Contract & Cooling Off Period (C.O.P)

Under Trading Standards regulations, at almost every project worth £35 and above we should supply the customers with a written contract and a cooling off period (C.O.P).

Even though signing and counter-signing a contract (either on paper or electronically) is a stage on which we and our customers have agreed to go ahead on a project, everyone has the right to re-think and change their mind. That's why we offer our customers 7 days to cancel from the date contract is signed and counter-signed.

What does "contract" mean?

Contract is literally speaking, a mutual agreement between consumer and the contractor on all terms described onto the pre-given quote, which have been carefully considered from the consumer before decide to go ahead on any specific project. That's exactly when a contract is compiled and provided.

A contract has many elements which must be considered:

- Contractor places a commencing date in their agenda and this date synchronizes with the customers'.

- Contractor pre-books disposal services in order, such as aggregates, separate timber or other waste on the specified date.

- Crew are notified and organised on the agreed date. This includes diggers, grab lorries, tree surgeons, bricklayers, loaded vans and more.

- Orders are placed for all elements project involves and there might be more than one order. As such, they must also synchronize with the commencing date. There are delivery and re-stocking fee charges associated with a placed order and/or a cancellation. Some products (such as turf, or cut to size artificial grass) are perishable and non refundable. In addition, bespoke products are ordered well in advance and are non refundable.

- The improvement work carried out to any property could involve a certain level of disruption to customers' daily schedule, dust, noise and mess during working hours of the day. Additionally, limitations to car parking or usage of entrance steps may occur during the work progress.

That's why a certain given and agreed date is very important to both parties and that's why a signed and counter-signed contract is an important event. But at the same time, that's why a cooling-off period is offered to our consumers. So, they carefully re-consider all above elements.

Why 7 days?

According to the Trading Standards, this is a sufficient time for a consumer to consider and decide on goods and services.

What happens after the C.O.P expires?

After the 7 days expire, consumer still have a legal right to cancel the project. However, reasonable payment may be due if performance of the contract has begun, or goods/services are implemented from the contractor in relation to the project plan. Charges (if any) are always notified in writing and in advance and we hope our customers understand the reasons that make us consider and apply any possible charges.

As a company, we are nonetheless very flexible with all our clients and do have a certain leeway even in terms of a sudden cancellation due to unforeseen factors or circumstances. We shall be in touch for any requests and make arrangements in order. Communication between us is therefore essential.