The following terms of business are in relation to any and all building work which Lorne Lofts Ltd agrees to undertake, unless otherwise specified within the document.

1. Project Scope

1.1 Lorne Lofts Ltd will carry out all work [services] in accordance with the most recent quote and Scope of Works, as agreed to by both the client and Lorne Lofts Ltd.

1.2 The services may also include additional work agreed to by both Lorne Lofts Ltd and the client.

1.3 Changes to the Scope of Works throughout the project must be agreed with both Lorne Lofts Ltd and the client in writing and may incur additional costs.

1.4 Lorne Lofts Ltd will not carry out any additional works until the scope and fee are agreed by the client in writing.

1.5 Any agreed works outside of the final quote and Scope of Works will be invoiced separately throughout the project.

2. Payment

2.1 Quoted fees are subject to final structural engineering and architects plans and confirmation of specification, due to the possible fluctuations in the cost of materials and labour, any quotes provided are valid for 30 days.

2.2 All fees will include VAT.

2.3 All fees to be paid by the client to Lorne Lofts Ltd via bank transfer will be in accordance with the ‘Payment Schedule’ as set out by Lorne Lofts Ltd. This is usually, but not strictly limited to, weekly or fortnightly instalments, this is dependant on the proposed total duration of the project, and a final payment of between 2%-5% once all building control certificates are received by the client and the project is completed in accordance with the project scope.

2.4 If there are any extenuating circumstances which will delay the progress of the project, Lorne Lofts Ltd and the client can agree on an alternative payment structure, this must be agreed in writing.

2.5 Late or missed payments may incur interest, this will be at the discretion of Lorne Lofts Ltd and will not exceed the maximum rate enforceable under applicable legislation.

2.6 Lorne Lofts Ltd will use the Xero software for all invoicing. Invoices will be sent out to clients on a Wednesday ahead of the payment due date on a Friday.

3. Start Date

3.1 Before a start date can be set the client must have party wall agreement documents signed by neighbours each side. 

a) Lorne Lofts Ltd can offer basic advice on this process. 

b) Should a party wall surveyor be required to arrange this agreement, the surveyor is to issue the agreement two months ahead of any work commencing, unless otherwise agreed with the neighbouring property and stated within the surveyors contract. 

c) Party wall surveyors are hired externally by the client at their cost.

3.2 Before a start date can be set, all planning processes must have been completed and any revised plans in accordance with planning regulations must be submitted to Lorne Lofts Ltd for consideration. Changes to the design or specification of the project scope may incur costs and a new quote to be agreed.

3.3 Before a start date can be set a fully qualified London based Building Control Regulations company must be instructed. Lorne Lofts has preferred regular partners for this appointment. Lorne Lofts Ltd, the appointed architect or the client can arrange this instruction and the cost is covered by the client.

3.4 Lorne Lofts Ltd can provide an approximate start date for the project once officially appointed.

3.5 All start dates are flexible and will not be confirmed until all of the above processes have been completed.

3.6 Once a start date has been set, this will still remain a flexible start date; due to the small size of the Lorne Lofts Ltd team, the date may need to be moved to ensure Lorne Lofts Ltd can provide the best service to clients. Any fluctuating start dates will be communicated with the client immediately.

3.7 Lorne Lofts is unable to commit to a project end date, for the same above reason. Lorne Lofts will commit to providing Project Timelines and regular updates on Timeframes.

4. Services Carried Out

4.1 Building Regulations & Statutory Compliance

a) All of the work carried out by Lorne Lofts Ltd is compliant with the current UK Building Regulations and regular checks are carried out on all projects at key milestones by an independent Building Regulations Provider.

b) All materials used by Lorne Lofts are compliant with current UK Building Regulations.

c) Lorne Lofts Ltd complies with all Fire Safety regulations as set out by Part B of the UK Buildings Regulations including fire protected steel beams, Celotex Insulation, mains powered smoke alarms fitted to each habitable room, fire doors within the area of the agreed building works. These items are included as standard in all quoted works.

d) Additional regulatory work may be required by Building Control; this will be carried out by Lorne Lofts Ltd in order to obtain sign off, and may be chargeable.

e) Any additional regulatory work required is sometimes included in the plans issued by the architect, otherwise it will be detailed in the Building Control report at the start of the project.

f) Lorne Lofts Ltd is not able to advise on such items until architect and/or building control have outlined the requirements.

g) A building control certificate will be issued on completion; includes a Part P electrical certificate.

h) To comply with Building Regulations, Lorne Lofts Ltd is required to install mains-wired smoke alarms to all habitable rooms within the property. Every effort is made to minimise disturbance when carrying out these works. Minor making-good or redecoration required as a result of compliance installations is excluded unless expressly stated in the Scope of Works.

