Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions

Last updated: July 2026

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern all contracts for building, renovation, installation and related services provided by Herts & Essex Dream Home Builders Ltd ("the Company", "we", "us", "our") to clients ("you", "your"). By accepting a written quote or instructing us to commence work, you agree to these Terms.

1. Quotations and Scope of Work

1.1 All quotes are provided in writing and are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated.

1.2 Fixed-price quotes cover only the specific scope of works described in the quotation document. Any works not expressly listed are excluded.

1.3 Where we discover unforeseen conditions once work has commenced — including concealed structural defects, asbestos, hidden pipework or wiring, rot, damp, substandard previous workmanship, or any other latent defect — we reserve the right to advise you in writing and provide a separate variation order before proceeding. We are not responsible for the cost of remedying such issues within the original fixed price.

1.4 Any changes to the agreed scope — whether requested by you or necessitated by unforeseen site conditions — will be documented as a variation order, priced and presented to you for written approval before additional works are carried out.

2. Prices and Payment

2.1 Prices are quoted in British pounds sterling (GBP) and are inclusive of VAT unless expressly stated otherwise.

2.2 A deposit (typically 25–50% of the total contract value, as stated on the quote) is required prior to commencement of work to secure your booking and cover material procurement.

2.3 Stage payments may be required on larger projects, as set out in the quotation. Final payment is due on completion and handover.

2.4 Payment is due within 7 days of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed in writing. We reserve the right to charge interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate on late payments in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

2.5 We accept payment by BACS bank transfer. We do not accept cash payments above £500.

3. Commencement and Programme

3.1 Start dates are agreed in writing at the time of booking and are subject to reasonable adjustment due to weather, material availability, unforeseen site conditions, or other factors outside our control.

3.2 Estimated completion dates are given in good faith and are not guaranteed unless expressly stated as a contractual milestone in writing.

3.3 You agree to ensure the property is accessible during agreed working hours (typically Monday–Friday 8:00am–5:30pm, Saturday 9:00am–1:00pm) and that the relevant areas are clear and ready for work to commence on the agreed start date.

4. Client Responsibilities

4.1 You are responsible for obtaining any planning permissions, listed building consents or other statutory approvals required before work begins, unless we have expressly agreed in writing to obtain these on your behalf.

4.2 You must notify us of any known services (gas pipes, electrical cables, water pipes) within the work area prior to commencement. We accept no liability for damage to undisclosed services.

4.3 You must ensure that the property is adequately insured throughout the works. We recommend notifying your buildings and contents insurer before works begin.

4.4 You must provide access to water, electricity and toilet facilities for our team at no charge throughout the project.

5. Materials and Goods

5.1 Where we supply materials, all goods remain the property of Herts & Essex Dream Home Builders Ltd until full payment has been received.

5.2 Where you supply your own materials or fixtures, you are responsible for ensuring they are correct, undamaged and available on site when required. We are not responsible for delays caused by client-supplied materials.

5.3 Manufacturer warranties on goods supplied by us are passed to you on full settlement of our invoice.

6. Workmanship Guarantee

6.1 We guarantee our workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of practical completion. This guarantee covers defects arising directly from our installation works.

6.2 This guarantee does not cover fair wear and tear, damage caused by misuse or neglect, issues arising from client-supplied materials, latent defects in existing structures not identified prior to our works, or any consequential loss including loss of earnings or accommodation costs.

6.3 All product and manufacturer warranties are subject to the respective manufacturer's terms and conditions.

7. Liability

7.1 Our liability to you shall not exceed the total value of the contract under which the claim arises.

7.2 We shall not be liable for any indirect, special or consequential losses, including but not limited to loss of profit, loss of use, or loss of enjoyment.

7.3 Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any liability that cannot be excluded by law.

7.4 We maintain public liability insurance of not less than £2,000,000 per occurrence. Evidence of insurance can be provided on request.

8. Cancellation

8.1 You may cancel your order in writing at any time before commencement. If materials have been ordered or fabricated, or if the start date is within 14 days, we reserve the right to charge for reasonable costs incurred.

8.2 If you cancel during works, we will invoice for all work completed to date plus materials procured, plus a reasonable charge to cover re-scheduling costs.

8.3 We reserve the right to suspend or terminate works if payment is not received in accordance with these Terms, or if site conditions are deemed unsafe.

9. Disputes and Complaints

9.1 If you have a complaint, please contact us in writing in the first instance. We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 business days and aim to resolve it within 28 days.

9.2 If a dispute cannot be resolved by agreement, either party may refer the matter to an independent adjudicator or mediator before pursuing legal action.

9.3 These Terms are governed by the law of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

10. General

10.1 These Terms, together with the written quotation, constitute the entire agreement between us. No variation shall be binding unless agreed in writing by an authorised representative of Herts & Essex Dream Home Builders Ltd.

10.2 If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

10.3 Herts & Essex Dream Home Builders Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales.

For any queries regarding these Terms, please contact us at info@dreamhomebuilders.co.uk or call 0208 1333 987.