Channells Electrical – Terms and Conditions of Business
1. Definitions
“Company” means Channells Electrical.
“Client” means the person, firm or company requesting the Services.
“Services” means electrical installation, alteration, maintenance, testing, inspection, repair, fault-finding, certification, notification, and associated works carried out by the Company.
“Goods” means any materials, accessories, or equipment supplied by the Company.
“Site” means the property, premises, or area where the Services are carried out.
“Contract” means the agreement between the Company and the Client for the provision of Services, incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation/estimate.
2. Formation of Contract and Acceptance
2.1 A Contract is formed when the Client accepts a quotation/estimate, instructs the Company to proceed, books works, pays a deposit, or permits works to start, whichever occurs first.
2.2 The Client confirms they have read and accepted these Terms and Conditions before Services commence.
2.3 If there is any conflict between these Terms and Conditions and a quotation/estimate, the quotation/estimate shall take precedence only for pricing and scope, and these Terms and Conditions shall apply to all other matters.
3. Quotations & Estimates
3.1 All quotations/estimates are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless stated otherwise.
3.2 Quotations/estimates are based on information available at the time (including any Site information provided by the Client).
3.3 Any variation, additional requirement, unforeseen condition, or deviation from the original scope may result in additional charges. The Company will seek agreement where reasonably practicable before proceeding, however where works must continue to maintain safety or restore supply, the Company may proceed and charge accordingly.
3.4 Unless expressly stated, quotations/estimates assume:
normal working hours and access,
a safe and clear working environment,
no asbestos,
no hidden defects within the existing installation or building fabric,
adequate parking/loading arrangements.
4. Client Status Declaration (Domestic / Commercial)
4.1 The Client must confirm whether they are acting as a private individual or in the course of business (including letting/management) at the point of booking or acceptance.
4.2 Where no confirmation is provided, the Company may treat the Client as a domestic customer.
5. Payment Terms – Domestic Clients
5.1 Payment is due on completion of the Services unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to commencement.
5.2 The Company may require a deposit or staged payments for larger works or ordered materials.
5.3 Where payment is not received within any agreed timeframe, the Company reserves the right to:
charge interest on the outstanding balance at 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate, calculated daily; and
recover reasonable costs incurred in pursuing overdue payment (including proportionate admin/recovery time).
5.4 The Company reserves the right to withhold certification, reports, Building Control notifications, or handover documentation until payment is received in full.
6. Payment Terms – Commercial Clients
6.1 Where the Client is acting in the course of business and this is confirmed in writing, payment terms shall apply as agreed.
6.2 Invoices unpaid after the due date may incur interest and recovery charges in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, including statutory interest and fixed recovery costs.
6.3 Certification and documentation may be withheld until paid in full.
7. Cancellations, Abortive Visits & Delays
7.1 If the Client cancels confirmed work with less than 48 hours’ notice, the Company may charge a reasonable cancellation fee reflecting time reserved, administration, and costs incurred, up to a maximum of 25% of the quoted value.
7.2 No cancellation fee will be charged where the Company is able to reallocate the time or where cancellation occurs due to circumstances beyond the Client’s reasonable control.
7.3 Abortive visit / return visit: If the Company attends Site and cannot proceed due to access restrictions, unsafe conditions, absence of decision-maker (where required), unavailable keys/permissions, lack of utilities, or other Client-controlled issues, the Company reserves the right to charge for time, travel, and costs incurred, and to reschedule at the next available date.
7.4 The Company is not liable for delays caused by factors outside its reasonable control, including supplier delays, third-party actions, adverse weather, access issues, or the discovery of unsafe or non-compliant conditions.
8. Access, Working Environment, Pets/Children & Conduct
8.1 The Client must provide safe, clear, and suitable access to the Site and areas of work, including access routes (hallways, stairs, loft hatches, meter cupboards, outbuildings).
8.2 The Client is responsible for ensuring children and pets are kept away from work areas, access routes, tools, and materials at all times.
8.3 If the Client needs to enter the work area during works, the engineer must be notified first. Access should be kept to a minimum and may be refused where it creates unacceptable risk.
8.4 Smoking/vaping: Smoking or vaping is not permitted in enclosed work areas or immediately around engineers whilst works are being carried out.
8.5 The Client must provide reasonable welfare arrangements where required (e.g., access to a WC on longer jobs), where practicable.
9. Electrical Isolation, Testing & Power Interruptions
9.1 The Company will follow safe isolation procedures where required. The Client acknowledges that electrical supplies may need to be switched off during works and/or testing.
9.2 Some electrical testing requires circuits to be energised (live testing). The Company will take reasonable precautions, however the Client must keep others clear of work areas during such testing.