4.2 Damage, Unforeseen Events & Liability

a) Lorne Lofts Ltd will take reasonable care in the execution of the agreed Scope of Works and will make good, at no additional cost, any damage directly caused by our negligence.

b) Lorne Lofts Ltd is not liable for loss, damage or consequential loss arising from accidental events, escape of water, system failures or unforeseen incidents where no negligence has occurred, even where such events arise during or as a result of the works.

c) For the avoidance of doubt, liability does not arise solely because an event is unforeseen, disruptive or occurs during construction. In the absence of negligence, such matters fall outside the scope of Lorne Lofts Ltd’s responsibility.

d) Lorne Lofts Ltd is not responsible for failures or defects in existing structures, pipework, drainage, wiring or services, whether visible or concealed, nor for losses resulting from the interaction of the works with existing systems.

e) Any damage or loss arising from accidental events, escape of water or system failures without negligence is a matter for the client’s buildings insurance. The client is responsible for notifying their insurer of the works and maintaining appropriate cover for the duration of the project.

f) Lorne Lofts Ltd’s Public Liability Insurance responds only to claims arising from proven negligence and does not replace or negate the client’s obligation to insure their property.

4.3 Existing Services & System Compatibility

Where the project scope includes the installation of a new boiler or an increase in water pressure, Lorne Lofts Ltd advises clients to arrange a full assessment of existing plumbing systems prior to commencement to ensure compatibility. Lorne Lofts Ltd cannot accept responsibility for failures of existing systems resulting from increased demand unless expressly agreed in writing.

4.4 Third-Party Works & Client Costs

Where scaffolding requires the temporary relocation of a Sky or TV aerial, this will be carried out using Lorne Lofts Ltd’s approved aerial contractor, and the cost shall be borne by the client. Should a new or upgraded consumer unit (fuse board) be required, this shall be at the client’s cost.

4.5 Site Management

a) During a project Lorne Lofts Ltd ask that any external tradesmen which are hired by the client, are only to be onsite following the completion of Lorne Lofts Ltd, unless otherwise agreed with the project manager.  This is to ensure there are no delays in the project timeline. 

b) When external suppliers are contracted by the client to install items, such as windows/glass, any installation requirements must be discussed in person by the supplier onsite, if requested by our project manager. 

c) To maintain a high quality of work and ensure the Project Manager personally manages all of the projects, Lorne Lofts Ltd limits the number of projects running concurrently. 

d) Lorne Lofts Ltd uses the same highly skilled and trusted contractors on every project, this is commitment to using only the best craftsmanship and therefore Lorne Lofts Ltd will wait for the tradespeople to be available. This may occasionally incur short delays, any such short delays will be communicated to the client.

e) Lorne Lofts Ltd working hours are Monday to Friday 8am - 4:30/5pm, occasionally later if and when required. Saturdays are with client and neighbour’s permission, Saturday hours are 8am - 3/4pm. 

f) When necessary Lorne Lofts Ltd will provide a Project Timeline for the client, this is an approximated idea of timings for the project and can be affected by many factors including but not limited to, adverse weather, material shortages/delays, team holidays/sickness.

5. Client Responsibilities

5.1 If visitor permits are needed for the workforce, Lorne Lofts Ltd would ask these to be provided by the client. Lorne Lofts Ltd contractors will avoid parking without a visitor permit and therefore failure to provide permits can result in project delays.

5.2 The client is responsible for advising Lorne Lofts Ltd of existing boiler and water tank locations, especially if in the loft area and of any chimney alterations / removal requirements ahead of the start date. Boiler / water tank relocations will need to be undertaken by an external contractor, gas safe, Lorne Lofts Ltd can advise. Chimney alterations may need party wall agreement.

