How we undertake projects
Making everything we do work and bringing it all together is everything to us, we love to see the joy in faces of our clients who are pleased with completed projects, and appreciation they give us for the hard work, detail and dedication in making there garden dream fit.
From the beginning Meo Landscapes always endeavours to layout our advice, prices and work schedules in a simple and straightforward layout. We will try not to estimate quotes and schedules opting for full description of works, listing materials, timescales and itemised pricing in full fixed quotations without final invoice surprises.
For most clients, creating a garden is a once in a lifetime experience. Which means they have no idea what’s involved in turning your plans into reality: the mess, the mud, the three ton digger parked outside the kitchen window. Usually, by the end of the first week they’re asking how much longer it’s going to take.
Helping them through the pain barrier is all about good communication. So as well as holding regular progress meetings, we go out of our way to update and reassure the garden owner on a daily basis.
In the event of additions to contract we will always re-quote the additions separately.
“Why tidying up may be the most important thing we do each day”
Some might say that it’s a waste of time to clean and clear the site at the end of every working day, not us. we have found that it’s a really valuable way of helping clients to see the progress we’ve made, and to give them a sense of their garden beginning to take shape.
Meo Landscapes like to work with the client to ensure a high level of understanding in the build process, we welcome views on the built process at all stages.
Above all, the success of a garden building project depends on good planning and meticulous site management.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRADING 2010
MEO LANDSCAPES / GROUNDSCAPES
Contract for hard & soft landscaping
Standard terms and conditions of contract for business to consumer contracts
1.0 DEFINITIONS
1.1 "Client" means the individual or organization that buys or agrees to buy Materials or Services from the contractor.
1.2 "Contractor" means the person or company detailed in the quotation or estimate (also applies to sub-contractors.)
1.3 "Contract" means the contract between the Contractor and the Client for the purchase of materials and services comprising these Terms and Conditions.
1.4 "Materials" means the articles that the Client agrees to buy from the Contractor.
1.5 "Services" means the provision of landscaping services by the Contractor.
1.6 "Site" means the site where the services will be performed.
1.7 "Terms and Conditions" means the terms and conditions set out herein.
1.8 "Quotation" means the Contractor’s written quotation for the listed contract work and listed goods supplied to which these Terms and conditions apply.
1.9 "Estimate" means a written price that the client may use as a guide to costs; this may not be the invoiced billing.
1.10 "Project" means the entire work to be carried out as highlighted.
1.11 "Additions to Contract" All materials and services supplied and added as extra , incurred in addition to the quoted schedule of materials and price.
2.0 CONDITIONS
2.1 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall affect the Clients statutory rights as a consumer.
3.0 PRICE AND PAYMENT
3.1 We will always supply you with a detailed itemised cost for the work that will be broken down into quotes. Meo landscapes do not supply estimates unless stated. Quotes only apply to works quoted in contract.
3.2 The Client agrees to pay the Contractor the Contract price together with any VAT properly chargeable upon the Contract price.
3.3 All costs are subject to VAT (Value added Tax) set currently at 17.5%
3.4 Unless otherwise stated in the quotation or agreed between the parties, the Contractor shall invoice the Client for the contract price (plus VAT where applicable) upon completion of the work. Unless otherwise stated in the Quotation or unless otherwise agreed by the parties, invoices shall be payable immediately upon receipt of invoice unless otherwise stated..
3.5 Payments can be made in Cheque payable to Groundscapes, or by cash / bacs system.
3.6 The Contractor reserves its right to charge interest of the rate of 5% per annum above the base rate of the Bank of England on all outstanding sums from the due date until payment, in addition all administration fees and charges.
In the event of non payment after reasonable time and opportunities Meo Landscapes will instruct IDRS and / or my solicitor in reclaiming all funds outstanding including costs, fees and interest outstanding.
3.7 Quotations shall be open for acceptance no longer than 3 months.
3.8 If after acceptance of the Quotation by the Client, the cost to the Contractor of carrying out the Contract work is increased by reason of increases in the cost of materials, labour or any factor outside the control of the Contractor, the Contractor shall notify the Client of the price increase before undertaking any work.
3.9 The Client will be sent a final invoice upon completion of work highlighted in "the works schedule" this will include incurred costs, accumulative costs and extras all added to the quotation price.
