Terms and Conditions of Nichols Plumbing & Heating Limited

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before using our services. By engaging Nichols Plumbing & Heating Limited for any services, you expressly agree to be legally bound by all terms contained herein. If you do not agree to these terms in their entirety, you must not proceed with our services.

1. Services Provided

Nichols Plumbing & Heating Limited ("the Company", "we", "us", "our") provides professional plumbing and heating services including but not limited to installation, maintenance, repair, and emergency call-out services.

2. Payment Terms

2.1 Payment Due Date

All invoices must be paid in full within seven (7) calendar days of the invoice date. Time is of the essence in respect of payment obligations.

2.2 Consequences of Late Payment

Failure to make payment within the stipulated seven (7) day period will result in the immediate and automatic invalidation of ALL warranties and guarantees provided by the Company in respect of the work performed. This invalidation is permanent and cannot be reinstated upon subsequent payment.

2.3 Late Payment Interest and Charges

In addition to warranty invalidation, accounts remaining unpaid after seven (7) days will incur:

• Interest at the rate of 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate, calculated daily from the due date until payment is received in full;
• A fixed administrative fee of £50.00 plus VAT per overdue invoice;
• All reasonable costs incurred in recovering the debt, including legal fees and collection agency charges.

2.4 Payment Methods

Payment may be made by bank transfer. We do not accept cheques. Payment details will be provided on the invoice. The Company reserves the right to refuse or suspend further services to any customer with outstanding invoices.

2.5 Deposits

Where a deposit is required and paid for works, the following terms apply:

• All deposits are strictly non-refundable under any circumstances;
• Deposits are required to secure your booking, reserve materials, and cover preliminary costs including design time, material ordering, and scheduling;
• The deposit amount will be clearly stated on the quotation and typically ranges from 25% to 50% of the total quoted price depending on the scope and value of works;
• Deposits must be paid within seven (7) days of quotation acceptance to confirm the booking. Failure to pay the deposit within this timeframe will result in automatic cancellation of the booking;
• Once paid, deposits are retained by the Company even if you subsequently cancel, postpone, or reschedule the works for any reason;
• Deposits are non-refundable even if you change your mind, experience a change in financial circumstances, sell the property, or for any other reason decide not to proceed;
• In the event of cancellation by you, the deposit will be retained in full and you will also be liable for any additional cancellation charges as detailed in Section 9;
• Deposits will be deducted from the final invoice upon completion of works;
• If you fail to provide access, site readiness, or otherwise prevent us from completing the works after deposit payment, the deposit is forfeited and you remain liable for any additional costs incurred;
• The Company reserves the right to require additional deposits for variation works or material upgrades requested after the initial quotation.

2.6 Deposits and Company Cancellation

If the Company cancels the works due to circumstances within our control (excluding force majeure, emergencies, or safety concerns), any deposit paid will be refunded in full within fourteen (14) days. However, if cancellation is due to your breach of these Terms, misrepresentation of site conditions, failure to obtain necessary permissions, or any circumstances beyond our reasonable control, the deposit remains non-refundable.

3. Hourly Rate Work (Call-Out Charges)

3.1 Basis of Charging

For hourly rate work, the total charge comprises:

• Labour costs calculated at our current hourly rates from the time the tradesperson arrives at your property until departure, charged in minimum increments of 30 minutes with any partial 30-minute period charged as a full 30 minutes;
• All time reasonably and necessarily spent sourcing, purchasing, collecting, or obtaining materials not held in stock, charged at full hourly rates;
• All materials supplied by us at cost plus a 15% handling and administration fee;
• Call-out charges as specified on our current rate card;
• VAT at the prevailing rate on all amounts.

3.2 Rate Variations

The Company reserves the right to vary hourly rates with immediate effect upon written or verbal notification. Emergency call-outs (outside normal business hours 8:00–17:00 Monday–Friday), weekend work, and bank holidays are subject to premium rates as specified on our current rate card. Estimates provided are indicative only and are not binding.

4. Fixed Price Work

4.1 Fixed Price Quotations

Fixed price quotations are firm and binding only in respect of the specific work detailed in the written quotation document. The fixed price includes labour and materials as specified but excludes any additional work, variations, or unforeseen circumstances.