5.3 The client is responsible for supplying the following items: loft bathroom suite, tiles for bathroom walls and floor (For ground floor projects, kitchen suite and hardware, appliances, tiles). Plus any other items outlined in the quote and specification. Lorne Lofts Ltd will advise when items are required onsite. If such items are not onsite at the requested time, this can incur project delays.

5.4 Lorne Lofts Ltd supplies standard white radiators, plug sockets, switches and spot lighting. Should the client prefer alternatives these can be supplied by the client. Installation for alternative items is included.

5.5 The client is to allow access to toilet facilities for the contractors. Should clients prefer to pay for an alternative ‘Portable-Toilet Hire’ option, we can arrange at clients' cost.

6. Contractor Responsibilities

6.1 Lorne Lofts Ltd keeps a tidy site at all times. All rubbish is cleared from the site by Lorne Lofts Ltd. Lorne Lofts Ltd will organise all skips and skip permits

6.2 Lorne Lofts Ltd will take photos of projects during and upon completion and use for marketing across social media platforms, client data and identity are protected from this at all times. However, if the client prefers for such photos not to be used please communicate this to Lorne Lofts Ltd.

6.3 Lorne Lofts Ltd will set up a WhatsApp group with the client(s) and project manager, Neal to communicate during the project.

6.4 Lorne Lofts will invite the client to review the progress of work by sharing updates and photos of the project build and regular onsite meetings.

7. Guarantees & Warranties

7.1 Workmanship Guarantee

a) Lorne Lofts Ltd provides a 10-year workmanship guarantee on structural and building works carried out by us, including but not limited to: Loft extensions, Ground floor extensions, Structural alterations, Roofing works installed by Lorne Lofts Ltd

b) This guarantee covers defects arising from faulty workmanship only.

c) It does not constitute an insurance-backed warranty and does not cover accidental damage, consequential loss, or failures not caused by defective workmanship.

7.2 What the 10-Year Workmanship Guarantee Covers

a) The guarantee applies where: A defect arises as a direct result of workmanship carried out by Lorne Lofts Ltd; and the defect becomes apparent within 10 years of completion; and Lorne Lofts Ltd is given reasonable access to inspect and remedy the issue.

b) Where a valid workmanship defect is identified, Lorne Lofts Ltd will carry out remedial works within a reasonable timeframe.

7.3 What Is Not Covered by the Guarantee

a) The following are expressly excluded from the workmanship guarantee:                   b)     Normal wear and tear                                                                                                   c) Cosmetic finishes, decorative surfaces and materials                                                     d) Minor settlement, shrinkage or hairline cracking                                   
e) Damage caused by accidental events, escape of water, fire, flooding or subsidence
f) Failures arising from pre-existing defects or existing structures or services
g) Alterations, repairs or interference carried out by others
h) Lack of maintenance or misuse of the property
I) Mechanical and electrical components (including boilers, pumps, valves, controls,       appliances and fittings) are excluded from the workmanship guarantee.

7.4 Client-Supplied Items & Second-Hand Materials

a) Items supplied by the client, including fixtures, fittings, appliances or finishes, are not covered by the Lorne Lofts Ltd workmanship guarantee and will instead be subject to the manufacturer’s or supplier’s warranty.

b) Second-hand, reclaimed, refurbished or third-party marketplace items are excluded from the workmanship guarantee.

7.5 Third-Party Products & Specialist Installations

a) Where specialist systems or products are supplied and installed (including but not limited to glazing systems, underfloor heating, roofing membranes or specialist components), these will be covered by the relevant manufacturer’s or specialist contractor’s warranty for the period specified by that provider.

b) Lorne Lofts Ltd does not extend or replace third-party warranty obligations.

7.6 Transferability

a) This guarantee is non-transferable unless otherwise agreed in writing.

8. Insurance

8.1 Lorne Lofts Ltd and our clients have full Business Insurance which includes £5,000,000 Employers Liability and £2,000,000 Public Liability.

8.2 The client is responsible for making their home insurers aware of the building works taking place.