4.0 ADDITITIONS TO CONTRACT,EXTRAS, ACCUMLIATIVE AND INCREASED COSTS
4.1 The Contractor will where possible notify Client to unforeseen and accumulated costs. Any additional work and supplies requested by the client or in addition to the works schedule attached to the quotation will automaticly be deemed additions to contract.
4.2 All extra goods and services when applied by the Client will be invoiced as per prior agreement
4.3 Where possible and if requested the Contractor will present an alternative written quotation for Services and Materials..
4.4 The Contractor holds the right in charging for any labour and materials to work that over-runs due or is extra to unforeseen circumstances at no control to us.
4.6 Extras and additions will be itemised in final billing, changes to the initial quote will be deemed as additions to contract.
4.7 As your Contractor you allow use of alternative or extra materials, change of design where construction restrictions apply and labour extras at Meo Landscapes discretion.
4.8 All projects requested by Client to Contractor that include and require extra Services and Goods will be chargeable.
4.9 Where unforeseen work is required that has not been quoted or included in any original documentation, this will be re quoted, in the event that it is not possible to re-quote an estimated figure cost.
5.0 DEPOSITS
5.1 Initial booking deposit is required from Client with confirmation slip and signed quotation/contract copy or written letter.
5.2 Initial standard deposit is payable by Client % of total quotation over £1000, cost including VAT, the Contractor will send the Client a receipt of payment after clearance along with project estimated start dates. Deposit % at discretion of Meo Landscapes.
5.3 Initial deposit is only refundable to the Client from the Contractor if no Goods have been ordered and cannot be cancelled, or no later than 2 weeks from start dates.
5.4 A second payment will be required unless stated and previously agreed between Client and Contractor. This mid way deposit is payable at the mid construction stage, or at a highlighted or agreed time of construction. Mid way deposit is currently payable % of the total quote. A date for payment may be highlighted and fixed.
5.5 In the event of over run on time or added work, stage payments may be required the Contractor will inform the Client
5.6 Deposit payments do not including optional extras or accumulative costs, mid Term payments are non-refundable.
5.7 The Contractor with-holds the right to retain 20% of any deposit paid as cancellation fee.
6.0 MATERIALS (GOODS) QUANTITIES AND CHOICE
6.1 All Materials used will be agreed in advance between Client and Contractor
6.2 The Contractor holds the right to provide alternative Materials where availability is limited
6.3 Any instruction will be highlighted by site consultation between Contractor and Client as to changes to Goods including quantities, colour, shape, design, texture, cost and impact on environment.
6.4 Materials supplied by Client will not be included in costs invoiced by Meo Landscapes
6.5 Materials will be listed in the schedule of all quotes.
7. 0 WORKS AND MATERIALS SUMMARY
7.1 The Contractor will make available to the Client copies of works summary listing sheets, all the work activity chargeable as per the quotation for work in constructing the Site Project.
7.2 Summary lists are itemised, prices are calculated from this list, any work completed not included on this list will be treated as extras and is chargeable.
8.0 DURATION OF WORK
8.1 The Contractor will provide the Client with an estimate of the likely duration of the work. Any dates or time scales given are approximate only. Were possible Meo Landscapes will try to complete works within a budgeted timescale.
8.2 The Contractor will provide the Client with an estimate of the likely start dates of the work. Any dates or time scales given are approximate only, and may alter during busy times of the year.
8.3 Notwithstanding any other term of this Contract, the Contractor shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of the Goods or performance of the Services and time shall not be of the essence of this Contract over craftsmanship and professional detailing.
8.4 The Contractor cannot be held responsible for delays that are out of our control
8.5 The contractor cannot guarantee specific start dates, and cannot be held responsible for delayed starts.
9.0 COMPLAINTS
9.1 In the event of a reported complaint, the Client must complain in writing, in the first instance this is to be sent to Meo Landscapes.
9.2 The Contractor will follow the complaints procedure as set out by the APL. A copy of this procedure can be obtained from The Association of Professional Landscapers, Horticulture House, 19 High Street, Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 5AH.
9.3 The Contractor has obligations to respond to any complaints form and make necessary repairs and alterations as required.
9.4 The Client has an obligation to list any complaints in a fair and just manner to the Contractor.
10.0 PLANTING MATERIAL
10.1 The Client shall be responsible for the maintenance of all living material following completion of the work and in the absence of the contractor in relation to watering.
10.2 If specific plant material is unavailable the Contractor will notify the Client and offer the Client a suitable alternative.
