Country Thatching
Terms & Conditions
1. Definitions
“Company” refers to Country Thatching.
“Customer” refers to the individual or organisation instructing the Company.
“Works” refers to all thatching services including repairs, re-ridging, and full or partial re-thatching.
2. Quotations
2.1 All quotations are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated.
2.2 Quotations are based on a visual inspection and may be subject to revision if hidden defects or unforeseen conditions are discovered once work commences.
2.3 Any additional work required will be discussed and agreed with the Customer before proceeding.
3. Scope of Work
3.1 The Company will carry out the Works as outlined in the quotation.
3.2 Any variations requested by the Customer must be confirmed in writing and may affect cost and timelines.
3.3 The Company reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments to materials or methods where necessary to ensure structural integrity and longevity.
4. Materials
4.1 Materials used may include Long Straw, Combed Wheat Reed, or Water Reed, depending on specification and availability.
4.2 Natural materials will vary in colour, texture, and appearance; these are inherent characteristics and not defects.
4.3 The lifespan of thatch cannot be guaranteed due to environmental conditions, maintenance, and exposure.
5. Access & Site Conditions
5.1 The Customer must provide safe, clear, and reasonable access to the property for the duration of the Works.
5.2 The Customer is responsible for protecting or removing vehicles, garden items, and fragile property near the work area.
5.3 Additional charges may apply where restricted access, scaffolding, or specialist equipment is required.
6. Health & Safety
6.1 The Company operates in accordance with current health and safety standards.
6.2 The Customer must inform the Company of any known hazards, including structural issues or hazardous materials.
6.3 The Company reserves the right to suspend work if conditions are deemed unsafe.
7. Weather Conditions
7.1 Thatching is weather-dependent and may be delayed due to adverse conditions.
7.2 The Company reserves the right to suspend or reschedule work without liability where weather affects quality or safety.
7.3 Revised timelines will be communicated as required.
8. Fire Risk & Protection
8.1 Thatch is a natural material and carries an inherent fire risk.
8.2 The Company may recommend fire protection measures; however, responsibility for installation and compliance rests with the Customer unless otherwise agreed.
8.3 The Company accepts no liability for fire damage unless directly caused by negligence.
9. Customer Responsibilities
9.1 The Customer is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions, consents, and approvals prior to the commencement of the Works.
9.2 This includes, but is not limited to, planning permission, listed building consent, and compliance with building regulations.
9.3 The Company accepts no liability for delays, additional costs, or enforcement action resulting from failure to obtain required approvals.
10. Payment Terms
10.1 A deposit of 40% of the total quoted price is required prior to commencement of any Works. No booking will be confirmed until the deposit has been received.
10.2 A further 30% payment shall be due at the halfway stage of the Works. The Company will notify the Customer when this stage has been reached.
10.3 The remaining 30% balance is due immediately upon completion of the Works.
10.4 The Company reserves the right to suspend work if any stage payment is not made when due.
10.5 All payments must be made in cleared funds. Late payments may incur interest and any associated recovery costs.
11. Retention of Title
11.1 All materials supplied by the Company remain the property of the Company until full payment has been received.
11.2 The risk in the materials passes to the Customer upon delivery to site.
11.3 Until payment is made in full, the Company reserves the right to recover materials supplied where reasonably practicable.
12. Cancellations
12.1 Cancellations must be made in writing.
12.2 Deposits may be non-refundable where materials have been ordered or work scheduled.
12.3 The Company reserves the right to charge for work completed and costs incurred up to the point of cancellation.
13. Guarantees
13.1 All work is carried out to a professional standard consistent with traditional thatching practices.
13.2 No fixed guarantee period is provided due to the natural and variable lifespan of thatch.
13.3 Regular maintenance is required and will affect the longevity of the roof.
14. Liability
14.1 The Company maintains appropriate public liability insurance.
14.2 The Company shall not be liable for:
Pre-existing structural defects
Damage caused by vermin, birds, or environmental conditions
Natural wear and tear
14.3 Liability is limited to the value of the Works carried out.
15. Waste & Clean-Up
15.1 The Company will remove thatching waste unless otherwise agreed.
15.2 Due to the nature of the work, some residual debris may remain; reasonable clean-up will be undertaken.
16. Intellectual Property
16.1 The Company reserves the right to photograph completed Works for marketing purposes unless the Customer requests otherwise in writing.
17. Complaints
17.1 Any concerns must be raised promptly in writing.
17.2 The Company will make reasonable efforts to resolve issues in a timely manner.
18. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
19. Acceptance
By accepting a quotation or instructing the Company to proceed, the Customer agrees to these Terms & Conditions.