How to find a reliable builder

If you are looking to change or extend your current home with a new home extension, loft conversion, or refurbishment of some kind, it can be quite an overwhelming time. Its vitally important to get the right team of people working with you on every aspect of the project. One of the most common challenges for anyone is how to find a reliable builder?

Over the years we’ve really listened to our clients. Their wishes, their needs and their wants. We know what’s been asked of us to provide the best service to our clients and so here are some points to guide you through what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a builder.

Table of Contents

How do I find a reliable builder? – Option one – Recommendations & Searches

Friends and Family – The first advice would be to ask friends or family for recommendations. Reliable and honest opinions are what you need. If they have had work done and are local to you, ask if you can look at the work (if you didn’t witness it happening in real time). Ask how the builder operated, how they were to deal with, and whether they feel the job was priced appropriately, amongst other aspects.

If you’re using an architect for your project, they will often have building companies which they work with regularly. And, other trades and building inspectors will often also provide you with recommendations. They may have worked with them or will know of them and their work.

Search online – reputable and trustworthy builders are likely to have social media sites or a website, where you can also see customer testimonials and before and after photographs. But there are also trade sites you could search specifically to find a reliable builder for your project. Always check out reviews online of any company you are considering.

How do I find a reliable builder? – Option two – Local Builders

Drive around your local area to see what building projects are on the go, and don’t be afraid to ask the homeowners for their feedback.

Finding a builder who works locally will help for several reasons. If they’re currently undertaking a project in your area, you have chance to see their work from the start to finish. There is nothing to stop you driving or walking by every now and then to watch the progress.

You can see how they work on site. Look for things such as whether they keep the site tidy, is there evidence of health and safety? If it’s a smaller project within a home can you tell if they are keeping disruption to a minimum, is the outside of the house and area around it being impacted?

A locally based builder will also know local suppliers, is likely to have an account with them and will be able to source materials more easily. As well as links with other local tradespeople if they need to bring in specialists outside their own team.

And of course coming from the local area there’s no excuses for a reliable builder being caught in the traffic or bad weather meaning they can’t get to you!

How do I find a reliable builder? – Pricing and Quotations

Don’t just ask for one quote. In fact, we would recommend getting at least three quotes before choosing a builder.
Be clear on what you are asking for and also don’t be afraid to give them your budget (a good builder will often advise you to have a contingency budget within the overall amount you want to spend for larger projects).
Make sure you are asking for the same level of detail on the quote from each builder. Does it include removal of waste? Does it include labour, materials, and VAT? Who will be responsible for sourcing which items?
Ask for all three quotes in writing so that you can easily compare, and be clear on whether it is a true quote or an estimate (remember, an estimate is just that, so could go up or down during the project if the builder has miscalculated in any way).
Ask for confirmation of timescales – for starting and completion of the project.
Are you expected to pay for any of the work in advance? We would not advise that you pay the full amount for any job up front just in case there are any issues or areas you are unhappy with. Many reputable builders ask for payment in installments as they complete key stages of the project.
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best. You could end up paying twice if your builder has cut corners and the work needs to be corrected by an expert. ‘Rogue traders’ may simply try to undercut the rest, so remember if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!
Finally, make sure you have the relevant contact details and make it clear to the builder that you are seeking other quotations. Professional and reputable tradespeople will expect this, so do not be afraid to make it clear to them.
Take up the offer of speaking to their past customers too. Yes, or course they will only give you the details of the happy ones, but it is definitely still worth speaking to them.

How to find a reliable builder – Questions to ask

How long have they been in business? It is always a good first indicator of a reliable builder if they have been around for several years.

Do they have any trade memberships? Unlike other trades, qualifications and certificates do not necessarily reflect the expertise or professionalism of a builder. But they are likely to be backed by a trade body or association, which will allow extra protection for you should you experience anything untoward.

Insurance – what level of insurance is in place and what does it cover? A reliable builder will always be happy to show you evidence of their insurance.

Ask if the work is guaranteed and what their process is for any disputes. Obviously, we hope this does not happen, but it is still worth checking before you sign any contracts.

Timescales – it’s important to have realistic expectations, so if it sounds as if the work will be rushed, this could be a warning sign. Make it clear you want to be kept updated, but not so much you will be constantly on their case! Also, check how many sites the builder has running at once – it may sound impressive if they have a number, but it could also lead to delays – perhaps ask if you could speak to the people they are currently working for.