4.2 Circumstances Permitting Price Revision

The Company expressly reserves the right to revise the fixed price quoted in any of the following circumstances:

• Additional Work: Any instructions (written or verbal) from you to perform work not specified in the original quotation. We will provide a supplementary quotation for your approval before commencing additional work where reasonably practicable;
• Unforeseen Conditions: Discovery of conditions, defects, non-compliant installations, asbestos, structural issues, or other circumstances that were not apparent and could not reasonably have been discovered during the quotation inspection. This includes but is not limited to concealed pipe work, electrical issues, building regulation non-compliance, or underlying structural defects;
• Specification Changes: Any variation from the original specification including changes to products, materials, brands, sizes, locations, or installation methods requested by you after quotation acceptance;
• Access Issues: Delays, additional time, or extra work required due to inadequate access, obstructions, or site conditions not disclosed at quotation stage;
• Third Party Work: Any work required to be undertaken by third parties (electricians, structural engineers, building control) that becomes apparent after commencement;
• Material Price Increases: Increases in material costs exceeding 10% from the quotation date through no fault of the Company, provided that work has not yet commenced.

4.3 Quotation Validity

All fixed price quotations are valid for thirty (30) calendar days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated. Quotations not accepted within this period may be subject to revision. Acceptance must be confirmed in writing (email acceptable).

5. Customer-Supplied Items

5.1 Customer Responsibilities

Where you elect to supply items for installation, you bear full responsibility for ensuring that:

• All items are delivered to site, unpacked, inspected, and confirmed undamaged at least 48 hours before the scheduled commencement date;
• All items are suitable, compliant with current regulations, and fit for purpose for the intended installation location;
• All items are of adequate quality and meet current British Standards and Building Regulations where applicable;
• Dimensions, fittings, connections, and technical specifications are correct and compatible with existing systems;
• All necessary accessories, fixings, brackets, and ancillary items are provided;
• Items come with full manufacturer's instructions and compliance certificates where required.

5.2 Consequences of Non-Compliance

If we attend site and are unable to commence or complete work due to customer-supplied items being unsuitable, incorrect, damaged, incomplete, or not present, you will be liable for:

• A fixed abortive visit charge of £100.00 plus VAT for the first occurrence;
• £200.00 plus VAT for any subsequent abortive visits relating to the same project;
• Any additional costs incurred in rescheduling, storage, or return visits at our standard hourly rates.

5.3 Warranties and Liability

The Company expressly excludes all warranties, guarantees, and liability in respect of customer-supplied items. We accept no responsibility for suitability, performance, quality, defects, failures, or consequential damage arising from customer-supplied items. Any manufacturer's warranty remains solely between you and the manufacturer or supplier. Our labour warranty remains valid only if the installed item was supplied by us.

6. Waste Disposal and Site Clearance

6.1 Standard Waste Policy

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing at the quotation stage, the Company does not undertake waste disposal or site clearance. Waste materials, packaging, and removed items resulting from work we perform will be:

• Neatly stacked or bagged in an agreed location on your property;
• Left in a safe and tidy manner that does not obstruct walkways or create hazards;
• Remain your property and responsibility for disposal.

6.2 Customer-Provided Skip

Where you provide a skip on site, we will place waste directly into the skip subject to adequate access and the skip having sufficient capacity. The Company is not responsible for skip hire, permits, placement, or any associated costs.

7. Labour Charges and Site Delays

7.1 Delays Beyond Our Control

If our tradesperson(s) attend site on the agreed commencement date and are prevented from commencing or completing work due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, you will be charged for downtime at the rate of £350.00 plus VAT per tradesperson per day (or pro-rata for part days calculated hourly).

7.2 Circumstances Attracting Delay Charges

Circumstances that constitute chargeable delays include but are not limited to:

• Site not ready for work to commence as agreed (floor coverings not removed, area not cleared, furniture not moved, inadequate access);
• Utilities not available or isolated (water supply turned off, no electrical power, heating system drained when required operational);
• Third parties or other trades not complete as scheduled;
• You or an authorized representative not present when required;
• Decision-making delays including failure to provide timely approvals, selections, or instructions;
• Access issues, parking restrictions, or permit problems not disclosed before scheduling;
• Discovery of issues requiring Building Control, structural engineer approval, or other regulatory intervention;
• Weather conditions making external work unsafe (only for outdoor work specifically);
• Customer-supplied items issues as detailed in Section 5.

