Terms & Conditions

E.M Construction London
Last updated: 8 September 2026
These Terms & Conditions apply to residential construction, renovation and refurbishment services provided by E.M Construction London (“E.M Construction”, “we”, “us” or “our”).
They should be read together with the quotation, specification, drawings, payment schedule and any other documents expressly forming part of the agreement for your project.
The individual quotation and project documents will set out the specific works, price, payment arrangements and responsibilities applicable to each project.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects your statutory rights as a consumer.

1. Quotations
Unless otherwise stated, quotations issued by E.M Construction are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
After this period, we may review and reissue the quotation before the project is accepted.
Our quotation will describe the works and, where applicable, the materials, allowances, exclusions and other items included in the price.
Anything not expressly included within the agreed quotation or specification should not be assumed to form part of the works.
Where a figure is expressly described as an estimate or allowance rather than a fixed price, the final amount may vary according to the actual work, materials or items required. We will explain relevant changes where reasonably practicable.

2. Formation of the Contract
A contract will be formed when the customer accepts our quotation or proposal in the manner specified by us and any required deposit or initial payment has been made, subject to any applicable statutory cancellation rights.
The contract will consist of these Terms & Conditions together with the accepted quotation and any specifications, drawings, schedules or other documents expressly incorporated into the agreement.
If there is any inconsistency between these general Terms & Conditions and a specifically agreed written provision in the quotation or project contract, the specifically agreed project provision will normally take precedence.

3. Deposit
Unless otherwise stated in the quotation, we may require a deposit of 10% of the agreed contract price to secure the project and proposed start date.
For larger, specialist or otherwise unusual projects, a different deposit or initial payment may be specified in the quotation.
Deposits are not automatically treated as non-refundable.
If a contract is cancelled, any amount retained or payable will be determined in accordance with the customer's statutory rights and the reasonable costs or losses properly incurred in connection with the project.

4. Stage Payments and Invoices
For larger projects, payments will normally be made in stages.
The payment stages and amounts applicable to a particular project will be stated in the quotation, contract or payment schedule.
Unless otherwise stated, invoices are payable within 7 calendar days of the invoice date.
The customer must not unreasonably withhold payment for work properly completed in accordance with the agreed payment schedule.
If an amount is genuinely disputed, the customer should notify us promptly, explaining the reason for the dispute. Any undisputed amount remains payable when due.

5. Late or Non-Payment
If an invoice is not paid when due, we will contact the customer and provide a reasonable opportunity for the outstanding payment to be made.
If a material payment remains overdue, E.M Construction may, after giving reasonable written notice, suspend the works until the overdue amount is paid.
Where work is reasonably suspended because of non-payment, the project programme may need to be adjusted and reasonable additional costs directly resulting from the suspension may be payable by the customer where permitted by law.
Nothing in this clause affects either party's statutory rights.

6. Variations and Additional Work
Changes requested after the contract has been agreed may affect the price and completion date.
Where additional or changed work is requested, we will normally explain the additional cost and any reasonably foreseeable effect on the programme before carrying out that work.
Variations should be approved in writing.
For these purposes, written approval may include email, WhatsApp or another written electronic message where the customer's agreement is clear.
We will not normally carry out chargeable additional work without the customer's approval.
An exception may apply where urgent action is reasonably necessary to protect the property, prevent further damage or address an immediate health or safety issue and it is not reasonably practicable to obtain prior approval. Where this occurs, we will inform the customer as soon as reasonably possible.

7. Unforeseen and Hidden Conditions
Building and refurbishment work can reveal conditions that could not reasonably have been identified before work began.
Examples may include concealed structural defects, rotten timber, defective or unsafe existing electrical or plumbing installations, water damage, asbestos or other hazardous materials, inadequate foundations or other hidden conditions.
Unless such work was reasonably identifiable and included in the original quotation, work required to address an unforeseen condition will not automatically be included in the original contract price.
Where an unforeseen issue is discovered, we will explain the issue to the customer and, where reasonably possible, provide details of the additional work, cost and likely effect on the programme before proceeding.

