DARTVALE HOME & GARDEN MAINTENANCE 

TERMS & CONDITIONS 

Last updated: 29 August 2026 

These Terms & Conditions apply to work carried out by Dartvale Home & Garden Maintenance 

("Dartvale", "we", "us" or "our") for customers ("you" or "the customer"). 

Dartvale is a sole-trader business. The legal name and business contact details will be provided on quotations, invoices and other business documentation. 

By accepting a quotation, booking our services, instructing us to carry out work, or otherwise confirming that you wish us to proceed, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. 

1. Quotations and Estimates 

1.1 We will provide a written quotation or estimate where appropriate. 

1.2 A quotation is a fixed price for the work specifically described in the quotation, subject to the assumptions, exclusions and conditions stated. 

1.3 An estimate is an indication of the likely cost and is not a fixed price. The final amount may vary if the work required differs from that reasonably anticipated. 

1.4 Quotations are based on the information available to us at the time they are prepared. If conditions are subsequently discovered which could not reasonably have been identified when the quotation was prepared, we will discuss any additional work and costs with you before proceeding wherever reasonably possible. 

1.5 Quotations are normally valid for 30 days, unless otherwise stated. 

1.6 A quotation does not include additional work, materials or services unless specifically stated. 

1.7 Where a quotation is based on photographs, descriptions or other information supplied by the customer, it is subject to the actual conditions found when the work is inspected. 

2. Scope of Work 

2.1 We will carry out the work described in the accepted quotation, estimate, invoice, job sheet or other written agreement. 

2.2 We will use reasonable care and skill when carrying out our services. 

2.3 Any changes, additions or variations requested by the customer may result in additional charges. 

2.4 Where additional work is required, we will normally explain the reason and provide an indication of the additional cost before carrying out that work. 

2.5 In an emergency or where immediate action is reasonably necessary to prevent further damage, we may carry out reasonable temporary or protective work without obtaining prior written approval for every individual item. 

2.6 We reserve the right to decline work that we reasonably consider to be unsafe, unsuitable, outside our competence, unlawful, or requiring specialist qualifications, certification or equipment that we do not possess. 

3. Materials 

3.1 Where materials are supplied by Dartvale, they will normally be charged at the price stated in the quotation or otherwise agreed with the customer. 

3.2 Where the exact material or product is unavailable, we may propose a suitable alternative of comparable quality and price. 

3.3 Unless otherwise agreed, title to materials supplied by Dartvale remains with Dartvale until payment for those materials and any associated work has been received in full. 

3.4 If the customer supplies materials, products, fixings or other items, we are not responsible for defects, incompatibility, incorrect specifications or failure of those items. 

3.5 We may refuse to use customer-supplied materials where, in our reasonable opinion, they are unsuitable, defective, unsafe or inappropriate for the intended purpose. 

4. Customer Responsibilities 

4.1 The customer must provide reasonable access to the property, area or items on which work is to be carried out. 

4.2 The customer must provide accurate information relevant to the work, including any known issues, hazards, restrictions or previous work which may affect the job. 

4.3 The customer must ensure that areas in which we are required to work are reasonably accessible and free from unnecessary obstruction. 

4.4 Where necessary, the customer must provide access to electricity, water or other services required for the agreed work. 

4.5 The customer is responsible for obtaining any permissions, consents or approvals which are their responsibility, including landlord, freeholder, leaseholder, planning or similar permissions. 

4.6 We are not responsible for delays or additional costs caused by the customer's failure to provide access, information, permissions or suitable working conditions. 

5. Hidden or Unforeseen Conditions 

5.1 Some building, property and garden conditions cannot reasonably be identified before work begins. 

5.2 These may include hidden pipes, cables, wiring, structural defects, damp, rot, asbestos-containing materials, concealed damage, unstable surfaces or defective previous workmanship. 

5.3 If an unforeseen condition is discovered, we will explain the issue to the customer where reasonably possible and discuss the available options. 

5.4 We may stop or suspend work where continuing would create a significant risk to people, property or the quality of the work. 

5.5 Additional work arising from unforeseen conditions may be charged separately where it falls outside the original agreed scope. 

6. Asbestos and Hazardous Materials 

6.1 We do not knowingly disturb, remove, cut, drill, break or otherwise interfere with asbestos- containing materials or other hazardous substances. 

6.2 If we suspect that asbestos or another hazardous material may be present, we may stop work until the material has been professionally assessed and, where necessary, removed or made safe by a suitably qualified contractor. 

6.3 Any additional costs arising from such circumstances will be discussed with the customer. 

7. Prices and Payment 

7.1 Unless otherwise stated, our prices are quoted in pounds sterling. 

7.2 Dartvale is not VAT registered. VAT will therefore not be added to our prices. 

7.3 Payment is due in accordance with the payment terms stated on the quotation or invoice. 

7.4 Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due upon completion of the work. 

