Terms & Conditions
Last updated: 15.12.2025
1. Quotations & Pricing
Quotations are valid for 30 days from the date issued unless otherwise agreed. Prices and material availability may change after this period.
Quotations are estimates based on the information available at the time. If additional work during to unforeseen circumstances, variations or modifications are required during the project, this will be discussed and may incur additional charges.
Written acceptance (email or signed quotation) is required before work is scheduled. Proceeding with the quotation constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
Prices exclude VAT unless specified.
2. Booking and Cancellations
Work will be scheduled at a mutually agreed date and time.
For contracted work: the customer has the right to cancel within 14 calendar days. To proceed with cancellation, this should be put in writing and issued via email or post. If the customer has cancels outside of the cancellation period, the customer may be subject to a cancellation charge, especially where materials have been pre-ordered or allocated.
For day work: Cancellations made less than 24/48 hours before the scheduled work may be subject to a cancellation fee.
We are not liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond our control, including supplier issues, adverse weather conditions or staff illness.
3. Call-Out Fees & Missed Appointments
A minimum 1 hour call out fee applies to all appointments, regardless of work carried out.
If works cannot be completed during attendance, the call-out fee still applies, along with costs of labour and materials used.
Missed appointments without 24 hours’ notice will incur a minimum charge of £40 + VAT.
4. Access, Site Requirements & Utilities
The customer/main contractor is responsible for providing clear access to the work area and ensuring the site is free from obstructions. Any delays caused by restricted access may result in additional charges.
The customer/main contractor must inform us of any risks or hazards on site.
We may refuse to carry out work if the environment is unsafe.
5. Payment Terms
Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
Contract work: 30 days (end of month)
Day work: 14 days from invoice date
Late payments may incur interest at 3% above base rate, calculated daily until paid in full.
We reserve the right to suspend work until overdue payments have been made.
6. Drawing Changes
Drawing changes refer to any modifications, alterations, additions, or deletions requested by the client after the initial design or drawings have been issued or approved. Changes include (but are not limited to) layout revisions, detail adjustments, dimensional changes, material substitutions and additional information requests that fall outside the original scope of work.
All requests for drawing changes must be submitted in writing (via email or written letter). Each request will be reviewed, and an estimate of the time required will be provided before work begins. No drawing changes will be undertaken without prior written approval from the client confirming agreement to the associated fees. Drawing changes will be charged at a rate of £50.00 per hour (excluding VAT, if applicable). A minimum charge of 1 hour applies to each change request. Time will be rounded up to the nearest 30-minute increment after the first hour.
7. Materials Supplied
Where materials are supplied by the customer or third parties, Shires Building Services Ltd is not responsible for faults, delays, or compatibility issues that arise from their use. Additional charges may apply if issues occur.
Materials supplied by us will remain our property until paid in full.
8. Guarantees & Warranties
General workmanship is guaranteed for 1 year, or 2 years for MCS contracts. Manufacturer warranties apply to all supplied materials and appliances.
Guarantees exclude faults arising from misuse, accidental damage, or unauthorised interference.
11. Delays & Force Majeure
Shires Building Services Ltd is not liable for delays caused by supplier issues, adverse weather, or other circumstances outside their control.
12. Liability
The company holds public liability insurance for all works undertaken. No liability is accepted for pre-existing problems, damage caused by poor existing workmanship installed by others, consequential loss (such as loss of earnings, utility bills, water damage or structural issues) unless required by law.
13. Health & Safety
Works will not commence or continue where health and safety risks exist, including hazardous materials, infestations, or harassment. Work will resume only once the area is deemed safe. Clients must inform the company of any known hazards prior to commencement.
15. Disputes
Any disputes relating to work or charges must be raised in writing within 7 days of the invoice date. If unresolved, disputes may be referred to RECC for further assistance (where applicable).