Terms & Conditions
1) Right to Cancel ("Cooling off period") - The client has a minimum of 14 days from the acceptance date to cancel the contract in writing. In the event of cancellation at short notice, the client may be responsible for proportionate costs incurred. However, the client can waive this standstill period if there is a clear need or desire to do so.
2) Validity of Quotation/Estimate - This quotation/estimate is valid for 90 days and takes into account any value, whether monetary or otherwise, associated with the arisings, unless stated otherwise.
3) Execution Timescale - Upon receipt of the client's acceptance, a timescale for the completion of the works will be agreed upon. This timescale may be subject to alteration if factors such as adverse weather or circumstances beyond the control of Stockport Stumps impact the timeline.
4) Variation to Quotation - In the event of any changes to the quotation due to a) amendments required before arriving on site, b) changes in site/ground conditions since the initial visit, or c) additional works requested/required while on site, the quotation will be revised accordingly. Any agreed amendments will be documented, either electronically in advance or through a handwritten note on the day of work, signed by the contractor and the client.
5) Stump-grinding will be performed to a standard depth of 200mm (unless expressly specified and all utilities supply checks have been made prior to carrying out works) below the immediately adjacent ground level, including the removal of the stump and buttress roots. However, lateral roots will not be included unless specifically specified. The client must inform Stockport Stumps about any underground services near the stump prior to commencing the job. Stump grindings will be left on-site unless otherwise requested.
6) Disposal of Arisings - All arisings will be removed by the customer or to do with as they feel fit.
7) Works on Third-Party Stumps - If works are proposed on stumps belonging to third parties (e.g. neighbours' stumps), the contractor will require written confirmation from the stump owner (neighbours) indicating their agreement to the works and, if necessary, granting access.
8) Insurance and Safety - The contractor maintains £5 million Public Liability Insurance. A copy of the certificate is available upon request and can be viewed on our website. The contractor will operate in accordance with good industry practice, their Health & Safety Policy and Procedures, and undertake Site Specific Risk Assessments. The outcomes of these assessments may impose constraints on the site while works are in progress, requiring prior agreement from ground staff for client access to certain areas.
9) Site Conditions and Clean-up - To ensure that Stockport Stumps does not cause unreasonable disturbance or damage, the client may be asked to move practical items away from the work zone(s). Immovable structures, such as garden structures or heavy furniture, will be identified to Stockport Stumps to prevent damage. While the site will be left generally clean, tidy, and safe, it should be noted that the nature of the works, including the production of wood dust, chainsaw usage, wood chips, twigs, leaves, needles, and personnel movement, means that it will not be in the same condition as prior to the commencement of works.
10) Underground Services - Any damage caused to underground services will only be covered by us if the services have been laid in accordance with all relevant British standards, building regulations and planning laws.
11) If the works spread over multiple days, the site will be left appropriately and safe and as agreed with the client beforehand.
12) On completion of the works, an invoice will be raised for the due amount and payment is required within 14 days. Stockport Stumps reserves the right to charge interest on accounts overdue beyond this @ 5% of net per week.
Unsatisfactory completed jobs MUST be immediately notified, in writing and/or by email, to the contractor or within a minimum period of 48 hours.
13) Complaints - Where we cannot resolve any complaints using our own complaints procedure, we will seek legal advice and advise customers to do the same.
14) Stockport Stumps will undertake the works as scheduled but reserves the right to suspended or cancel the work as a result of dangerous circumstances such as the discovery of asbestos, metal running through the stump or any other unforeseen circumstances that could put the contractor, their equipment or public in danger.
Stockport Stumps is aware of a number of factors that may result in the works being constrained by ecological and wildlife legislation including:
a. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
b. Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
c. Conservation of Habitats and Species Regs. 2012 (amendment)
This legislation requires the contractor to assess the impact of the works which may result in works being delayed as a result of nesting birds, roosting bats or similar being present.