7.5 For larger jobs or jobs requiring significant advance expenditure on materials, we may require a deposit or staged payments. The amount and payment schedule will be agreed before work begins. 

7.6 We may suspend further work where an agreed payment is overdue. 

7.7 The customer may not withhold payment for completed and undisputed work because of a separate issue or disagreement. 

7.8 Where an invoice remains unpaid after the due date, we reserve the right to seek recovery of the outstanding amount and any reasonable costs permitted by law. 

8. Additional Work and Variations 

8.1 If the customer asks us to carry out work outside the original agreed scope, the additional work will be treated as a variation. 

8.2 Where reasonably practicable, we will provide the customer with the additional price before carrying out the work. 

8.3 If the customer gives verbal approval for minor additional work, we may proceed and record the additional work on the invoice or job sheet. 

8.4 Significant variations will normally be confirmed in writing, including by email or text message. 

9. Access, Delays and Appointments 

9.1 We will make reasonable efforts to attend at the agreed date and time. 

9.2 Appointment times are estimates unless a specific appointment time has been expressly agreed. 

9.3 We will not be responsible for reasonable delays caused by circumstances outside our control, including traffic, severe weather, illness, accidents, supplier delays, unavailable materials, emergencies or unforeseen conditions at another customer's property. 

9.4 If we are unable to attend, we will make reasonable efforts to contact the customer and rearrange the appointment. 

9.5 If the customer is not available to provide access at an agreed appointment, we may charge a reasonable call-out, wasted-time or cancellation charge where we have incurred a genuine loss and the charge is permitted by law. 

10. Cancellation by the Customer 

10.1 Customers have statutory cancellation rights in certain circumstances, including certain contracts made at the customer's home or otherwise away from our business premises. 

10.2 Where a statutory 14-day cancellation period applies, the customer may cancel within that period in accordance with their statutory rights. 

10.3 If the customer requests that work begins before the end of the statutory cancellation period, we may require the customer to provide an express request for the work to begin early. 

10.4 Where work begins during a statutory cancellation period at the customer's request, the customer may be required to pay a reasonable proportion for services supplied up to the point of cancellation, where permitted by law. 

10.5 Where the service has been fully performed following the customer's express request to begin during the cancellation period, the statutory right to cancel may end where the legal requirements have been satisfied. 

10.6 The customer's statutory rights are not affected by these Terms & Conditions. 

10.7 Where no statutory cancellation right applies, the customer may still cancel an appointment by contacting us as soon as reasonably possible. 

10.8 Any cancellation charge will be reasonable and proportionate to costs or losses actually incurred and will not be used to unfairly penalise the customer. 

11. Cancellation by Dartvale 

11.1 We may cancel or suspend work where: 

• the customer has not provided reasonable access; 

• the working conditions are unsafe; 

• required permissions have not been obtained; 

• the customer requests unlawful or unsafe work; 

• the work is outside our competence or requires specialist certification; 

• unforeseen conditions make the agreed work impractical or unsafe; or 

• the customer seriously breaches these Terms & Conditions. 

11.2 Where we cancel work and the customer is not responsible for the cancellation, we will refund any payment received for work or materials that have not been supplied, subject to any applicable legal rights. 

12. Workmanship and Defects 

12.1 We will carry out our services with reasonable care and skill. 

12.2 If you believe that work has not been carried out to the agreed standard, you should contact us as soon as reasonably possible and provide details of the issue. 

12.3 Where a genuine workmanship defect is identified, we will have a reasonable opportunity to inspect the issue and, where appropriate, put the work right. 

12.4 This does not apply where the problem has resulted from: 

• customer-supplied materials; 

• normal wear and tear; 

• misuse or accidental damage; 

• alterations or repairs carried out by someone else; 

• movement, settlement or structural defects; 

• damp, water ingress or other underlying property problems; 

• failure of existing materials or structures; 

• circumstances outside our reasonable control; or 

• work which was specifically accepted by the customer despite being identified as defective or 

• unsuitable. 

12.5 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions removes or limits any statutory rights which cannot legally be excluded. 

13. Existing Property and Damage 

13.1 We will take reasonable care of the customer's property while carrying out work. 

13.2 We are not responsible for pre-existing damage, defects, deterioration, poor-quality materials, defective previous workmanship or hidden conditions. 

13.3 Where there is a reasonable risk of damage to particularly fragile, valuable or delicate items, we may ask the customer to remove or protect them before work begins. 

13.4 We may photograph areas of work before, during or after completion for the purposes of documenting the condition of the property, recording completed work and dealing with any dispute. 

