WDI GROUP (SURREY) LTD
GENERAL BUILDING WORKS TERMS & CONDITIONS
These terms apply to general building, refurbishment, alteration, carpentry, plastering, decorating and associated works undertaken by WDI Group (Surrey) Ltd and should be read together with our Standard Quotation Terms & Conditions and any other applicable trade-specific terms.
1. SCOPE OF WORKS
WDI Group will carry out only the labour, materials and works specifically described within the quotation. Anything not expressly included within the quotation is excluded from the agreed price. Additional or varied works will be chargeable.
2. BASIS OF QUOTATION
Unless expressly stated otherwise, quotations are based upon a visual, non-intrusive assessment of accessible areas and information reasonably available to WDI Group at the time. The quotation does not assume responsibility for conditions concealed behind walls, ceilings, floors, tiles, plaster, render, cladding, boxing, fitted furniture or other inaccessible areas.
3. OPENING-UP & CONCEALED CONDITIONS
Building works frequently require existing structures and finishes to be opened or removed. This can reveal previously concealed rotten or damaged timber, damp or water damage, defective masonry, inadequate supports, corroded metalwork, defective or undocumented plumbing, unsafe or unsuitable electrical wiring, asbestos or suspected hazardous materials, previous poor workmanship, structural movement, inadequate foundations, defective drainage or other conditions which could not reasonably have been identified beforehand. Where concealed conditions require additional investigation, repair, materials or labour, this will be chargeable. Where reasonably practicable, WDI Group will explain additional work and obtain the Client's agreement before proceeding.
4. UNSAFE OR UNSUITABLE EXISTING WORK
WDI Group is not required to connect new work to or conceal existing work which we reasonably believe to be unsafe, defective or unsuitable. Where remedial work is necessary before agreed works can safely or properly continue, that remedial work will be treated as additional work unless already included within the quotation.
5. STRUCTURAL WORK
Structural alterations are included only where specifically stated within the quotation. Where structural calculations, engineer's designs, steelwork schedules, temporary works designs or other professional information are required, responsibility for arranging and paying for them will be as stated within the quotation. WDI Group will not knowingly undertake structural alterations contrary to applicable professional design information or statutory requirements.
6. STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS & OTHER PROFESSIONALS
Where WDI Group arranges a structural engineer, architect, surveyor or other professional on the Client's behalf, their professional advice and design remain their responsibility. Where the Client appoints such professionals directly, the Client is responsible for providing WDI Group with relevant drawings, specifications and revisions in sufficient time. Changes to professional designs after the quotation may result in additional charges.
7. BUILDING CONTROL & APPROVALS
Where Building Regulations approval or inspection is required, responsibility for applications, fees and liaison will be as stated within the quotation. Unless expressly included, local-authority, approved-inspector, structural-engineer, planning, party-wall and other professional or statutory fees are excluded. Additional work required following an inspection because of a pre-existing condition or requirement not reasonably identifiable from the original scope may be chargeable.
8. PLANNING & PROPERTY PERMISSIONS
Unless expressly included within the quotation, the Client is responsible for obtaining any necessary planning permission, landlord consent, freeholder consent, managing-agent approval, restrictive-covenant approval or other property-related permission. WDI Group is entitled to assume the Client has obtained necessary permissions before instructing works to proceed.
9. PARTY WALL MATTERS
Where the Party Wall etc. Act or another neighbour-related requirement applies, the Client is responsible for obtaining appropriate professional advice and arranging any notices, agreements or awards unless expressly included within WDI Group's scope. Delays arising from unresolved party-wall matters may affect the programme and result in additional costs.
10. ASBESTOS & HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
The quotation assumes areas in which WDI Group is instructed to work are free from asbestos and other hazardous materials unless specifically identified beforehand. If suspected asbestos or another hazardous material is discovered, WDI Group may stop affected work immediately. Testing, surveys, specialist removal, disposal and associated delays are not included unless expressly stated. Affected work will resume when WDI Group is reasonably satisfied it is safe and lawful to do so.
