Terms and Conditions

1. Definitions

• "Contractor", "We", "Us": Refers to Platinum Improvements.
• "Customer", "You": Refers to the person, business, or organisation engaging our services.

2. Quotations and Estimates

• All quotes are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
• Quotes are based on the visual inspection of the site. If unforeseen structural or preparatory issues arise once work commences (e.g., crumbling plaster hidden by wallpaper), these will be discussed immediately. Rectification of such issues will be charged at £25 per hour, plus the cost of any additional materials required for the repair process.
• Any additional work requested by the Customer outside the original scope will require a separate agreement or written variation order.

3. Payment Terms

• Deposits: For projects exceeding £1000, we may request a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total labour cost to secure the booking.
• Materials: All costs for materials (e.g., specific paints, wallpapers) must be paid in full via bank transfer before materials are ordered and work commences.
• Final Balance: The final balance for labour and any supplementary costs is due within 7 days of project completion.
• Late Payments: Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, we reserve the right to charge interest on overdue invoices at 8% above the Bank of England base rate, plus any debt recovery costs.

4. Cancellations and Consumer Rights

• Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, domestic customers have a 14-day "cooling-off" period from the date of accepting the quote to cancel the contract without penalty.
• If you instruct us to begin work before the 14-day period expires, you waive your right to a full refund and will be billed for any materials purchased and labour completed up to the point of cancellation.
• If a cancellation is made after the cooling-off period and within 72 hours of the agreed start date, the Contractor will retain 10% of the total labour price to cover lost income and any non-refundable custom materials (e.g., specially mixed paints) already purchased.

5. Site Access and Hours of Work

• The Customer agrees to provide access to the property between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, for the duration of the project unless otherwise agreed.
• If access is unavailable on an agreed date without a minimum of 48 hours' notice, causing a delay, we reserve the right to charge a daily rate for lost time.

6. Customer Responsibilities and Site Preparation

• Clearing the Space: Customers must assume responsibility for removing all personal items, breakables, pictures, electronics, and small furniture from the work area before we arrive.
• We will assist in moving large, heavy furniture (e.g., sofas, beds) to the centre of the room and covering them with dust sheets. However, if we are required to clear smaller items to begin work, an additional labour charge of £10 per man-hour will be applied.
• Environment: For safety and efficiency, the Customer shall ensure that other tradespeople, children, and pets are kept out of the work area for the duration of the project so as not to interfere with the timely completion of the work.

7. Materials and Workmanship

• Standard Coverage: Unless specified otherwise in writing, all quotes are always based on the application of two coats. If additional coverage is required (e.g., due to low-opacity paint or a drastic colour change), this will be charged as an extra. However, this will always be discussed and pre-agreed with the Customer once it is decided that the coverage of two coats is insufficient.
• Customer-Supplied Materials: If you choose to supply your own materials, they must be on-site prior to the start date. Any extra applications needed due to the quality of customer-supplied materials will be chargeable.

8. Health and Safety

• We strictly adhere to standard UK health and safety regulations. We will maintain a clean and safe environment, safely storing tools, ladders, and chemicals at the end of each working day.
• The Customer must ensure the property provides basic welfare facilities (access to running water, electricity, and a toilet) during the project.

9. Liability and Insurance

• Platinum Improvements holds full Public Liability Insurance.
• We take all reasonable care to protect your property and belongings using professional-grade dust sheets and masking. However, we cannot be held liable for accidental damage to items that were not removed from the work area as requested.
• We are not responsible for pre-existing damage, substrate failures, or delays caused by events outside our control (Acts of God, unavailable materials, theft).

10. Warranties and Guarantees

• We guarantee all labour and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of completion.
• This guarantee covers peeling, blistering, or flaking caused by improper application. It does not cover general wear and tear, accidental damage by the Customer, damp/moisture issues arising post-completion, or the failure of any materials supplied directly by the Customer. Furthermore, it does not cover the failure of a previous substrate (e.g., existing paint that was solid at the time of our application but subsequently fails, causing damage to our new coating). Liability under a warranty claim shall not exceed the total price charged for the work performed.

11. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

12. Acceptance of Terms

By accepting a quote or instructing us to commence work, the Customer formally agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.