Payment terms – check when payments are due, ensure you will be provided with receipts for materials as well as other costs within the final invoice. Most tradespeople will keep you updated with costs vs budget throughout the project, so again check that your builder will do this. Transparency in communication is key when choosing a builder.

reliable builders

So, you’ve gone through the plans, you’ve agreed the quote and terms, and you have signed your contract – yes, we would recommend signing a formal document to make sure you all agree the project terms, and responsibilities and sign-off process once it is completed.

Now you’re ready to go ahead with the work itself and enjoy the results.

Why Copperwheat Conversions are a reliable builder you can trust

As a family run business, we pride ourselves in over 24 years’ experience from father to sons. We specialise in all areas of building services, and treat each project as though it were our own home.

We find that communication is one of the most important things within any of our projects.

Taking time to understand what you want and need, and making sure you know what to expect from us, will keep us all happy and the job running to plan!

From a budget planning perspective, we guarantee that all work will come in at the price agreed from the start of our partnership, and we are so confident in delivering nothing but the best, and meeting your expectations, that we offer a full 12-month Guarantee on all work completed.

And finally, all of our work conforms to local council standards of safety and workmanship.

So if you are interested in a free consultation and quote for your home renovation, extension, conversion or new kitchen or bathroom, please feel free to get in touch today to see why RJL Builders really is a reliable builder you can trust.

We hope that you have found this blog on how to find a reliable builder an interesting read and useful. Some extra information and further reading from the Guardian on avoiding cowboy builders.

Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions for Supply of Goods & Services