7.3 Additional Labour Requirements

If unforeseen circumstances require additional labour beyond the original quotation, such additional labour will be charged at £350.00 plus VAT per additional tradesperson per day (or pro-rata hourly). We will notify you of additional labour requirements where reasonably practicable before deployment.

8. Guarantees and Warranties

8.1 Standard Labour Guarantee

Subject to compliance with all terms herein, particularly payment terms in Section 2, we provide a twelve (12) month guarantee on labour performed by our tradespeople in respect of faulty workmanship only. This guarantee:

• Commences from the date of completion of work as documented on the invoice or completion certificate;
• Covers only defects directly attributable to our workmanship;
• Is strictly limited to rectification of defective workmanship at our discretion by repair or replacement;
• Does not cover consequential losses, indirect damages, or economic losses of any kind;
• Operates in addition to (not in substitution for) any applicable manufacturer's warranty on materials supplied by us.

8.2 Guarantee Invalidation

The guarantee is immediately void and unenforceable if:

• Payment is not made within seven (7) days of invoice date as required by Section 2.1;
• The work, installation, or appliance has been subject to misuse, abuse, negligence, or operation contrary to manufacturer's instructions;
• The work, installation, or appliance has been repaired, modified, adjusted, or interfered with by any person or entity other than the Company;
• Damage has occurred through accident, force majeure, flooding, fire, or causes beyond our reasonable control;
• The work involved customer-supplied items as detailed in Section 5;
• Recommended additional or remedial work was declined by you and the issue relates to that declined work;
• The installation was on inferior quality equipment or systems over ten (10) years old;
• Regular maintenance requirements (where applicable) have not been adhered to.

8.3 Specific Guarantee Exclusions

The Company provides no guarantee whatsoever in respect of:

• Blockages, stoppages, or failures in drainage, waste, or soil systems after initial clearance or repair;
• Work undertaken on your specific instruction against our written or verbal professional advice or recommendation;
• Work dependent upon or affected by work not performed by us, including work by other trades or contractors;
• Installations or systems over ten (10) years old or of demonstrably inferior quality, where we have agreed to work on such installations at your express request;
• Lime scale build-up, corrosion, or degradation of existing materials;
• Leaks or failures arising from expansion, contraction, settlement, or movement of the building structure;
• Customer-supplied materials, products, or equipment as detailed in Section 5;
• Performance, efficiency, or running costs of heating systems, boilers, or appliances unless expressly warranted in writing;
• Cosmetic issues such as minor surface scratches, colour matching of older installations, or aesthetic concerns that do not affect functionality;
• Work performed as emergency temporary repairs where permanent repairs were recommended but declined.

8.4 Manufacturer Warranties

Materials, products, boilers, and equipment supplied by us carry the manufacturer's standard warranty. We will provide relevant warranty documentation and registration details where applicable. Manufacturer warranty claims are the responsibility of the customer to pursue directly with the manufacturer. We will provide reasonable assistance in making warranty claims but do not guarantee manufacturer response times or outcomes.

8.5 Making a Guarantee Claim

To make a claim under this guarantee, you must notify us in writing within seven (7) days of discovering the defect, providing full details and photographic evidence where possible. We will attend to inspect the claimed defect at a mutually convenient time. If we determine the claim is not covered by the guarantee, you will be liable for inspection charges at our standard call-out rates. Our determination of whether a claim is covered by the guarantee is final.

9. Cancellation and Rescheduling

9.1 Customer Cancellation or Rescheduling

If you wish to cancel or reschedule a confirmed booking, you must provide notice in accordance with the following:

• More than 48 hours before scheduled attendance: No charge;
• Between 24–48 hours before scheduled attendance: 50% of the estimated or quoted price, minimum £100.00 plus VAT;
• Less than 24 hours before scheduled attendance: 100% of the estimated or quoted price, minimum £200.00 plus VAT;
• Cancellation after our tradesperson has departed to your property: Full charges as if work completed plus abortive travel costs.

