TERMS & CONDITIONS
How 2 Cut Ltd
Acceptance of Terms
These Terms & Conditions form the contract between How 2 Cut Ltd (“the Company”) and the client (“the Client”).
This contract becomes legally binding once the Client confirms acceptance in writing by email or text message.
A quotation may also specify a different acceptance method if required for that Client (e.g. deposit payment or signed approval). That method will take priority.
If there is any conflict between documents, these Terms & Conditions take precedence.
1. About How 2 Cut Ltd
How 2 Cut Ltd provides structural carpentry and building services, including but not limited to:
- Loft conversions
- Roof structures (hand-cut and truss), dormers, hip-to-gable conversions
- Home extensions
- Structural timber works
- Installation of RSJ beams and steelwork
- Internal structural works
- All areas of first fix carpentry
Work is carried out by qualified carpenters and approved contractors, following UK building regulations and industry standards. External specialists (engineers, architects, suppliers) may be used where required.
2. Estimates and Quotations
2.1 All quotations are based on the information available at the time of assessment.
2.2 Quotes are valid for 30 days unless stated otherwise.
2.3 Prices may change if drawings, access, site conditions or scope differ from what was initially assessed.
2.4 The Client must provide architectural drawings, structural drawings and engineer calculations unless otherwise agreed.
2.5 Prices may be adjusted if material costs rise or if inaccurate measurements or drawings are supplied.
2.6 Timeline estimates may change due to weather, supplier delays, planning or building control, or unforeseen conditions.
2.7 Only items listed in the quotation are included.
2.8 If drawings or information provided by the Client contain errors, the Company is not liable for additional costs caused by those errors.
3. Services and Workmanship
3.1 Work is carried out with reasonable skill, care and attention.
3.2 The Company is responsible only for the services listed in the quotation.
3.3 Electrical, plumbing, gas, plastering or decorating works are not included unless clearly stated.
3.4 Structural work must comply with building regulations.
3.5 Building control arrangements are the Client’s responsibility unless agreed otherwise.
3.6 Natural timber movement, minor settlement cracks and cosmetic marks are not considered defects.
3.7 External factors such as damp, leaks, poor ventilation, blocked gutters or other trades may affect results and are outside the Company’s control.
3.8 The Company is not responsible for damage caused by other contractors working before, during or after our works.
3.9 The Company is not responsible for existing non-compliant, unsafe or hidden structural issues that were not visible during assessment.
4. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to:
4.1 Provide safe, clear and unobstructed access.
4.2 Ensure all planning permissions and building control notices are in place before work begins.
4.3 Remove personal belongings and furniture from the work area.
4.4 Provide accurate drawings, surveys, specifications and utility information.
4.5 Provide electricity, water, parking and welfare access.
4.6 Keep pets and children away from work areas.
4.7 Maintain safe site conditions throughout.
4.8 Protect completed work from damage by other trades or occupants.
4.9 Notify neighbours where required.
4.10 Client-caused delays (including lack of access, missing decisions, other trades blocking progress, incomplete drawings or unavailable information) may result in:
- Additional labour charges
- Waiting time charges
- Rescheduling fees
- Extended project timelines
4.11 The Client is responsible for identifying and managing asbestos risks within the property. Any asbestos surveys or reports must be provided to the Company prior to commencement where applicable.
5. Project Changes and Additional Work
5.1 All changes must be confirmed in writing (email or text accepted).
5.2 Variations include hidden defects (including but not limited to rot, pests, structural defects or asbestos), changes in design, additional labour or materials, site conditions not reasonably visible at the time of quotation, or client-requested alterations.
5.3 Reductions in scope also count as variations and may not reduce the contract value if work or material allocation has already been made.
5.4 No additional work will proceed without written approval.
5.5 Emergency safety work may be carried out immediately; charges will apply.
5.6 Variations may extend timelines and timeline extensions cannot be used to withhold payment.
5A. Asbestos
- The Company does not carry out asbestos surveys, testing, identification or removal unless expressly agreed in writing.
- The Company relies on information provided by the Client and visual inspection only and accepts no responsibility for identifying asbestos-containing materials.
- If asbestos or suspected asbestos-containing materials are discovered at any stage:
- All work will stop immediately in the affected area
The matter must be dealt with by a licensed asbestos contractor appointed by the Client - Any additional costs arising from asbestos, including but not limited to testing, specialist removal, delays, re-mobilisation, redesign, extended hire, labour or preliminaries, are not included in the quotation and will be fully chargeable.
- The Company is not liable for delays, costs, losses or project extensions caused by asbestos or suspected asbestos.
- Programme delays resulting from asbestos do not constitute grounds for cancellation, penalty or withholding payment.
6. Completion (Defined)
6.1 Completion means all work listed in the quotation has been finished to a reasonable industry standard (including Building Control standards), excluding minor snagging.