INTERPRETATION
1. DefinitionsBusiness Day: a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in England, when banks in London are open for business.
  Cancellation: act of deciding that an organized event will not happen or of stopping an order for something.
  Customer Default: has the meaning given in Clause 7.2.
  Commencement Date: has the meaning given in Clause 2.2.
  Conditions: these terms and conditions as amended from time to time in accordance with Clause 16.8.
  Consultation: the Supplier attending the Customers property and discussing their requirements.
  Contract: the contract between the Supplier and the Customer for the supply of Goods and/or Services in accordance with these Conditions.
  Customer: the person or firm who purchases the Goods and/or Services from the Supplier.
  Data Controller: has the meaning set out in GDPR Article 24 and section 1(1) of the Data Protection Act 1998.
  Data Subject: an individual who is the subject of Personal Data.
  Deliverables: the deliverables set out in the Order produced by the Supplier for the Customer.
  Delivery Location: has the meaning given in Clause 5.1.
  Digital Quotation: a formal statement setting out the estimated cost for a particular job or service.
  Force Majeure Event: has the meaning given to it in Clause 15.
  GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation.
  Goods: the goods (or any part of them) set out in the Order.
  Goods Specification: any specification for the Goods, including any relevant plans or drawings, that is agreed in writing by the Customer and the Supplier.
  Installation: Installation of products and Materials
  Intellectual Property Rights: patents, rights to inventions, copyright and related rights, trademarks and service marks, business names and domain names, rights in get-up, goodwill and the right to sue for passing off or unfair competition, rights in designs, rights in computer software, database rights, rights to use, and protect the confidentiality of, confidential information (including know-how and trade secrets), and all other intellectual property rights, in each case whether registered or unregistered and including all applications and rights to apply for and be granted, renewals or extensions of, and rights to claim priority from, such rights and all similar or equivalent rights or forms of protection which subsist or will subsist now or in the future in any part of the world
  Order: the Customer’s order for the supply of Goods and/or Services, as set out in the Customer’s acceptance of the Supplier’s Quotation. Acceptance of the Quote is subject to agreement of details specified and is agreement for the Supplier to book a Commencement Date.
  Personal Data: has the meaning set out in GDPR Article 4.1 and section 1(1) of the Data Protection Act 1998 and relates only to personal data, or any part of such personal data, in respect of which the Customer is the Data Controller and in relation to which the Supplier is providing Services under the Contract.
  Processing and process: have the meaning set out GDPR Article 4.2 and section 1(1) of the Data Protection Act 1998.
  Services: the services, including the Deliverables, supplied by the Supplier to the Customer as set out in the Service Specification.
  Service Specification: the description or specification for the Services provided in writing by the Supplier to the Customer.
  Supplier: Richard Copperwheat Trading As Copperwheat Conversions, based in England.
  Supplier Materials: has the meaning given in Clause 7.1(H).
2. Interpretation
  1. A person includes a natural person, corporate or unincorporated body (whether or not having separate legal personality).
  2. A reference to a party includes its personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.
  3. A reference to a statute or statutory provision is a reference to it as amended or re-enacted. A reference to a statute or statutory provision includes all subordinate legislation made under that statute or statutory provision.
  4. Any words following the terms including, include, in particular, for example or any similar expression shall be construed as illustrative and shall not limit the sense of the words, description, definition, phrase or term preceding those terms.
  5. A reference to writing or written includes faxes and emails.
BASIS OF CONTRACT
1. The Order constitutes an offer by the Customer to purchase Goods and/or Services in accordance with these Conditions.
2. The Order shall only be deemed to be accepted when the Supplier issues written acceptance of the Order at which point, and on which date the Contract shall come into existence (Commencement Date).
3. Any samples, drawings, descriptive matter or advertising issued by the Supplier and any descriptions of the Goods or illustrations or descriptions of the Services contained in the Supplier’s catalogues or brochures are issued or published for the sole purpose of giving an approximate idea of the Services and/or Goods described in them. They shall not form part of the Contract or have any contractual force.
4. These Conditions apply to the Contract to the exclusion of any other terms that the Customer seeks to impose or incorporate, or which are implied by trade, custom, practice or course of dealing.
5. Any quotation given by the Supplier shall not constitute an offer, and is only valid for a period of 20 Business Days from its date of issue.
6. All of these Conditions shall apply to the supply of both Goods and Services except where application to one or the other is specified.
GOODS AND MATERIALS
1. The Goods and Materials are described as per the Goods Specification provided by the Supplier.
2. The Supplier reserves the right to amend the Goods Specification if required by any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement, and the Supplier shall notify the Customer in any such event.
QUALITY OF GOODS AND MATERIALS
1. The Supplier confirms the following warranties apply to the goods used in providing their services shall:
  1. the Manufacturer’s warranty (and its limitations) will apply to the Goods at all times;
  2. all Goods supplied to be of satisfactory quality (within the meaning of the Sale of Goods Act 1979).
2. The Supplier shall not be liable for the Goods’ failure to comply with the warranty in Clause 4.1 if:
  1. the Customer makes any further use of such Goods after giving a notice of an defect and/or malfunction;