9.3 Where the Client requires continuous power for medical or critical equipment, it is the Client’s responsibility to inform the Company before work starts so suitable arrangements can be considered. The Company is not liable for loss or damage resulting from the Client’s failure to disclose such requirements.
10. Dust, Noise, Making Good, and Protection of Belongings
10.1 Some works (including chasing, drilling, lifting floorboards, loft work) may create dust and noise. The Company will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption, but the Client accepts that some mess is unavoidable.
10.2 The Client is responsible for protecting or removing sensitive belongings, electronics, furnishings, and valuables from the work area.
10.3 Unless expressly agreed in writing, the Company does not include “making good” (plastering, decorating, retiling, carpentry repairs, redecorating, etc.) and is not liable for unavoidable disturbance to building fabric required to carry out the Services.
11. Hidden Services, Structure & Unexpected Conditions
11.1 The Company is not responsible for damage caused by undisclosed or hidden services (pipework, gas/water, data cables, alarm wiring) or unknown structural features encountered during normal works.
11.2 If unsafe conditions or unexpected hazards arise, works may be paused while a revised risk assessment and/or method is agreed.
12. Asbestos and Hazardous Materials
12.1 Where applicable, the Client must make any asbestos register or information available.
12.2 If asbestos (or suspected asbestos-containing materials) is identified or reasonably suspected, the Company may stop work immediately and request testing/removal by a competent party before continuing. Any additional visits, delays, or costs will be chargeable.
13. Pre-Existing Faults and Condition of Existing Installation
13.1 The Client acknowledges that existing electrical installations (particularly older installations) may contain pre-existing defects, poor workmanship, or non-compliance which may only become apparent during works or testing.
13.2 The Company is not responsible for pre-existing faults or deterioration that becomes evident due to necessary testing, isolation, or disturbance of the installation (e.g., brittle insulation, loose terminations, borrowed neutrals, failed rings).
13.3 Rectification of pre-existing defects is not included unless expressly stated in writing and may require additional chargeable works.
14. Materials & Parts (Company Supplied) / Client Supplied Goods
14.1 All Goods supplied by the Company remain the property of the Company until paid for in full.
14.2 Where the Client supplies materials/equipment:
the Company provides no warranty on such items,
the Company is not responsible for incompatibility, suitability, or manufacturer defects,
additional labour/time caused by defective or unsuitable Client-supplied goods is chargeable.
14.3 The Company may refuse to fit Client-supplied goods where they are unsafe, non-compliant, suspected counterfeit, or unsuitable.
15. Workmanship Guarantee
15.1 The Company guarantees its workmanship for 12 months from completion (labour only), subject to full payment.
15.2 Manufacturer warranties apply to Goods supplied by the Company.
15.3 The workmanship guarantee does not cover defects arising from misuse, neglect, fair wear and tear, third-party alterations, or Client-supplied equipment.
16. Waste Removal
16.1 Unless instructed otherwise, normal waste created from the Services will be removed on completion (or as work progresses).
16.2 Waste requiring specialist handling (including hazardous waste) may incur additional charges if not identified before works commence.
17. Certification & Compliance
17.1 Certification, reports, and notifications (where applicable) will be issued on completion and after full payment has been received.
17.2 Where Building Regulations notification is required, the Company will arrange this only where agreed within the scope and after payment.
17.3 The Client is responsible for ensuring any non-electrical works (plastering, building work, final finishes) do not compromise electrical safety and compliance after completion.
18. Parking, Permits and Site Restrictions
18.1 The Client is responsible for ensuring reasonable parking/loading is available. Where parking charges, permits, or access restrictions apply, these costs may be chargeable if not agreed otherwise.
18.2 Congestion charges, permit fees, and reasonable parking costs incurred in attending the Site may be passed on to the Client.
19. Limitation of Liability
19.1 The Company holds appropriate public liability insurance and, where applicable, professional indemnity insurance.
19.2 Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot legally be excluded.
19.3 Subject to clause 19.2, the Company’s total liability arising under or in connection with the Contract shall be limited to the value of the Services provided.
19.4 The Company is not liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profit, loss of business, loss of data, or loss arising from third-party actions.
19.5 The Company is not liable for loss or damage caused by the Client’s failure to provide accurate information, safe access, or a safe working environment.
20. Suspension / Termination
20.1 The Company may suspend works and/or terminate the Contract where the Client breaches these Terms, including non-payment, unsafe conditions, abusive behaviour, or refusal to provide access.
20.2 Where works are suspended/terminated due to Client breach, the Client remains liable for Services performed and costs incurred up to the date of suspension/termination, including ordered materials and reasonable time costs.
21. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