11. EXISTING SERVICES
Existing electrical cables, gas pipes, water pipes, heating pipes, drainage, communications cables and other services may be concealed within the building. WDI Group will exercise reasonable care when undertaking intrusive work. The Client should disclose any known unusual or concealed service routes before work commences. Where existing services are incorrectly positioned, undocumented, defective or otherwise require alteration because of conditions which could not reasonably have been identified beforehand, additional work will be chargeable.
12. DAMP, MOULD & WATER INGRESS
Unless specifically included within the quotation, WDI Group does not warrant that general building or decorative works will resolve existing damp, mould, condensation or water-ingress problems. Where such conditions become apparent during works, further investigation or remedial work may be recommended and will be separately chargeable unless already within agreed scope.
13. EXISTING FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS
Existing building surfaces may be uneven, out of level, out of plumb or out of square. Unless substantial correction is specifically included within the quotation, WDI Group will undertake reasonable preparation appropriate to agreed finish but does not guarantee existing structures will become perfectly level, straight, square or plumb.
14. MATCHING EXISTING MATERIALS
Where new work adjoins existing brickwork, render, plaster, timber, flooring, tiles, paint, roofing, paving or other materials, an exact match cannot be guaranteed. Existing materials may have weathered, faded, aged or become unavailable. WDI Group will make reasonable efforts to achieve an appropriate match where matching forms part of agreed scope.
15. CLIENT-SUPPLIED MATERIALS
Where the Client supplies materials, fixtures, fittings or products, the Client is responsible for ensuring they are correct, suitable, compatible, complete, undamaged, available when required and supplied in sufficient quantities. WDI Group is not responsible for defects, shortages, incorrect dimensions, late deliveries or manufacturing faults affecting Client-supplied products. Additional labour, delays or return visits resulting from these issues will be chargeable.
16. WARRANTY ON CLIENT-SUPPLIED PRODUCTS
Client-supplied products are not covered by a WDI Group product or parts warranty. Where WDI Group is required to remove, investigate, repair, replace or refit a defective Client-supplied item, associated labour and attendance will be chargeable. The Client is responsible for pursuing any applicable warranty directly with their supplier or manufacturer.
17. MATERIAL AVAILABILITY & SUBSTITUTION
WDI Group cannot guarantee continued availability of any specified material or product. Where a specified item becomes unavailable, WDI Group will discuss a reasonably suitable alternative with the Client before making a material substitution. Any significant price difference will be agreed before proceeding.
18. CLIENT VARIATIONS
Any Client-requested change to agreed works may constitute a variation. Variations can affect contract price, materials, labour, programme and work already completed. Where reasonably practicable, WDI Group will advise the Client of additional cost before varied work proceeds. Where a Client requests completed work is altered, removed or repeated because they have changed preference or specification, resulting work will be chargeable.
19. VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS
Where the Client gives a clear verbal instruction for additional or varied work during the project and WDI Group acts upon that instruction, the work will be chargeable even where a formal revised quotation has not yet been issued. Where reasonably practicable, significant variations will be confirmed in writing.
20. DELAYS CAUSED BY CLIENT DECISIONS
The Client is responsible for making selections and decisions reasonably required for the project in sufficient time. Delays caused by late selection of products, colours, finishes, layouts or other Client decisions may extend the programme and may result in additional costs.
21. ACCESS
The Client must provide reasonable access to the property and working areas during agreed working hours. Where access is unavailable, restricted or delayed, resulting lost time, aborted attendance or additional visits may be chargeable.
22. WORKING HOURS
Unless otherwise agreed, works will normally be undertaken during WDI Group's normal working hours. Where the Client requests evening, weekend or other out-of-hours work, additional charges may apply.
