Builder Terms & Conditions: What to Include
Learn what UK builders should include in clear terms and conditions, from payment dates and variations to delays, disputes and client responsibilities.
Ask ten builders for their terms and conditions and eight will say "the quote is the terms". It works fine — right up until a client refuses the balance because "that crack was never agreed", or a job doubles in size once the plaster comes off and there's nothing in writing about who pays.
You don't need a solicitor on retainer. You need one page of clear terms sent with every quote. Here's what belongs on it, and why.
The clauses that earn their keep
Payment. State your deposit, when the balance is due, and that you charge statutory late-payment interest. The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 lets you add interest and compensation on qualifying overdue commercial invoices — but clients pay much faster when they have read that before the job starts. Check the current legislation or take legal advice before relying on it for a particular contract.
Changes and extras. The single biggest source of fallouts. A one-line clause — changes to the agreed scope are confirmed in writing with a price before the work is done — turns "but you said" into a piece of paper.
Unforeseen work. Rot behind the render, dodgy wiring under the boards, a previous cowboy's handiwork. Your terms should say: we stop, we show you, we agree the cost in writing before continuing. Clients respect it; it also protects your margin.
Materials. Two lines: materials stay yours until paid for, and client-supplied materials are the client's risk. That second one matters more every year.
Timeline. Estimates, not guarantees — weather, suppliers and third parties are outside your control. Say you'll communicate and re-plan; don't promise the moon.
Workmanship guarantee. Offering a 12-month workmanship guarantee in writing wins jobs — and defining what it doesn't cover (wear and tear, movement, misuse, their materials) prevents the ones you'd lose money honouring.
Cancellation rights. If you agree contracts in a customer's home, the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 usually give them a 14-day cooling-off period. Acknowledging it — and stating that work started early at their request is chargeable — keeps you compliant and covered.
Make yours in two minutes
We've built a Terms & Conditions Builder with all of the above as sensible UK defaults — tick the clauses you want, set your deposit and guarantee numbers, and print or copy the result. Your company name comes straight from your business profile.
Send it with every quote. The client who baulks at one page of fair terms is the client you least wanted anyway.
This article and the tool are practical guidance, not legal advice — for high-value or unusual contracts, have a solicitor look over your terms.