10.3 Plant material will be gureteed for disease only as per contractors suppliers terms and conditions.
11.0 HARD LANDSCAPING
11.1 Any specified instruction or specification to the maintenance or life of any hard landscape Goods and materials is the responsibility of the Client and not the Contractor.
11.2 Deteriation of materials over time will be the responsibility of the manufactures for full replacement of materials.
12.0 GENERAL CONDITIONS
The Contractor
12.1 Were possible allocate time each day to tidy site.
12.2 The Contractor will be responsible for the safe storage and positioning of equipment and materials on the Site at all times.
12.3 The Contractor will take all reasonable steps to minimise environmental disturbance, nuisance and pollution.
12.4 The Contractor will carry out and complete the work detailed in the Contract in a good and workmanlike manner. And follow practise promoted by The Association of Professional Landscapers, trustmark and the law.
12.5 The Contractor will carry out a Site risk assessment and will ensure that all applicable health and safety regulations are met. The Contractor will make arrangements for staff and Client welfare facilities unless otherwise agreed with the Client.
The Client
12.6 The Client shall notify the Contractor and any Site visitors of any known hazards or obstructions on the Site prior to submission of a Quotation and at the start of works. The Contractor will promptly notify the Client of the discovery of any obstructions or hazards during the course of the work and advise on the implications of the discovery of such obstructions or hazards, if any.
12.7 The Client must provide mains electricity and water on the Site. The cost of providing electricity and water will be borne by the Client.
12.8 The Client will allow the Contractor access to the site within the agreed working hours and throughout the agreed time period.
13.0 CONSENTS
13.1 The Client is responsible for obtaining any necessary consents for the implementation of the work from the relevant authorities and for ensuring that the implementation of the work complies with all applicable laws, Meo Landscaping will not be held responsible for any part at any time and for any cost for breach of law, any cost forced on to the contractor will be borne by the client.
14.0 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
14.1 All original designs, drawings, specifications, photographs and any other written material produced by the Contractor during performance of the Contract shall remain the property of the Contractor.
15.0 THIRD PARTIES
15.1 The parties agree that the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 shall not apply to this Contract.
16.0 FORCE MAJEURE
16.1 The Contractor shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform any of its obligations under this Contract if the delay or failure results from events or circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, accidents, war, fire, breakdown of plant or machinery, shortage or unavailability of materials, adverse weather conditions or adverse or difficult Site conditions.
17.0 CHANGES TO CONTRACT AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS
17.1 The Contractor shall be entitled to amend and update these Terms and Conditions from time to time.
18.0 GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
18.1 This Contract is governed by the laws of England and the parties hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of English Courts.
19.0 ACCEPTANCE
19.1 Acceptance of a Quotation including payments will be deemed to be acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
20.0 LIABILITY
10.1 Except in the case of death or personal injury caused by the Contractor’s negligence, the entire liability of the Contractor under or connection with this Contract shall not exceed the Contract price.
20.2 Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Contract the Contractor shall not be liable to the Client for loss of profits or contracts or any indirect or consequential losses whether arising from negligence, breach of contract or otherwise.
21.0 SEVERANCE
21.1 If any provision of this Contract is declared by any judicial or other competent authority to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Contract will remain in full force and effect.
22.0 ENTIRE AGREEMENT
22.1 This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any and all prior agreements. In the event of conflict between Terms and Conditions and any Quotation, unless otherwise specified, the terms of the Quotation shall prevail.
23.0 WAIVER
23.1 No waiver shall be valid unless made in writing and signed on behalf of the Contractor.
24.0 GUARANTEE
24.1 Full guarantee’s will be made available on request to the Client only after full payment is made to the Contractor.
24.2 The Contractor holds the right to waver any guarantee or alter its content to comply with construction details of Project and Site conditions.
25. INSURANCE AND RESPONSABILITY
25.1 The Contractor will have adequate and full insurance and can be made available for Client inspection.
25.2 The Client has responsibility in protecting Contractors equipment but is not liable for loss damage of contractors belongings.
25.3 The Client is responsible for the loss, theft and or damage of all stored materials and equipment on site.
25.6 Health and Safety is covered in Contractors forms.
25.7 On occasions The Contractor will request a damage and responsibility waver be signed for jobs that are deemed a risk not covered within the clients insurance or reputation.
25.7 Meo landscapes are covered for public liability insurance 5.5 million and accident and death insurance with NFU, accounts held at Diss Branch Norfolk.