23. OCCUPIED PROPERTIES
Where the Client remains in occupation during building works, reasonable disruption should be expected. The Client must keep children, pets and other persons away from active working areas and comply with reasonable safety instructions. WDI Group may temporarily restrict access to areas which are unsafe during construction.
24. CLIENT POSSESSIONS
The Client is responsible for removing or appropriately protecting valuable, fragile or sensitive possessions from working areas before work begins. WDI Group will take reasonable care but cannot accept responsibility for possessions left within an area the Client has been asked or reasonably expected to clear, except where damage results from WDI Group's failure to exercise reasonable care and skill.
25. DUST, NOISE & VIBRATION
Building works inherently create dust, noise and vibration. WDI Group will take reasonable precautions appropriate to work to reduce unnecessary spread of dust and debris, but a completely dust-free environment cannot be guaranteed. Vibration from normal construction work may expose existing loose, poorly fixed or deteriorated finishes.
26. PROTECTION OF EXISTING AREAS
Where floor, furniture or surface protection is included or reasonably required, WDI Group will take appropriate precautions. Protective materials reduce risk of damage but cannot guarantee complete protection from every effect of construction activity.
27. UTILITIES
The Client will normally provide reasonable access to water and electricity required to carry out works unless otherwise agreed. Temporary interruption of water, electricity, heating or other services may be necessary during the project.
28. WASTE
Waste removal is included only where stated within the quotation. Where included, WDI Group will remove waste generated directly by agreed works. Existing household waste, third-party construction waste, hazardous waste and materials not generated by WDI Group's agreed works are excluded unless specifically agreed.
29. SKIPS & WASTE CONTAINERS
Where skips or waste containers are required, the quotation will state whether they are included. The Client is responsible for preventing third parties from placing unauthorised waste into a skip located at the property. Additional charges resulting from overloading, prohibited materials or third-party waste may be passed to the Client where reasonably incurred.
30. SCAFFOLDING & ACCESS EQUIPMENT
Scaffolding, towers, lifting equipment and specialist access are included only where specifically stated. If additional access equipment becomes reasonably necessary because of site conditions which were not apparent when quotation was prepared, additional cost will be chargeable.
31. WEATHER
External works are dependent upon suitable weather conditions. Rain, frost, extreme heat, high winds or other adverse conditions may delay works or prevent particular materials from being safely or correctly installed. Reasonable weather-related delays do not constitute a breach of contract.
32. PROGRAMME & COMPLETION DATES
Any start or completion date is provided in good faith based upon circumstances known at the time. WDI Group will make reasonable efforts to follow anticipated programme but cannot guarantee an exact completion date where delays arise from unforeseen site conditions, material shortages, Client variations, delayed Client decisions, adverse weather, statutory inspections, third-party contractors, utility companies, supplier delays or circumstances outside WDI Group's reasonable control. The Client will be kept reasonably informed of significant programme changes.
33. OTHER CONTRACTORS
Where the Client appoints other contractors, WDI Group is not responsible for their workmanship, conduct or programme. The Client should ensure other contractors cooperate with project programme. Where another contractor delays, damages, alters or interferes with WDI Group's work, resulting additional work or attendance will be chargeable.
34. SUBCONTRACTORS
WDI Group may use suitably skilled subcontractors to undertake parts of works. WDI Group remains responsible to the Client for work undertaken by subcontractors appointed directly by WDI Group, subject to terms of the agreement.
35. DECORATING & FINISHES
Fresh plaster, timber, caulk, filler, paint and other materials can shrink or move while drying. Minor shrinkage cracks and settlement may occur and do not necessarily indicate defective workmanship. Where appropriate, the Client may need to undertake normal future decorative maintenance.
36. PLASTERING
Plastering will be carried out to an appropriate standard for agreed finish. Existing backgrounds can affect drying, adhesion and final appearance. Unless specifically included, WDI Group does not guarantee correction of underlying structural movement or existing damp by replastering alone.
