responsible for aftercare, including allowing jointing to cure as advised, avoiding jet‑washing or the use of de‑icing salts until suitable, and carrying out routine cleaning and maintenance. Failure to follow maintenance guidance may affect durability and appearance and is not a defect in workmanship.
Surface appearance and performance may change over time due to weathering, use, or maintenance, and this does not constitute a defect.
26. Driveways
26.1 Scope.
Construction of driveways forming part of the agreed scope of works, including block paving, gravel driveways, resin‑bound systems, tarmacadam or asphalt surfaces, resin‑ready or asphalt‑ready sub‑bases, or other agreed systems. Any stated dimensions, depths, build‑ups, gradients, or construction details describe the scope of works only and do not constitute engineering design or an assessment of load‑bearing or drainage adequacy.
26.2 Loading Assumptions.
Unless expressly agreed otherwise, driveway construction assumes domestic car loading only. Use by vans, commercial vehicles, heavy vehicles, frequent turning loads, static point loads, or abnormal usage may require enhanced specification and additional cost and may affect performance. Where such use occurs without prior agreement, resulting movement or damage is not a defect.
26.3 Customer Specification & Levels.
Levels, falls, layouts, access angles, and transitions will be constructed in accordance with the Customer Specification, being those details provided or approved by you, whether set out in the Quote, drawings, measurements, visuals, or agreed on site. Existing boundaries, thresholds, highway interfaces, and site constraints necessarily limit achievable levels and geometry.
26.4 Drainage & Regulation.
Responsibility for planning, SuDS compliance, permeable surface requirements, or regulatory approvals rests with the Customer unless expressly stated otherwise in the Quote. We do not provide drainage design or regulatory assessment and do not guarantee surface water performance or regulatory compliance outcomes. Compliant systems can be priced if requested.
26.5 Sub‑Base, Bedding & Ground Conditions.
Sub‑bases and construction layers will be installed to a reasonable standard consistent with domestic driveway practice and the agreed scope of works. Ground conditions, variable soils, soft spots, groundwater, or hidden obstructions may affect performance and may require additional works as a variation. Some initial settlement or bedding‑in may occur, particularly during early use or after weather changes.
26.6 Tolerances & Surface Behaviour.
Reasonable tolerances apply to line, level, falls, surface regularity, and joint widths consistent with accepted trade practice. Minor settlement, rutting, tyre imprinting, or softening during bedding‑in — particularly in hot weather or with slow or stationary steering movements — is not a defect where within normal tolerances.
26.7 Items Not Included.
Unless expressly included in the Quote, the works do not include kerb or edging changes, highway crossovers, threshold modifications, drainage channels or connections, manhole alterations, service relocations, lighting, or specialist surfacing treatments.
26.8 Maintenance & Use.
You must not traffic the driveway until we confirm it is suitable for use. Ongoing maintenance is required, including keeping joints topped up where applicable, avoiding excessive stationary steering, and following any aftercare guidance provided. Changes in appearance or performance over time due to weathering, use, loading, or maintenance do not constitute defects.
27. Brickwork
27.1 Scope.
Construction of brickwork or blockwork forming part of the agreed scope of works, including walls, steps, planters, piers, and decorative features, built to the bond, height, dimensions, and layout approved by you. Any stated dimensions, heights, or construction details describe the scope of works only and do not constitute structural, engineering, or load‑bearing design.
27.2 Foundations & Structural Responsibility.
Foundations or footings are excluded unless expressly included in the Quote. Where foundations are included, stated depths or widths describe the scope of excavations and construction only and do not constitute foundation design or an assessment of ground or loading conditions. Unless expressly stated otherwise, brickwork is decorative and non‑load‑bearing. Any load‑bearing, retaining, or structural brickwork requires design and specification by others and remains the responsibility of the Customer Specification.
27.3 Customer Specification & Interfaces.
Brickwork will be constructed in accordance with the Customer Specification, being details provided or approved by you whether set out in the Quote, drawings, measurements, or agreed on site. Interfaces with existing structures, ground levels, boundaries, damp proof courses, thresholds, or adjacent finishes are constrained by existing conditions and may require reasonable adjustment to achieve practical buildability.
