Terms and conditions of work

Thompsons Painting & Decorating is the trading name of Michael James Thompson, a sole trader. In these terms, “I”, “me” and “my” mean Thompsons Painting & Decorating, and “you” means the customer named on the quote.

Your quote sets out the work, the materials and the price. It is valid for one month from the date shown. After that, I may need to re-quote.

If I find something that couldn’t be seen when I quoted and needs extra work or materials, I’ll explain it and agree the cost with you before going ahead. I won’t carry out extra work without your agreement.

If you change your mind about a colour, finish, wallpaper or any other part of the job once materials have been bought or work has started, the cost of replacement materials and any extra labour will be added to your invoice. I’ll confirm the cost with you first.

Every job requires a booking deposit to secure a place in my diary. The deposit is 10% of the quoted price, plus the cost of the materials for your job. The exact amount is shown on your quote.

Your dates are only confirmed once the deposit has been paid.

The deposit is deducted from your final invoice.

You can pay by bank transfer, by card (in person or using the secure payment link on your invoice), or in cash. I don’t accept cheques. There is no extra charge for paying by card.

For jobs lasting a week or less, the balance is due in full on completion, on receipt of your invoice.

For jobs lasting more than a week, I’ll invoice at the end of each working week for the work carried out that week. Each invoice is due on receipt, and the final invoice, less your deposit and any payments already made, is due on completion.

Start and finish dates are estimates. I’ll do my best to keep to them and will let you know straight away if anything changes.

Exterior work depends on the weather. If conditions aren’t suitable for painting, I’ll agree new dates with you.

Please clear the work area of furniture, equipment and personal items that could be damaged before work begins.

If you’d like help moving anything, I’m happy to help. Items are moved at your request and risk, and I can’t accept responsibility for damage to them unless it’s caused by my negligence.

If you supply your own materials, it’s your responsibility to check before work starts that all wallpaper rolls share the same batch number, and that paint is the correct colour, shade and finish.

I can’t accept responsibility for differences in the finished result caused by mismatched batches or incorrect products supplied by you.

Please let me know about any snagging, such as small touch-ups or finishing points, within 7 working days of the job being completed. I’ll then arrange a date to return and put it right.

This doesn’t affect your legal rights.

Because your contract is agreed away from my business premises or at a distance, you have the legal right to cancel within 14 days of accepting your quote, without giving a reason.

To cancel, tell me clearly by email, text, phone or post. You can use the cancellation form at the end of these terms, but you don’t have to.

If you cancel within the 14 days, I’ll refund all payments you’ve made, including your deposit, within 14 days of you telling me.

If you ask me in writing to start work or buy materials within the 14 days and then cancel, you’ll pay for the work carried out up to the point you cancel, and for any materials already bought for your job that can’t be returned.

If you ask me to start within the 14 days and the work is fully completed in that time, your right to cancel ends.

If you cancel after the 14-day cancellation period, your deposit is non-refundable. It covers the diary time held for you and the materials bought for your job, which you’re welcome to keep.

If you cancel after the 14-day cancellation period and within 7 days of your start date, a late cancellation charge of 25% of the labour cost applies, as I’m unlikely to be able to fill those dates at short notice. Your deposit will be put towards this charge.

If you need to move your dates, please let me know as soon as possible. I’ll offer the next available dates and your deposit will carry over.

If I need to cancel your job, I’ll refund your deposit in full.

I hold public liability insurance. Details are available on request.

I’ll carry out all work with reasonable care and skill, as required by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Nothing in these terms limits my responsibility for death or personal injury caused by my negligence, for fraud, or for anything else that can’t be limited by law. Nothing in these terms affects your legal rights as a consumer.

If you’re not happy with any part of the work, please tell me as soon as possible and I’ll do my best to put it right.

I’ll use your personal information as set out in my Privacy policy.

These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can also bring a claim in your local courts.

Accepting your quote in writing (including by text, WhatsApp or email) or paying your booking deposit means you agree to these terms.