8. Materials, Fixtures and Fittings
The quotation or specification will identify, where appropriate, which materials, fixtures and fittings are supplied by E.M Construction and which are to be supplied by the customer.
Where E.M Construction supplies materials as part of the agreed works, we will use materials suitable for their intended purpose and consistent with the agreed specification, subject to reasonable availability.
Where the customer supplies items such as tiles, sanitaryware, taps, appliances, flooring, kitchen units, light fittings or other fixtures, the customer is responsible for ensuring that those items are suitable, in the correct quantities, in satisfactory condition and available on site when reasonably required.
E.M Construction remains responsible for installing customer-supplied items with reasonable care and skill where installation forms part of our agreed scope.
We will not be responsible for manufacturing defects in customer-supplied products or for delays and reasonable additional costs caused by incorrect, defective, unsuitable, incomplete or late customer-supplied items, except to the extent that the problem results from our own breach.

9. Planning Permission, Building Control and Professional Services
Depending on the project, planning permission, Building Regulations approval, structural calculations, Party Wall procedures, architectural services, utility approvals or other permissions or professional services may be required.
Responsibility for arranging and paying for these services or approvals will be specified in the quotation or project documents.
E.M Construction will not automatically be responsible for obtaining permissions, approvals, drawings or professional services unless this is expressly included within our agreed scope.
Where the customer is responsible for providing an approval, drawing, calculation or other information required for the works, delays in providing it may affect the project programme.

10. Access and Customer Responsibilities
The customer must provide reasonable access to the property at agreed times so that the works can be carried out safely and efficiently.
Unless otherwise agreed, the customer will allow reasonable use of electricity and water at the property where required to carry out the works.
The customer should remove or appropriately protect valuable, fragile or personal items from working areas and provide reasonable space for the works to proceed.
The customer must tell us about relevant information concerning the property that could reasonably affect the works, including known defects, restrictions or hazards.
Where work is delayed or additional reasonable costs are incurred because agreed access is not available or because of a matter for which the customer is responsible, we will discuss the effect with the customer.

11. Working Hours
Our usual site working hours are expected to be:
Monday to Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday: by agreement
Actual working hours may vary where reasonably necessary because of the nature of the works, deliveries, site requirements, local authority restrictions, neighbour considerations or other circumstances.
We will comply with applicable restrictions relating to working hours.

12. Waste, Skips and Site-Specific Charges
Responsibility for waste removal, skip hire and associated costs will be stated in the quotation where applicable.
Waste generated by our works will be handled in accordance with the agreed project arrangements and applicable legal requirements.
Specialist or hazardous waste, including suspected asbestos, may require specialist assessment and disposal and will not be treated as ordinary construction waste unless expressly included.
Project-specific costs such as parking suspensions, permits, skip licences or unusual access charges will be included or dealt with as stated in the quotation.
Where an unforeseen site-specific charge could not reasonably have been identified when the quotation was prepared, we will inform the customer before incurring the additional cost where reasonably practicable.
Normal business travel and ordinary operating costs will not be charged separately unless expressly agreed.

13. Subcontractors and Specialist Trades
E.M Construction may use appropriately skilled subcontractors and specialist trades to carry out parts of the works.
Where those subcontractors are engaged by E.M Construction as part of our contracted works, E.M Construction remains responsible to the customer for the performance of the agreed services in accordance with the contract and applicable law.

14. Project Programme and Delays
Any anticipated start date, duration or completion date will be based on the information reasonably available when the project is agreed.
We will make reasonable efforts to carry out the works within the agreed programme.
However, the programme may need to be reasonably extended because of circumstances such as:
Customer-requested variations
Unforeseen or hidden conditions
Delays in customer-supplied materials or decisions
Delays in planning, Building Control or other approvals
Severe or unsuitable weather
Utility or infrastructure problems
Material or supply-chain disruption outside our reasonable control
Restrictions imposed by public authorities
Events outside our reasonable control
We will inform the customer of material delays and their likely effect on the programme as soon as reasonably practicable.
Nothing in this clause gives E.M Construction an unrestricted right to delay the works.

15. Care of the Property
We will take reasonable care while carrying out work at the property.
Building work inevitably involves some disruption, dust and movement of materials. We will take reasonable measures appropriate to the nature of the project to manage the working area.
The customer should remove or protect valuables, fragile belongings and other items that could reasonably be affected by the works.
E.M Construction will not be responsible for pre-existing defects or for loss or damage not caused by a breach of contract, negligence or other legal responsibility on our part.