9.2 Cancellation Procedure

All cancellations and rescheduling requests must be made by telephone during business hours (8:00–17:00 Monday–Friday). Email or text message notifications are not acceptable for cancellations within 48 hours. You must request and retain written confirmation of cancellation acceptance. Without written confirmation, cancellation charges will apply.

9.3 Company Right to Cancel

The Company reserves the right to cancel or reschedule appointments due to emergencies, staff illness, unforeseen circumstances, or force majeure events. In such circumstances, we will provide as much notice as reasonably practicable and will not be liable for any losses, damages, or consequential costs arising from such cancellation.

10. Liability Limitations

10.1 Extent of Liability

Subject to statutory rights that cannot be excluded, the Company's total aggregate liability to you under or in connection with any contract, whether arising in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, shall be limited to the lesser of:

• The total amount paid by you to the Company for the specific services giving rise to the claim; or
• £5,000.00 (five thousand pounds sterling).

10.2 Excluded Losses

The Company shall not be liable under any circumstances for:

• Any indirect, consequential, special, or economic losses including loss of profits, loss of business, loss of revenue, loss of use, loss of data, or wasted expenditure;
• Damage to property not directly worked upon by us;
• Losses arising from third party claims;
• Losses that were not reasonably foreseeable by both parties at the time of contract formation;
• Any losses arising from our compliance with your instructions or specifications where we have advised against such course of action;
• Any losses arising from pre-existing defects, non-compliant installations, or substandard work performed by others.

10.3 Insurance

The Company maintains public liability insurance as required by law. Proof of insurance is available upon reasonable written request. You are strongly advised to maintain adequate buildings and contents insurance covering plumbing and heating installations and to notify your insurers of any work undertaken.

11. Access and Site Preparation

You are responsible for ensuring:

• Clear and unobstructed access to all work areas including adequate parking facilities or valid parking permits;
• Removal of floor coverings, furniture, personal possessions, and fragile items from work areas;
• Protection of items that cannot be removed;
• Availability of electricity, water supply, and adequate lighting in work areas;
• Notification of any known hazards including asbestos, lead pipes, fragile materials, or structural concerns;
• Presence of a responsible adult over 18 years of age throughout the duration of works;
• Securing of pets away from work areas;
• Arrangements for vulnerable occupants, children, or elderly persons who may be affected by works.

Failure to provide adequate site preparation may result in delay charges as detailed in Section 7 or inability to perform work.

12. General Terms

12.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation accepted by you, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Company and supersede all previous agreements, understandings, representations, and warranties, whether written or oral.

12.2 Variations

No variation, modification, or waiver of these Terms shall be effective unless agreed in writing and signed by an authorized director of the Company. The Company reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Updated terms will apply to bookings made after the date of amendment.

12.3 Force Majeure

The Company shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control including acts of God, extreme weather, war, terrorism, civil commotion, government restrictions, strikes, fire, flood, epidemic, pandemic, shortage of materials, or failure of utilities or transport networks.

12.4 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found by any court or regulatory authority to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such provision shall be deemed deleted and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

12.5 Complaints and Disputes

Any complaints should be addressed in writing to the Company within fourteen (14) days of completion of work. We will acknowledge complaints within five (5) working days and investigate thoroughly. If a dispute cannot be resolved amicably, both parties agree to attempt resolution through mediation before pursuing legal action. Any legal disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

12.6 Data Protection

Personal information provided by you will be processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. We will use your information solely for the purposes of providing services and maintaining business records. Your information will not be shared with third parties except as necessary to fulfil our obligations (e.g., suppliers, manufacturers for warranty purposes).

12.7 Assignment

You may not assign, transfer, or subcontract any of your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. The Company may assign or subcontract any or all of its rights and obligations without notice.

12.8 Notices

All formal notices under these Terms must be in writing and delivered by email, recorded delivery post, or hand delivery. Notices are deemed received upon confirmed delivery.

12.9 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions and any disputes arising from them are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.

Nichols Plumbing & Heating Limited — Registered in England and Wales

Date: February 2026

By proceeding with our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.