Customer Terms
Last updated: October 2026
Sprucen is the trading name of Oliver James, a sole trader based in Holmfirth. You can contact me at enquiries@sprucen.co.uk or 07533 949920. Business correspondence can be sent to 3 Wellhouses, Cartworth Moor, Holmfirth, HD9 2SS.
Enquiries, quotes and agreeing work
An enquiry or site visit does not commit you to book work. Before work starts, I will explain the agreed scope, price or pricing basis, and any known exclusions. A contract is normally formed when you accept a quote, estimate or other agreed scope of work and I confirm that I will carry it out, unless we agree otherwise.
I undertake general repairs, maintenance, suitable home improvements and small renovation projects. If work requires a specialist qualification, approval or contractor beyond my scope, I will explain this and may recommend that you use an appropriately qualified professional.
Quotes, estimates and prices
A quote is the price for the work and assumptions it sets out. It is valid for 30 days unless it says otherwise. An estimate is an indication of likely cost; the final amount may differ. I will make clear which you are receiving.
My current labour rates are £30 per hour, £120 for a half-day or £210 for a day, with a £50 minimum charge, unless a different price is agreed in writing. Materials are charged at cost plus 5% for procurement. If a dedicated collection trip to Huddersfield is needed, a £20 charge may apply; I will tell you before incurring it. Travel within my usual service area is included unless your quote says otherwise.
I am not currently VAT registered, so VAT is not added to my charges.
Changes and unexpected conditions
Existing buildings can conceal issues that are not visible before work starts. If I find something that materially changes the work, cost or timing, I will explain the options and agree how to proceed before carrying out additional work. Any customer-requested changes will also be discussed and agreed before they are undertaken.
Dates, access and your responsibilities
We will agree a suitable date and access arrangements. Please tell me about anything relevant to safe access or the work area, including known hazards, fragile items or other circumstances that could affect the work. Where practical, please keep the work area reasonably clear and make suitable arrangements for pets or other access issues.
Unless we expressly agree otherwise, you are responsible for obtaining any permission or consent you need from an owner, landlord, freeholder or other third party before work starts. If I become aware that specialist approval or regulated work may be required outside my scope, I will raise this with you.
I will tell you as soon as reasonably possible if illness, weather, unavailable materials or another unforeseen problem affects the schedule, and we will agree a revised plan.
Materials and waste
Materials or significant commitments may require an advance payment, which I will set out in the quote. I do not routinely ask for a deposit for small jobs. Waste removal is included only if it is expressly agreed as part of the work.
If you ask me to use materials or products that you supply, I will take reasonable care when fitting or using them, but I am not responsible for defects inherent in those materials or for problems caused by inaccurate product information. This does not affect my responsibility for the standard of my own work.
Cancellations
Please tell me as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel an appointment.
If a contract is agreed at a distance, such as by phone, email or online, or away from my business premises, you may have a legal right to cancel it. Where that right applies to a service contract, the cancellation period will normally end 14 days after the contract is entered into. I will provide the required cancellation information and a model cancellation form with the quote or contract confirmation in a form you can keep. Different rules or exceptions can apply in some circumstances, including certain urgent repair or maintenance work that you specifically request.
If you expressly ask me to begin work during an applicable cancellation period, I will record that request and explain the consequences before starting. If you then cancel during the period, you may need to pay a proportionate amount for work already carried out, where the law permits. If the service is fully completed at your express request, the right to cancel may be lost where the legal conditions for that apply.
Outside a statutory cancellation right, we will discuss any work already carried out and any costs specifically and reasonably committed for your job. I will not impose an undisclosed cancellation charge.
Payment
I will send an invoice showing the work and charges. Payment is due within seven days of the invoice date unless we agree otherwise in writing. Any advance payment or staged payment arrangement will be stated in the quote or agreed separately in writing.
If something goes wrong
I aim to carry out services with reasonable care and skill. If you are unhappy with any part of the work, please contact me promptly so I can understand the concern and have a reasonable opportunity to inspect it and, where appropriate, put it right.
Nothing in these terms affects your statutory consumer rights. Under consumer law, services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill; where no time or price has been fixed, the law can also imply a reasonable time and a reasonable charge.
Changes to these terms
I may update these terms from time to time. The terms that apply to a particular job are the version provided or made available when that contract is agreed, together with the agreed quote, estimate or scope of work.