Mercia Handyman – Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 31 August 2025

1. Definitions

• “Contractor” / “Company” refers to Mercia Handyman.
• “Customer” refers to the individual(s) or organisation commissioning work from the Contractor.

2. Scope of Agreement

The Contractor agrees to carry out labour and/or supply materials as specified in the agreed scope of work. All services will be performed professionally and in accordance with accepted industry standards.

3. Deposits & Payments

• Jobs valued at £300 or more require a minimum 25% deposit, payable via bank transfer or cash.
• All material costs must be paid in advance.
• Labour payments are preferred via bank transfer or cash. Cheques incur a 20% processing fee.
• Final payment is due within 48 hours of job completion, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Late payments will incur interest at 1.5% per calendar day, added to the outstanding balance.

4. Access & Site Conditions

• The Customer must provide access to the job site between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
• If access is restricted, the Customer must give 48 hours’ notice. Failure to do so will incur a charge of £50 per man-hour and £0.30 per mile per vehicle.

5. Customer Responsibilities

• The Customer must remove all non-large items from the work area. Items left behind will be moved by the Contractor at £10 per man-hour.
• Large furniture (e.g. sofas, beds) will be moved by the Contractor at no charge unless otherwise specified.
• The Contractor is not liable for damage to any items not removed or moved during setup.
• For safety and insurance reasons, no unauthorised persons (including children, pets, other contractors) may enter the work area unless agreed in writing.
• If third-party interference causes damage or delays, the Customer will be charged £50 per man-hour to rectify issues.

6. Cancellation & Customer Rights

• The Customer may cancel the agreement within 72 hours of acceptance, provided the job start date is at least 14 calendar days away.
• Cancellations must be submitted via email or text.
• If cancelled within the allowed period, 100% of the deposit will be refunded within 10 business days.
• Cancellations after the 72-hour window will result in a 10% retention of the labour cost, plus any non-refundable materials (e.g. mixed paints).

7. Change Orders & Delays

• Any changes to the scope of work must be agreed in writing or via email.
• Additional work will be charged separately and must be approved by the Customer before commencement.
• If the Contractor arrives on-site and is unable to proceed due to Customer-related delays, a £250 minimum charge applies.
• If a return visit is required to complete the job, a £200 minimum charge applies.
• These charges may be waived if confirmed notice is given at least 48 hours in advance (via live conversation or timestamped message).
• Exceptions apply for unforeseeable events (e.g. medical emergencies, bereavement, arson).

8. Promotion & Advertising

• The Customer grants permission for the Contractor to display signage during the job and use photographs for promotional purposes.
• This clause is void if restricted by covenants or the Customer’s written request.

9. Inspection & Completion

• Upon substantial completion, the Customer agrees to inspect the work with the Contractor.
• Defects or outstanding items must be noted during this inspection, under normal lighting and viewing conditions, in line with industry standards.

10. Materials & Standards

• All materials will be installed according to manufacturer specifications.
• Workmanship will meet or exceed industry standards.
• The Contractor is not liable for delays caused by material shortages or external disruptions (e.g. weather, theft, civil unrest).

11. Warranty

• All materials will meet or exceed industry standards.
• Product warranties will be passed to the Customer upon full payment.
• Warranty claims must be made immediately upon discovery of defects.
• The Contractor’s liability is limited to the original contract value.
• The Contractor is not liable for failure of underlying substrates or previous coatings.
• Failure to adhere to payment terms will void all warranties.

12. Painting-Specific Terms

• All painting estimates include two coats of the specified product unless otherwise agreed.
• If the Contractor supplies the paint, any additional coats required will be applied at no extra charge.
• If the Customer supplies the paint, any additional coats required will be chargeable.
• To avoid extra charges, Customers supplying paint are advised to use high-quality brands such as Dulux or Johnstones Trade.
• Advice on suitable materials is available upon request.
• All material prices are correct at the time of estimate but may be subject to change.

13. Exterior Work

• Exterior work is scheduled assuming suitable weather conditions.
• If weather prevents work from commencing, the job will be rescheduled at the earliest suitable opportunity.
• The Contractor is not liable for delays due to adverse weather.

14. Legal & Governing Law

• This agreement shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales.
• Any disputes shall be resolved through mediation before legal proceedings are considered.

15. Acceptance

By commissioning work from Mercia Handyman, the Customer acknowledges and agrees to these Terms & Conditions.