Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions of Business

1. Definitions 

“Company” refers to RLS Plumbing. 

“Client” refers to the domestic customer commissioning the works. 

“Works” refers to all plumbing, bathroom installation, materials and services provided. 

2. Acceptance of Quotation / Estimate 

2.1 All quotations and estimates are valid for 30 days unless stated otherwise. 

2.2 Acceptance of our estimate (verbally, in writing, or electronically) constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions. 

2.3 The Company may, where necessary, order materials and undertake preparatory work in advance of the agreed start date in order to meet programme requirements. 

2.4 A start date will be confirmed subject to availability upon acceptance of the quote 

3. Deposits & Payment Terms 

3.1 A deposit invoice will be issued 2–3 working days prior to the agreed start date. 

3.2 The deposit invoice will consist of: 

• 100% of all material costs, and 

• 25% of the total labour cost for the project. 

3.3 The remaining 75% of labour costs is payable in full on the day of practical completion of the works. 

3.4 All invoices are payable immediately upon issue unless otherwise agreed in writing. 

3.5 The Company reserves the right to suspend works if payment is not made in accordance with these terms. 

4. Ownership of Materials (Retention of Title) 

4.1 All materials, goods, fittings and equipment supplied by the Company remain the property of RLS Plumbing until full and final payment has been received. 

4.2 If payment is not made, the Company reserves the right (where legally permissible) to recover unpaid goods or the value of those goods. 

5. Cancellation by the Client 

5.1 The Client may cancel the works by giving written notice. 

5.2 If cancellation occurs less than five (5) working days before the agreed start date, the Company reserves the right to recover reasonable costs incurred, including but not limited to: 

• The cost of any materials or goods already ordered or supplied 

• Any non-refundable supplier charges or restocking fees 

• Labour, planning, administration, project management, and scheduling time already incurred 

• A fixed cancellation charge of £750 + VAT, which represents a genuine pre-estimate of losses including loss of booking slot and preparatory work 

5.3 Any deposit paid will be offset against the amounts due. 

5.4 If cancellation occurs more than five working days prior to the start date, any refundable deposits will be returned less any non-recoverable material costs. 

6. Variations & Additional Works 

6.1 Any changes requested by the Client that differ from the original estimate may result in additional costs. 

6.2 All variations will be discussed and, where possible, agreed before works proceed. 

6.3 Additional works may be invoiced separately and are payable in accordance with Clause 3. 

7. Programme & Delays 

7.1 Start and completion dates are estimates only and may be affected by factors beyond the Company’s control, including but not limited to: 

• Late delivery of materials 

• Hidden defects or unforeseen issues 

• Client-requested changes 

• Access restrictions 

7.2 The Company will make reasonable efforts to minimise delays but shall not be liable for losses caused by unavoidable delays. 

8. Client Responsibilities 

8.1 The Client must provide safe, clear and unrestricted access to the property during agreed working hours. 

8.2 The Client is responsible for ensuring water, electricity and other necessary services are available. 

8.3 The Company is not responsible for delays or damage caused by unsafe, unsuitable or non-compliant existing installations. 

9. Existing & Hidden Conditions 

9.1 Bathroom and plumbing works may uncover hidden defects including but not limited to: 

• Leaks 

• Rot 

• Structural issues 

• Non-compliant pipework or electrics 

9.2 The Company will not be responsible for such issues unless specifically included in the agreed scope of works. 

9.3 Any remedial works required will be treated as a variation. 

10. Snagging / Defects Notification 

10.1Upon completion of the works, the Client shall inspect the installation and notify RLS Plumbing in writing via email of any snagging items within seven (7) working days of the completion date. 

10.2 For the purpose of this agreement, “snagging items” are defined as minor defects, adjustments, or finishing issues that do not prevent the installation from functioning as intended. These may include minor cosmetic defects, sealant finishing, alignment adjustments, or small remedial works required to complete the installation to the agreed standard. 

10.3 All snagging items must be submitted in a single written list via email within the stated 7-day period. RLS Plumbing will review the reported items and arrange for reasonable remedial works where applicable. 

10.4 Any issues not reported within seven (7) working days may not be considered snagging and may instead be treated as separate remedial works, which may be chargeable. 

Snagging does not include: 

• Damage caused after completion of works 

• Issues arising from misuse, lack of maintenance, or accidental damage 

• Works altered, adjusted, or interfered with by third parties after completion 

• Items supplied by the client that are later found to be defective 

10.5 RLS Plumbing cannot be held responsible for defects or issues arising from works carried out or alterations made by other trades or contractors after completion of our installation. 

This clause does not affect the Client’s statutory rights. 

11. Warranties & Guarantees 

11.1 Workmanship is guaranteed for 12 months unless stated otherwise. 

11.2 Manufacturer warranties apply to supplied products and are subject to the manufacturer’s terms. 

11.3 Guarantees are invalidated where faults arise due to misuse, lack of maintenance, or third-party interference. 

12. Limitation of Liability 

12.1 The Company will not be liable for: 

• Indirect or consequential losses 

• Loss of earnings or business 

• Damage caused by pre-existing defects 

12.2 Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence. 

13. Photographs & Marketing 

13.1 The Company may take photographs of completed works for records and marketing purposes. 

13.2 No identifying features will be published without the Client’s consent. 

14 Practical Completion & Final Payment 

14.1 The works shall be considered Practically Complete when the installation is substantially finished and capable of being used for its intended purpose, notwithstanding the existence of any minor snagging items. 

14.2 Minor snagging items shall not delay or prevent practical completion, and do not constitute grounds for withholding final payment. 

14.3 Upon Practical Completion, the final balance of the contract price shall become due immediately, unless otherwise agreed in writing. 

14.4 Any snagging items identified in accordance with the Snagging / Defects Notification clause shall be rectified by RLS Plumbing within a reasonable timeframe and at a mutually convenient time. 

14.5 The Client agrees that final payment shall not be withheld due to minor snagging items, cosmetic finishing adjustments, or items that do not affect the operation or safe use of the installation. 

14.6 Failure to make payment in accordance with the agreed terms may result in interest being charged on overdue balances, and RLS Plumbing reserves the right to suspend any further works or return visits until outstanding balances are settled. 

15. Governing Law 

15.1 These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. 

15.2 Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.