14. Completion and Customer Inspection 

14.1 On completion, the customer should inspect the work and notify us of any obvious issues as soon as reasonably possible. 

14.2 Where appropriate, the customer may be asked to confirm that the agreed work has been completed. 

14.3 Minor snagging or finishing issues will be dealt with within a reasonable period where they are our responsibility. 

14.4 Acceptance of completed work does not remove the customer's statutory rights. 

15. Garden and Outdoor Work 

15.1 Outdoor work may be affected by weather, ground conditions, seasonal conditions and the condition of existing plants, structures and surfaces. 

15.2 We will take reasonable care when working around plants, lawns, paving, fencing, sheds and other outdoor features. 

15.3 We cannot guarantee the survival or future condition of plants, lawns or other living materials where this depends on weather, watering, soil conditions, pests, disease or other factors outside our control. 

15.4 We may postpone outdoor work where weather or ground conditions make the work unsafe or likely to produce an unsatisfactory result. 

16. Waste and Disposal 

16.1 Where agreed, we may remove waste generated by our work. 

16.2 Waste removal charges, where applicable, will be included in the quotation or charged separately. 

16.3 We will dispose of waste in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 

16.4 Hazardous waste, asbestos, contaminated materials and other specialist waste are excluded unless specifically agreed in writing. 

17. Liability 

17.1 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits liability where it would be unlawful to do so. 

17.2 In particular, nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability which cannot legally be excluded. 

17.3 Subject to clause 17.2, we will only be responsible for losses which are reasonably foreseeable and directly caused by our breach of contract or negligence. 

17.4 We will not normally be responsible for indirect or consequential losses where the law permits such limitation. 

17.5 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects the customer's statutory consumer rights. 

18. Insurance 

18.1 Dartvale maintains appropriate insurance for its business activities. 

18.2 Details of insurance cover may be provided to customers upon reasonable request. 

18.3 Insurance does not remove or replace the customer's statutory rights. 

19. Photographs and Marketing 

19.1 We may take photographs of completed work for record-keeping and quality-control purposes. 

19.2 We will not use photographs showing identifiable personal information, people or private possessions for marketing purposes without appropriate permission. 

19.3 Where photographs are used for marketing, reasonable steps will be taken to protect the customer's privacy. 

20. Complaints 

20.1 We aim to resolve complaints fairly, promptly and directly with the customer. 

20.2 If you have a complaint, please contact Dartvale as soon as possible, explaining the nature of the complaint and providing any relevant photographs or information. 

20.3 We will investigate the matter and, where appropriate, arrange an inspection or remedial work. 

20.4 Nothing in this complaints procedure restricts any statutory rights available to the customer. 

21. Disputes 

21.1 If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, both parties should attempt to resolve the matter reasonably before commencing court proceedings. 

21.2 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions prevents a consumer from exercising any statutory right or remedy available to them. 

21.3 Where applicable, the courts of England and Wales shall have jurisdiction, subject to any mandatory rights available to consumers. 

22. Data Protection and Privacy 

22.1 We will process personal information in accordance with applicable UK data-protection legislation. 

22.2 Customer information will be used for legitimate business purposes, including quotations, bookings, communications, invoicing, payment processing, record keeping and customer service. 

22.3 Customer information will not be sold to third parties. 

22.4 Further information about how we collect and use personal information should be provided in Dartvale's Privacy Policy. 

23. Intellectual Property 

23.1 Quotations, designs, drawings, photographs, documents and other materials produced by Dartvale remain the property of Dartvale unless otherwise agreed. 

23.2 The customer may use documents supplied to them for the purposes for which they were provided. 

24. Changes to These Terms 

24.1 We may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time. 

24.2 The version applicable to a particular job will normally be the version provided to or accepted by the customer when the contract is formed. 

24.3 Changes to these Terms & Conditions will not retrospectively alter an existing contract unless agreed by both parties or required by law. 

25. Entire Agreement 

25.1 The quotation, any agreed variations, these Terms & Conditions and any other documents expressly incorporated into the contract form the agreement between Dartvale and the customer. 

25.2 If there is a conflict between these Terms & Conditions and a specific written quotation, the specific terms of the quotation will normally take precedence for that particular work. 

26. Statutory Rights 

26.1 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to remove or restrict any legal rights that the customer has under UK law. 

26.2 In particular, consumer customers retain their rights under applicable consumer protection legislation, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, where applicable. 

27. Governing Law 

These Terms & Conditions and any contract between Dartvale and the customer shall be governed by the law of England and Wales, unless applicable law requires otherwise. 

Dartvale Home & Garden Maintenance 

Website: www.dartvale.com 

Email: enquiries@dartvale.com 

Telephone: 07447 076424 

End of Terms & Conditions