27.4 Tolerances & Appearance.
Reasonable tolerances apply for plumb, level, alignment, joint size, and coursing consistent with good bricklaying practice. Minor variations in brick shade, mortar colour, joint thickness, or alignment are inherent to masonry work and are not defects. Perfect uniformity or exact matching to existing materials cannot be guaranteed.
27.5 Movement, Settlement & Weathering.
Brickwork may experience hairline cracking, thermal movement, shrinkage, or minor settlement, particularly during early life or due to ground conditions and weather. Such movement is a natural characteristic of masonry and is not a defect where within normal tolerances. Efflorescence (salts) may occur naturally and typically dissipates over time.
27.6 Included & Excluded Components.
Unless expressly included in the Quote, the works do not include specialist structural reinforcement, engineering tie‑ins, movement joints, damp proof courses, cavity trays, weep holes, copings, cappings, rendering, tanking, or waterproofing measures.
27.7 Protection, Weather & Curing.
Bricklaying may be suspended during periods of frost, heavy rain, extreme heat, or unsuitable weather conditions to protect quality. Fresh masonry requires protection during curing, and reasonable access restrictions may apply during this period.
27.8 Maintenance.
Brickwork requires ongoing maintenance. You are responsible for routine inspection, maintenance, and repair over time. Natural changes in appearance or performance due to age, weathering, movement, or maintenance do not constitute defects.
28. Fencing
28.1 Scope.
Supply and installation of fencing forming part of the agreed scope of works, including timber, composite, or concrete post and panel systems, closeboard fencing, gates, and associated components. Any stated dimensions, heights, layouts, or construction details describe the scope of works only and do not constitute surveying, boundary determination, or engineering design.
28.2 Posts, Ground & Installation.
Pricing assumes normal excavation to typical post depths for domestic fencing in reasonably stable ground. Ground conditions such as bedrock, heavy clay, high water table, loose or made‑up ground, roots, buried obstructions, or services may require alternative installation methods, deeper footings, additional materials, or revised layouts, which may result in additional cost and/or time as a variation.
28.3 Boundaries, Lines & Permissions.
You are solely responsible for identifying the correct legal boundary line and for obtaining any required neighbour permissions, agreements, or party wall consents. We do not check title plans, boundary deeds, or land registry records, and we do not mediate neighbour disputes. Fence lines will be installed in accordance with the boundary position identified or approved by you.
28.4 Materials & Natural Behaviour.
Timber is a natural material and may contain knots, shakes, splits, and variations in grain and colour. Some movement, twisting, warping, shrinkage, or expansion may occur due to weather conditions and moisture content and does not constitute a defect. Concrete posts and gravel boards may exhibit cosmetic marks, air holes, or surface variations.
28.5 Alignment, Movement & Wind.
Reasonable tolerances apply to post alignment, fence lines, and plumb. Newly installed fencing may exhibit slight initial movement until posts and fixings are fully set. Fences are subject to wind loading; damage caused by storms, extreme weather, ground movement, or external forces is not a defect unless directly caused by our workmanship.
28.6 Gates, Hardware & Adjustment.
Gates and associated hardware are subject to ground movement, seasonal change, and settlement. Some movement or sagging may occur over time and periodic adjustment is normal maintenance. We are not responsible for misalignment caused by ground conditions, use, or post‑installation movement.
28.7 Maintenance.
Fencing requires ongoing maintenance. You are responsible for periodic inspection, adjustment, treatment, and repair over time. Changes in appearance, alignment, or performance due to age, weathering, ground conditions, or lack of maintenance do not constitute defects.
29. Groundworks
29.1 Scope.
Groundworks forming part of the agreed scope of works, which may include excavation, grading, reductions, footings, service trenches, backfilling, and sub‑base placement. Any stated dimensions, depths, levels, or construction details describe the scope of works only and do not constitute engineering design, ground investigation, or an assessment of structural, load‑bearing, or drainage adequacy.
29.2 Assumptions & Exclusions.
Pricing is based on normal ground conditions and excludes dewatering, trench shoring, sheet piling, propping, cart‑away of contaminated or hazardous materials, special disposal fees, treatment of contaminated ground, and hard dig (including rock, boulders, reinforced concrete, or unusually thick obstructions) unless expressly stated in the Quote. Any such conditions encountered may require additional works and will be treated as a variation.
