Legal
Terms & Conditions
The terms under which Baron Hues undertakes painting and decorating work in Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey.
“We,” “us,” and “our” refer to Baron Hues. “You,” “the client,” “the customer,” and “your” refer to the person who requested our services and enters into this contract.
1
Contract & Quotations
1.1
Contract
- The agreed final quote represents a written contract for the exact work to be completed at the price quoted.
- Verbal agreements are not covered unless a new written quote is issued and accepted.
- Baron Hues will not communicate with anyone other than the client unless written permission is provided.
- Acceptance of the quote, electronically or by any other means, signifies full acceptance of these terms and conditions.
1.2
Validity of Quotations
- Quotes are valid for 3 months from the submission date.
1.3
Changes to Your Quote
- Quotes may be adjusted if changes occur to the property after the initial estimate.
- Clients must notify us promptly; failure to do so may result in delays.
2
Payment Terms
2.1
Payment Schedules
- Payment terms are determined by the estimated duration and scope of the project:
- Standard Projects (jobs over 5 days)
- Deposit (35%): payable upon booking to secure the dates in our calendar and fund the required paint, materials and preparatory supplies.
- Interim Stage Payment (35%): due at the end of the first week of works (or upon completion of surface preparation and primary undercoats).
- Final Balance (30%): due within 5 business days of project completion, final sign-off and invoice issuance.
- Short Projects (jobs of 5 days or fewer / under £1,000)
- Deposit (40%): payable upon booking to reserve the date and procure all necessary paints and materials.
- Final Balance (60%): due within 5 business days upon practical completion and final walkthrough.
- Single-Day / Minor Call-Out Jobs (1 day or under £300)
- Full Payment (100%): due upon completion on the day of work, unless specialist or bespoke materials must be ordered in advance (in which case material costs are payable upon booking).
2.2
Bespoke & Specialist Materials
- Where a project requires specialist designer paints (e.g. Farrow & Ball, Little Greene), bespoke wallpapers, or hired plant/access equipment, the full cost of these items must be paid upfront prior to ordering, in addition to the standard booking deposit.
2.3
Payment Methods & Late Settlement
- Payments are accepted via Direct Bank Transfer (BACS).
- Work slots remain tentative until the initial deposit has cleared.
- Final invoices unpaid after the agreed due date may be subject to statutory late payment interest.
2.4
Invoice & Ownership
- Materials remain the property of Baron Hues until the final invoice is paid.
- In case of dispute, access must be granted for us to retrieve our property.
- Invoices are valid for both private and business clients.
- Non-receipt of invoice does not exempt payment responsibility.
- A duplicate invoice can be issued for a £15 admin fee.
2.5
Unpaid Accounts
- If Baron Hues is unable to recover outstanding amounts within a reasonable timeframe, we may engage a debt collection agency. The client acknowledges that the agency may add their recovery fees — typically around 33% of the invoice total — once the debt is transferred.
- We strongly advise settling invoices promptly to avoid additional costs. Once a debt is transferred, we are no longer involved in the process and cannot reverse the associated fees.
3
Cancellations, Postponements & Terminations
3.1
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations must be made at least 28 days prior to the project start date in writing via email.
- Failure to notify us in time will incur a cancellation fee of no less than 15% of the total project cost.
3.2
Termination After Work Has Commenced
- If services are terminated after the project begins, the client is liable for no less than 50% of the total project cost.
3.3
Postponements
- Postponements are acceptable only if the new date falls within 4 weeks of the original date.
- Any further delays will be treated as a cancellation and subject to the standard cancellation fee.
4
Site Conditions & Responsibilities
4.1
Condition of Walls and Ceilings
- Unless specified, no preparation will be done to plaster underneath wallpaper or ceilings; it is assumed to be in good condition.
- Hidden or unforeseen defects will be charged unless included in the original quote.
4.2
Client Responsibilities
- The client is responsible for removing valuables, fragile items, and wall hangings.
- The client is responsible for removing electrical goods from the work area.
- We may assist with moving bulky furniture but reserve the right to decline if there is risk of damage.
4.3
Pre-Existing Damage
- We may take photographs or fill in a damage record before work begins.
- In the rare case of negligence on our part, clients are covered by our insurance. However, disputes requiring photo evidence or written proof will incur a £50 administrative fee per complaint.
5
Materials & Workmanship
5.1
Materials
- If we are supplying materials (as agreed in writing during the quotation phase), they will be high quality and used according to manufacturer guidelines.
- We aim to match existing décor where possible. If an exact match cannot be achieved, the client will be consulted.
- We are not responsible for materials supplied by the client and used at their own risk.
5.2
Workmanship & Damages
- If any damage occurs during the project, we will notify you and explain steps for resolution.
- Clients must report any dissatisfaction promptly.
- All rectifications must be done by Baron Hues or our approved tradespeople.
- Third-party costs are not covered unless agreed in writing.
- Any damage caused by our team must be reported in writing within 24 hours.
5.3
Precautions
- We will protect surfaces with masking and coverings, but a small risk of overspill or dust remains.
- Any accidental cosmetic damage will be addressed promptly.
6
Timescales & Completion
6.1
Project Duration
- Estimated timescales are guides only. We aim to complete on time but are not liable for delays.
- If we expedite work using additional resources, the quoted price remains unchanged.
6.2
Completion & Sign-Off
- If required, the client must be present on the final day for consultation and sign-off.
- If absent without written notice, the work will be deemed complete and full payment due.
7
Complaints
7.0
How to Complain
- Complaints must be made in writing only, within 7 days of project completion.
- Email: info@baronhues.com
- Website contact form found on our Contact Us page.
- Include your name, property address, issue description, and any relevant photos. (To send us a photo please use the email, as there is no option to upload from our contact form.)
7.1
Process
- Acknowledgement: You will receive confirmation within 2 working days.
- Investigation: We will assess the issue, consult our team, and may visit the site.
- Response: You will receive a written outcome within 7 working days (or a revised timeline if needed).
- Resolution: If remedial work is agreed upon, it will be carried out by Baron Hues or our approved tradespersons.
Questions
Anything in these terms you’d like clarified
We’re always happy to talk through the detail before work begins. For a personalised experience, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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