37. TIMBER
Timber is a natural material and may expand, contract, twist, split or change appearance as moisture levels vary. Minor natural movement in timber is not necessarily a workmanship defect.
38. CARPENTRY & EXISTING OPENINGS
Existing walls, floors, ceilings and openings may not be square, level or plumb. Doors, frames, skirting, architraves, cabinetry and other carpentry installed into existing buildings may require reasonable adjustment to suit existing conditions.
39. DAMAGE OR ALTERATION BY OTHERS
WDI Group's warranty does not cover work subsequently damaged, modified, drilled, removed, adjusted or interfered with by the Client or another contractor. Where WDI Group is requested to investigate or rectify such issues, the work will be chargeable.
40. CLEANING
WDI Group will undertake reasonable builders' cleaning of areas directly affected by our work where appropriate. Unless expressly included, price does not include professional deep cleaning of entire property. Fine construction dust may continue to settle after works have been completed.
41. SNAGGING
The Client should notify WDI Group within a reasonable period of any apparent snagging items following completion. Genuine workmanship defects within WDI Group's responsibility will be addressed within a reasonable period. Minor snagging or cosmetic items which do not prevent reasonable use of completed works do not automatically entitle the Client to withhold the entire outstanding balance.
42. OPPORTUNITY TO REMEDY
Where the Client believes WDI Group's workmanship is defective, the Client should notify WDI Group and provide us with a reasonable opportunity to inspect and, where appropriate, remedy the alleged defect. Except in a genuine emergency or where otherwise required by law, the Client should not instruct another contractor to carry out remedial work at WDI Group's cost without first giving WDI Group a reasonable opportunity to investigate and remedy the matter.
43. WDI GROUP WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY
Unless expressly stated otherwise within the quotation, WDI Group provides a 12-month workmanship warranty from completion of relevant building works. The warranty covers defects arising directly from workmanship undertaken by WDI Group. It does not cover pre-existing or concealed defects, manufacturer product failures, Client-supplied materials or products, normal wear and tear, normal drying/shrinkage/settlement, structural movement unrelated to WDI Group's work, damp/condensation/water ingress from sources outside WDI Group's work, accidental damage, misuse, lack of maintenance, damage caused by another contractor, or subsequent alteration or interference. Where a reported warranty issue is investigated and found not to result from WDI Group's workmanship, attendance and diagnostic work will be chargeable. Nothing within these terms affects the Client's statutory rights.
44. SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION
Works will be considered substantially complete when principal contracted works have been completed and relevant area is reasonably capable of its intended use, notwithstanding minor snagging, cosmetic adjustments or outstanding items which do not materially prevent its use.
45. PAYMENT & STAGED PAYMENTS
Payment is due in accordance with quotation and agreed payment schedule. Where staged payments are specified, each payment becomes due when relevant stage has been substantially achieved. Minor snagging items do not automatically suspend payment of sums otherwise properly due. Agreed variations and additional works will be included within relevant stage payment or final invoice unless otherwise agreed.
46. SUSPENSION FOR NON-PAYMENT
Where an undisputed payment has become due and remains unpaid, WDI Group may, subject to applicable law and after reasonable notice where appropriate, suspend further works until payment is received. Any resulting reasonable delay to programme will extend anticipated completion date.
47. COMPLETION DOCUMENTATION
Any certificates, warranties, manuals or other completion documentation applicable to WDI Group's scope will be provided where required and available. Documents relating to Client-appointed contractors remain responsibility of those contractors.
48. ACCEPTANCE
By accepting a quotation, paying a requested deposit or instructing WDI Group to commence general building works, the Client confirms acceptance of the individual quotation and agreed scope, WDI Group's Standard Quotation Terms & Conditions, these General Building Works Terms & Conditions, any other applicable WDI Group trade-specific terms, and any project-specific conditions stated within the quotation. Nothing within these terms affects the Client's statutory rights.