29.3 Ground Conditions, Levels & Settlement.
We will place sub‑base and backfill materials and carry out compaction to a reasonable standard consistent with the agreed scope and intended finish. Ground conditions vary and some settlement, movement, or consolidation may occur, particularly around services, trenches, made‑up ground, or where no structural design has been provided. Such movement is a natural characteristic of groundworks and is not a defect where within normal tolerances.
29.4 Utilities & Services.
We will take reasonable care when excavating. You are responsible for providing accurate information regarding the location of underground services, ducts, drains, and utilities. Services which are uncharted, inaccurately recorded, or incorrectly marked are at the Customer’s risk. Reinstatement, diversion, or specialist repair of damaged third‑party services or ducts is excluded unless expressly included in the Quote.
29.5 Water, Drainage & Groundwater.
We do not undertake groundwater assessment, dewatering design, or permanent drainage design unless expressly stated. The presence of groundwater, perched water, poor drainage, or water ingress during excavation may require revised methods or additional works, which will constitute a variation.
29.6 Interfaces, Sequencing & Access.
Groundworks are often constrained by existing structures, buried features, boundaries, access restrictions, and sequencing requirements. Reasonable adjustment may be necessary to achieve practical buildability and safe execution. Temporary access disturbance, spoil storage, and restricted movement on site may occur as part of normal groundworks operations.
29.7 Compliance & Design Responsibility.
Unless expressly agreed in writing, we do not provide geotechnical, structural, foundation, or drainage design, nor do we act as consulting engineers. Responsibility for the adequacy, compliance, and performance of any ground or foundation design rests with the Customer Specification.
29.8 Maintenance & Aftercare.
You are responsible for post‑completion care, including monitoring settlement, protecting exposed ground, and arranging any necessary maintenance or remedial works following weather events or natural consolidation. Changes in ground condition or performance over time do not constitute defects.
30. Structural & Building Works
30.1 Scope.
Structural and building works forming part of the agreed scope of works may include load‑bearing walls, retaining walls, reinforced masonry, structural brick or blockwork, foundations, footings, and associated works. Any stated dimensions, depths, reinforcement references, or construction details describe the scope of works only and do not constitute structural, engineering, or performance design.
30.2 Construction Only.
We carry out construction works only, in accordance with the Customer Specification or designs supplied by your appointed structural engineer or designer. Where no formal design or specification is provided, the Customer Specification shall comprise the scope, levels, layout, and construction details approved by you (whether in writing or verbally), and references within the Quote serve only to identify the agreed scope of works and do not constitute design or engineering responsibility. We do not assume any duty to provide structural or engineering design.
We do not provide structural design, calculations, reinforcement specification, retaining wall engineering, footing depth design, waterproofing design, stability analysis, or building control compliance design.
30.3 Foundations, Reinforcement & Design Responsibility.
Footing dimensions, reinforcement type, quantity and placement, block or concrete types, wall thicknesses, drainage provisions (including weep holes and back‑drainage), geogrid, and backfill specifications must be defined by or approved by you, the Customer Specification, or your appointed engineer, whether provided in writing or otherwise. Responsibility for the adequacy and suitability of such design rests entirely with the Customer Specification.
30.4 No Structural Warranty or Performance Guarantee.
We do not warrant or guarantee structural performance, load‑bearing capacity, retaining capability, long‑term stability, or regulatory compliance unless a structural design has been provided by a suitably qualified engineer and has been expressly accepted by us in writing solely for construction purposes.
30.5 Load, Backfill & Ground Conditions.
We accept no responsibility for failure, movement, or distress caused by surcharge loads (including vehicles, structures, or sloping ground), groundwater pressure, inadequate or altered backfill, movement of retained soils, or load conditions not expressly included within the Customer Specification or engineer’s design.
30.6 Approvals & Compliance.
Any structural calculations, building control submissions, engineering drawings, inspections, certifications, or regulatory approvals are the responsibility of the Customer unless expressly stated otherwise in writing in the Quote.
30.7 Hidden & Unforeseen Conditions.
We are not responsible for failure, movement, or instability arising from unseen or unknown ground conditions, groundwater, water‑table variation, inadequate design, or customer‑directed changes to levels, loads, or foundation depths.
End of Terms