  2. the defect arises because the Customer failed to follow the Manufacturer’s oral or written instructions as to the storage, installation, commissioning, use or maintenance of the Goods or (if there are none) good trade practice;
  3. the defect arises as a result of the Supplier following any drawing, design or Goods Specification supplied by the Customer;
  4. the Customer alters or repairs such Goods without the written consent of the Supplier;
  5. the defect arises as a result of fair wear and tear, wilful damage, negligence, or abnormal working conditions; or
  6. the Supplier is required to make changes to the Goods to make them functional;
  7. the Goods differ from their description as a result of changes made to ensure they comply with applicable statutory or regulatory standards.
3. Except as provided in this Clause 4, the Supplier shall have no liability to the Customer in respect of the Goods’ failure to comply with the warranty set out in Clause 4.1.
4. The terms of these Conditions shall apply to any repaired or replacement Goods supplied by the Supplier.
DELIVERY OF GOODS
1. Where the Supplier is instructed to source goods, they shall liaise with their selected third parties and arrange delivery of the Goods to the location set out in the Order or such other location as the parties may agree (Delivery Location).
2. Delivery of the Goods shall be completed on the completion of unloading of the Goods at the Delivery Location.
3. Any dates quoted for delivery of the Goods are approximate only, and the time of delivery is not of the essence. The Supplier shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of the Goods by the selected third party.
4. If the Customer fails to take delivery of the Goods by the selected third party on the agreed date, then except where such failure or delay is caused by a Force Majeure Event the Supplier reserves the right change the work Commencement Date.
5. If the Customer fails to use the Supplier’s recommended third parties and chooses to supply Goods via their own sources and delivery is delayed, then the Supplier reserves the right to bill the Customer for any such delays in work being carried out.
SUPPLY OF SERVICES
1. These Terms and Conditions apply to the following services (with full details of the specific services which are to be provided to be detailed in the quote), provided by the Supplier:
  1. Extensions;
  2. Kitchens;
  3. Bathrooms;
  4. Loft Conversions.
2. The Supplier shall use all reasonable endeavours to meet any performance dates specified in the quotation, but any such dates shall be estimates only and time shall not be of the essence for performance of the Services.
3. The Supplier reserves the right to amend the Specification if necessary, to comply with any applicable law or regulatory requirement, or if the amendment will not materially affect the nature or quality of the Services, and the Supplier shall notify the Customer in any such event.
4. The Supplier warrants to the Customer that the Services will be provided using reasonable care and skill.
5. The Supplier provides a 12-month warranty on all labour provided in supplying the services, on the strict proviso that the Suppliers aftercare instructions have been adhered to and no tampering has occurred. If the aftercare is not adhered to, then the warranty will be void.
6. If the Supplier is required to supply and goods and/or services supplied by a third party, the Supplier does not give any warranty, guarantee or other term or condition as to the quality, fitness for purpose or otherwise, but shall, where possible, pass on to the Customer the benefit of any warranty, guarantee or indemnity given by such third party to the Supplier.
7. The Supplier reserves the right to submit a new and separate proposal, for written approval if the Customer requests changes or revisions which are deemed to be in excess of ten percent (10%) of the time required to produce the initial deliverables, and or the value or scope of the services. Work shall not begin on the revised services and/or until a fully signed revised proposal and, if required, any additional retainer fees are agreed
CUSTOMER’S OBLIGATIONS
1. >The Customer shall:
  1. ensure that the terms of the Order and any information it provides in the Service Specification and the Goods Specification are complete and accurate;
  2. co-operate with the Supplier in all matters relating to the Services;
  3. provide the Supplier with full and clear access to the work area where the services are to be supplied, free of fixtures, fittings and furniture. Failure to do so, will result in Clauses 7.2(C) & 8.4;
  4. provide the Supplier with such information and materials as the Supplier may reasonably require in order to supply the Services, and ensure that such information is complete and accurate in all material respects;
  5. provide the Supplier with adequate parking, no more than 10 metres from the location of where the services are to be supplied. Where parking charges are applicable, the Customer agrees to meet the cost incurred to the Supplier.
  6. prepare the Customer’s premises for the supply of the Services;
  7. notify the Supplier, at least 48 hours prior to the commencement of work of any changes or additional work that is require din additional to the original quote.
  8. obtain and maintain all necessary licences, permissions and consents which may be required for the Services before the date on which the Services are to start;
  9. keep all materials, equipment, documents and other property of the Supplier (Supplier Materials) at the Client’s premises in safe custody at its own risk, maintain the Supplier Materials in good condition until returned to the Supplier, and not dispose of or use the Supplier Materials other than in accordance with the Supplier’s written instructions or authorisation;
  10. provide the Supplier with all relevant Notification periods, in good time;
  11. comply with all applicable laws, including health and safety laws;
2. If the Supplier’s performance of any of its obligations under the Contract is prevented or delayed by any act or omission by the Customer or failure by the Customer to perform any relevant obligation (Customer Default):