6.2 Completion allows the Company to issue the final invoice.
6.3 The Client must provide access for any snagging. If access is not provided within a reasonable time, the snagging obligation becomes void.
7. Payments and Invoices
7.1 A deposit is required to secure dates and or order materials.
7.2 Deposits are non-refundable once procurement or scheduling has begun.
7.3 Payments must follow the agreed schedule (deposit, stage payments, weekly invoices or final balance).
7.4 Payment terms to be determined on estimate.
7.5 The final balance is due by the date included on the completion invoice.
7.6 If payment is late or withheld:
- Work may be paused immediately
- Materials or temporary works may be removed
- A restart or rescheduling fee may apply
- The Company is not liable for delays resulting from suspension
7.7 Ownership:
Materials remain the property of How 2 Cut Ltd until paid for in full.
Offcuts and unused materials also remain the property of the Company unless otherwise agreed.
7.8 Interest may be charged on overdue invoices under UK legislation.
7.9 Payment cannot be withheld for minor snagging or unrelated issues.
8. Cancellations
8.1 Cancellations must be made in writing.
8.2 Deposits are non-refundable once dates are booked or materials ordered.
8.3 If cancelled more than 30 days before start, the deposit is retained.
8.4 If cancelled within 30 days, the deposit is retained plus a cancellation fee of up to 10 percent of the project value.
8.5 If work has started, all labour, materials, mobilisation and demobilisation costs must be paid.
8.6 Client-requested rescheduling may incur additional charges.
9. Site Safety and Conduct
9.1 The Company follows UK health and safety regulations.
9.2 Clients must not handle tools, equipment or materials.
9.3 Children and pets must be kept away from work areas.
9.4 Work may be paused if the site becomes unsafe or obstructed.
9.5 Weather-dependent tasks may be paused for safety.
10. Materials, Waste and Suppliers
10.1 High-quality materials appropriate for the project will be used.
10.2 Supplier delays or defects are outside the Company’s control.
10.3 Equivalent materials may be supplied if preferred items are unavailable.
10.4 Specialist items (RSJs, engineered timbers, bespoke joinery) may require full payment before manufacture.
10.5 Waste removal:
- If waste removal or skip hire is included, it will be stated in the quotation
- Additional waste, extra skips or Client-added rubbish will be chargeable
- Waste beyond normal construction amounts may incur extra charges
11. Snagging
11.1 The Client may inspect the work on completion.
11.2 Snagging must be reported within 14 days in writing.
11.3 Snagging does not include natural timber movement, settlement cracks, issues caused by other trades or cosmetic marks typical of construction.
11.4 Extra visits for non-qualifying snagging are chargeable.
11.5 Snagging does not delay payment of the final balance.
12. Guarantees
12.1 Structural workmanship includes a 12-month guarantee unless stated otherwise.
12.2 Guarantees are void if:
- Another contractor alters or damages the work
- The Client fails to maintain the property
- Environmental factors such as damp, leaks or pests affect the work
12.3 Manufacturer warranties apply to materials.
12.4 Timber is a natural product and may move, shrink or twist; this is not covered.
13. Liability
13.1 The Company holds Public Liability and Employer’s Liability insurance.
13.2 The Company is not liable for:
- Pre-existing defects
- Hidden structural issues not visible during assessment
- Asbestos or suspected asbestos-containing materials
- Delays caused by weather, suppliers, planning or building control
- Incorrect client-supplied drawings or measurements
- Damage from damp, leaks, pests or poor maintenance
- Movement of existing buildings
- Damage caused by other trades
13.3 The Company is not liable for consequential losses including accommodation costs, loss of earnings, loss of rental income, business interruption or alternative living arrangements.
13.4 The Client must ensure their building insurance covers structural works.
13.5 Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot be excluded under UK law.
14. Force Majeure
The Company is not liable for delays or failure to complete work due to events outside its control, including extreme weather, supplier failure, accident or illness, fire, flood, natural events, strikes, transport disruption or government restrictions. Timelines will be extended accordingly.
15. Privacy and Data
15.1 Client information may be stored for project and communication purposes.
15.2 Data is not sold to third parties.
15.3 Full details are contained in our Privacy Policy.
15.4 Calls or messages may be recorded for training and quality purposes.
16. Website Use
16.1 All content on how2cut.co.uk is owned by How 2 Cut Ltd.
16.2 Content may not be copied or reused without permission.
16.3 Website information may change without notice.
16.4 We are not responsible for external website content.
17. Dispute Resolution
17.1 The Client must raise any complaint in writing.
17.2 The Company will attempt to resolve issues promptly.
17.3 If unresolved, both parties agree to consider mediation before legal action.
18. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Any disputes will be handled through the appropriate legal channels.