  1. without limiting or affecting any other right or remedy available to it, the Supplier shall have the right to suspend performance of the Services until the Customer remedies the Customer Default, and to rely on the Customer Default to relieve it from the performance of any of its obligations in each case to the extent the Customer Default prevents or delays the Supplier’s performance of any of its obligations;
  2. the Supplier shall not be liable for any costs or losses sustained or incurred by the Customer arising directly or indirectly from the Supplier’s failure or delay to perform any of its obligations as set out in this Clause 7.2;
  3. where the Supplier is unable to commence their services due not having full and clear access to the site and/or work area, the Supplier will enforce a penalty charge upon the Customer for clearing the area(s), see Clauses 7.1(C) & 8.4
  4. the Customer shall reimburse the Supplier on written demand for any costs or losses sustained or incurred by the Supplier arising directly or indirectly from the Customer Default.
CHARGES AND PAYMENT
1. The Charges for the Services shall be calculated on a time and materials basis:
  1. 1. the Charges shall be calculated in accordance with the Supplier’s fee stipulated in the Digital Quotation and Payment will be required in accordance with Clause 8.1(C);
    2. any provisional sums quoted in proposals are not binding. The sums quoted may vary based upon what the Customer selects from the recommended third party suppliers, which may also incur additional material and fitting costs if/where appropriate.
    3. the Supplier’s Services (see Clause 7.1) will be charged in the following manner:
  Jobs with a total value of below £20,000:
  1. 1. 1. Initial payment of one third of the value of the work, payable on the fourth working day, to be paid within 24 hours of the date of Supplier’s invoice;
      2. Final Payment – the remainder of the outstanding balance is payable upon completion of the agreed works and payable within 24 hours of the date of Supplier’s invoice;
  Jobs with a total value of in excess of £20,000:
  1. 1. Deposit – 10% of the total value of the work required prior to commencement;
    2. A payment plan for the remaining 90% of the value of the work will be providing in writing by the Supplier.
2. If the Customer cancels the agreed work, they will be liable to pay a cancellation fee of 20% of the agreed fee for the works. This fee will be payable within 7 days of invoice.
3. The Supplier reserves the right to increase the charges for the Services on an annual basis with effect from each anniversary of the Commencement Date in line with the percentage increase in the Retail Prices Index in the preceding 12-month period and the first such increase shall take effect on the first anniversary of the Commencement Date and shall be based on the latest available figure for the percentage increase in the Retail Prices Index;
4. The Supplier reserves the right to charge a Penalty Charge, where applicable, in accordance with Clauses 7.1(C) & 7.2(C) where the Supplier is required to clear the site and/or work area. The applicable fee will be £100.00, payable within 7 days of invoice.
5. The Customer shall pay each invoice submitted by the Supplier by BACS in full and in cleared funds to a bank account nominated in writing by the Supplier, and time for payment shall be of the essence of the Contract.
6. All amounts payable by the Customer under the Contract are inclusive of amounts in respect of value added tax chargeable from time to time (VAT). Where applicable, the VAT element of the invoice will be clearly specified and payment of this taxable element, is due upon the supply of the Services or Goods at the same time as payment is due for the supply of the Services or Goods.
7. If the Customer fails to make a payment due to the Supplier under the Contract by the due date, then, without limiting the Supplier’s remedies under Clause 13 (Termination), the Customer shall pay interest on the overdue sum from the due date until payment of the overdue sum, whether before or after judgment. Interest under this Clause 8.7 will accrue each day at 8% a year above the Bank of England’s base rate from time to time, but at 8% a year for any period when that base rate is below 0%.
8. All amounts due under the Contract shall be paid in full without any set-off, counterclaim, deduction or withholding (other than any deduction or withholding of tax as required by law).
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
1. All Intellectual Property Rights in or arising out of or in connection with the Services (other than Intellectual Property Rights in any materials provided by the Customer) shall be owned by the Supplier.
2. The Supplier grants to the Customer, or shall procure the direct grant to the Customer, of a fully paid-up, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence during the term of the Contract to copy the Deliverables (excluding materials provided by the Customer) for the purpose of receiving and using the Services and the Deliverables in its business.
3. The Customer shall not sub-license, assign or otherwise transfer the rights granted in Clause 9.2.
4. The Customer grants the Supplier a fully paid-up, non-exclusive, royalty-free, non-transferable licence to copy and modify any materials provided by the Customer to the Supplier for the term of the Contract for the purpose of providing the Services to the Customer.
DATA PROTECTION AND DATA PROCESSING
1. The Customer and the Supplier acknowledge that for the purposes of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Customer is the Data Controller and the Supplier is the Data Processor in respect of any Personal Data.
2. The Supplier shall process the Personal Data only in accordance with the Customer’s instructions from time to time and shall not process the Personal Data for any purposes other than those expressly authorised by the Customer.
3. The Supplier shall take reasonable steps to ensure the reliability of all its employees who have access to the Personal Data.
4. Each party warrants to the other that it will process the Personal Data in compliance with all applicable laws, enactments, regulations, orders, standards and other similar instruments.
5. The Supplier warrants that, having regard to the state of technological development and the costs of implementing any measures, it will:
  1. take appropriate technical and organisational measures against the unauthorised or unlawful processing of Personal Data and against the accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, Personal Data to ensure a level of security appropriate to:
    1. the harm that might result from such unauthorised or unlawful processing or accidental loss, destruction or damage; and
    2. the nature of the data to be protected.
  2. take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with those measures.
6. Each party agrees to indemnify and keep indemnified and defend at its own expense the other party against all costs, claims, damages or expenses incurred by the other party or for which the other party may become liable due to any failure by the first party or its employees or agents to comply with any of its obligations under this Clause 10.
7. The Customer acknowledges that the Supplier is reliant on the Customer for direction as to the extent to which the Supplier is entitled to use and process the Personal Data. Consequently, the Supplier will not be liable for any claim brought by a Data Subject arising from any action or omission by the Supplier, to the extent that such action or omission resulted directly from the Customer’s instructions.
CONFIDENTIALITY
1. Each party undertakes that it shall not at any time during the Contract, and for a period of five years after termination of the Contract, disclose to any person any confidential information concerning the business, affairs, Customer’s, or Customer’s Suppliers of the other party, except as permitted by Clause 11.2.
2. Each party may disclose the other party’s confidential information:
  1. to its employees, officers, representatives, subcontractors or advisers who need to know such information for the purposes of carrying out the party’s obligations under the Contract. Each party shall ensure that its employees, officers, representatives, subcontractors or advisers to whom it discloses the other party’s confidential information comply with this Clause 11; and
  2. as may be required by law, a court of competent jurisdiction or any governmental or regulatory authority.
3. Neither party shall use the other party’s confidential information for any purpose other than to perform its obligations under the Contract.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:
1. The total liability of Supplier to Customer from any cause whatsoever, will be limited to the lesser of Customer’s actual damages or the contractual price paid to Supplier for those Services supplied that are the subject of Customer Customer’s claim.
2. Subject to Clause 12.1, the Supplier shall not be liable to the Customer, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), for breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising under or in connection with the Contract for:
  1. loss of profits;
  2. loss of sales or business;
  3. loss of agreements or contracts;
  4. loss of anticipated savings;
  5. loss of use or corruption of software, data or information;
  6. loss of or damage to goodwill; and
  7. any indirect or consequential loss.
3. Subject to Clause 12.1, the Supplier’s total liability to the Customer, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty or otherwise, arising under or in connection with the Contract, shall be limited to 50% of the total charges paid under the Contract.
4. The terms implied by sections 13 to 15 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the terms implied by sections 3 to 5 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded from the Contract.
5. All claims against Supplier must be brought within one 1 year after the cause of action arises and Supplier waives any statute of limitations which might apply by operation of law or otherwise.
6. This Clause 12 shall survive termination of the Contract.
TERMINATION
1. Without affecting any other right or remedy available to it, either party may terminate the Contract prior to commencement by giving the other party 30 days written notice. If the Customer terminates the Contract they will still be liable for the cancellation fee as per Clause 8.2.
2. Without affecting any other right or remedy available to it, Supplier may terminate the Contract with immediate effect by giving written notice to the other party if:
  1. the Customer commits a material breach of any term of the Contract and (if such a breach is remediable) fails to remedy that breach within 24 hours of that party being notified in writing to do so;
  2. the Customer fails to pay any amount due under the Contract on the due date for payment
  3. the Customer takes any step or action in connection with its entering administration, provisional liquidation or any composition or arrangement with its creditors (other than in relation to a solvent restructuring), being wound up (whether voluntarily or by order of the court, unless for the purpose of a solvent restructuring), having a receiver appointed to any of its assets or ceasing to carry on business;
  4. the Customer suspends, or threatens to suspend, or ceases or threatens to cease to carry on all or a substantial part of its business;
  5. the Customer’s financial position deteriorates to such an extent that in the terminating party’s opinion the other party’s capability to adequately fulfil its obligations under the Contract has been placed in jeopardy; or
  6. there is a change of control of the Customer;
3. Without affecting any other right or remedy available to it, the Customer may terminate the Contract by providing 7 days written notice to the Supplier if:
  1. the Supplier commits a material breach of its obligations under the Contract and (if such breach is remediable) fails to remedy that breach within 72 hours after receipt of notice in writing to do so;
  2. the Supplier takes any step or action in connection with its entering administration, provisional liquidation or any composition or arrangement with its creditors (other than in relation to a solvent restructuring), being wound up (whether voluntarily or by order of the court, unless for the purpose of a solvent restructuring), having a receiver appointed to any of its assets or ceasing to carry on business
  3. the Supplier suspends, or threatens to suspend, or ceases or threatens to cease to carry on all or a substantial part of its business.
4. Without affecting any other right or remedy available to it, the Supplier may suspend the supply of Services under the Contract or any other contract between the Customer and the Supplier, if the Customer fails to pay any amount due under the Contract on the due date for payment, the Customer becomes subject to any of the events listed in Clause 13.2(C) to Clause 13.2(F), or the Supplier reasonably believes that the Customer is about to become subject to any of them.
CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION
1. On termination of the Contract:
  1. the Customer shall immediately pay to the Supplier all of the Supplier’s outstanding unpaid invoices (including any applicable cancellation fee in accordance with Clause 8.2) and interest and, in respect of the agreed Goods and Services including those for which the agreed Goods and Services have not been completed and/or supplied. Where no invoice has been submitted, the Supplier shall submit an invoice, which shall be payable by the Customer immediately on receipt;
  2. the Customer shall return all of the Supplier Materials and any Deliverables which have not been fully paid for. If the Customer fails to do so, then the Supplier may enter the Customer’s premises and take possession of them. Until they have been returned, the Customer shall be solely responsible for their safe keeping and will not use them for any purpose not connected with the Contract.
2. Termination or expiry of the Contract shall not affect any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities of the parties that have accrued up to the date of termination or expiry, including the right to claim damages in respect of any breach of the Contract which existed at or before the date of termination or expiry.
3. Any provision of the Contract that expressly or by implication is intended to come into or continue in force on or after termination or expiry of the Contract shall remain in full force and effect.
FORCE MAJEURE
Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform, nor be deemed to be in default, under this Agreement for any delay or failure in performance resulting from causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, acts of Governmental authorities, acts of terrorism, natural catastrophe, fire, storm, flood, earthquake, riot, insurrection, civil disturbance, sabotage, embargo, blockade, acts of war, accident, epidemics, lightning damage, electromagnetic interference, radio interference, strikes, industrial dispute, power failure or any other cause beyond its reasonable control.
GENERAL
1. Assignment and other dealings
  1. The Supplier may at any time assign, mortgage, charge, subcontract, delegate, declare a trust over or deal in any other manner with any or all of its rights and obligations under the Contract.
  2. The Customer shall not assign, transfer, mortgage, charge, subcontract, declare a trust over or deal in any other manner with any of its rights and obligations under the Contract.
2. Notices
  1. Any notice or other communication given to a party under or in connection with the Contract shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or by pre-paid first-class post or other next working day delivery service at its principal place of business; or sent by email to the address specified in the quote or order.
  2. Any notice or other communication shall be deemed to have been received: if delivered by hand, on signature of a delivery receipt or at the time the notice is left at the proper address; if sent by pre-paid first class post or other next working day delivery service, at 9.00 am on the second Business Day after posting or at the time recorded by the delivery service; or, if sent by fax or email, at 9.00 am on the next Business Day after transmission.
  3. This clause does not apply to the service of any proceedings or other documents in any legal.
3. SeveranceIf any provision or part-provision of the Contract is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal and enforceable. If such modification is not possible, the relevant provision or part-provision shall be deemed deleted. Any modification to or deletion of a provision or part-provision under this clause shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the rest of the Contract.
4. WaiverA waiver of any right or remedy under the Contract or by law is only effective if given in writing and shall not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default. A failure or delay by a party to exercise any right or remedy provided under the Contract or by law shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it prevent or restrict any further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. No single or partial exercise of any right or remedy provided under the Contract or by law shall prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy.
5. No partnership or agencyNothing in the Contract is intended to, or shall be deemed to, establish any partnership or joint venture between the parties, constitute either party the agent of the other, or authorise either party to make or enter into any commitments for or on behalf of the other party.
6. Entire agreement
  1. The Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes and extinguishes all previous agreements, promises, assurances, warranties, representations and understandings between them, whether written or oral, relating to its subject matter.
  2. Each party acknowledges that in entering into the Contract it does not rely on, and shall have no remedies in respect of any statement, representation, assurance or warranty (whether made innocently or negligently) that is not set out in the Contract. Each party agrees that it shall have no claim for innocent or negligent misrepresentation [or negligent misrepresentation] based on any statement in the Contract.
  3. Nothing in this clause shall limit or exclude any liability for fraud.
7. Third parties rights
  The Contract does not give rise to any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of the Contract.
8. Variation
  Except as set out in these Conditions, no variation of the Contract shall be effective unless it is agreed in writing and signed by the parties (or their authorised representatives).
9. Governing law
  The Contract and any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales.
10. Jurisdiction
  Each party irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with the Contract or its subject matter or formation.

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How do I find a reliable builder? – Pricing and Quotations

How to find a reliable builder – Questions to ask

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