16. Completion and Snagging
As the works approach completion, the customer will have an opportunity to identify genuine outstanding or remedial items relating to the agreed works.
A snagging list may be prepared by the customer and E.M Construction.
We will be given a reasonable opportunity to inspect and rectify genuine defects or incomplete items for which we are responsible.
Minor snagging items that do not prevent reasonable use of the completed works will not normally justify withholding an amount that is disproportionate to the reasonable cost or significance of those items.
The final payment will be dealt with in accordance with the agreed project-specific payment schedule and any expressly agreed retention or defects arrangement.

17. Workmanship Guarantee
In addition to the customer's statutory rights, E.M Construction provides a 12-month workmanship guarantee in respect of defects caused by our workmanship, beginning from practical completion of the relevant works unless otherwise stated in the project documents.
Where a workmanship defect covered by this guarantee is reported during the guarantee period, we will be given a reasonable opportunity to inspect the issue and, where we are responsible, carry out appropriate remedial work.
The workmanship guarantee does not cover:
Normal wear and tear
Accidental damage, misuse or neglect
Defects in products or materials not caused by our workmanship
Defects in customer-supplied products
Damage or defects caused by third parties after completion
Pre-existing defects
Failure by the customer to follow reasonable maintenance or care requirements
Matters outside E.M Construction's reasonable control
Manufacturer warranties may apply separately to particular products.
This workmanship guarantee is additional to, and does not replace or restrict, the customer's statutory rights.

18. Consumer Rights and Standard of Work
E.M Construction will perform its services with reasonable care and skill in accordance with applicable consumer law.
Where a particular result, specification or other contractual requirement has been agreed, we will carry out the works in accordance with that agreement, subject to lawful and properly agreed variations.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts or attempts to remove rights or remedies that a consumer has under applicable law.

19. Cancellation Rights
Depending on how and where the contract is entered into, a consumer may have a statutory right to cancel the contract during a 14-day cancellation period.
Where the statutory cancellation right applies, we will provide the customer with the legally required information concerning that right and how it may be exercised.
The customer does not have to use a particular form of words to cancel where the law provides a cancellation right, provided their intention to cancel is made clear.
Where applicable, the cancellation period for a service contract generally begins when the contract is entered into.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions restricts a statutory cancellation right.

20. Starting Work During a Statutory Cancellation Period
Where a statutory cancellation period applies and the customer wants work to begin before that period has expired, we may require the customer to make an express request for the services to begin early in the form required by applicable law.
Where the customer makes a valid request for work to begin during the cancellation period and subsequently exercises a statutory right to cancel, the customer may be required to pay an appropriate amount for services properly supplied up to cancellation, where the law permits.
We will address early-start requests and cancellation information in the relevant acceptance documentation where required.

21. Cancellation Outside Statutory Cancellation Rights
If the customer wishes to cancel the contract outside any applicable statutory cancellation right, they should notify us in writing as soon as possible.
We will take reasonable steps to minimise avoidable losses arising from the cancellation.
Depending on the circumstances, the customer may be responsible for reasonable costs and losses properly incurred as a result of the cancellation, which may include work already carried out, materials reasonably ordered for the project and other commitments that cannot reasonably be cancelled or recovered.
We will not impose an arbitrary or disproportionate cancellation charge or automatically retain all advance payments irrespective of the circumstances.
Any refund due will take account of sums properly payable under the contract and applicable law.

22. Suspension or Termination
Either party may have the right to terminate the contract where the other commits a serious breach and, where the breach can reasonably be remedied, fails to remedy it within a reasonable period after written notice.
E.M Construction may suspend work in accordance with these Terms & Conditions where a material payment remains overdue after reasonable notice.
Any termination or suspension will be dealt with fairly and in accordance with applicable law, including appropriate accounting for work completed, payments made, materials and reasonable costs.
Nothing in this clause restricts a customer's statutory rights.

23. Photographs and Project Portfolio
E.M Construction may ask the customer for permission to photograph completed or substantially completed work for use in our portfolio, website or social media.
We will not use photographs for marketing or portfolio purposes without the customer's permission.
Unless separately agreed, we will not publish the customer's name, full address or other identifying personal information alongside project photographs.
A customer's decision not to give photography permission will not affect the services they receive.

24. Complaints and Remedial Work
If the customer has a concern about the works, they should contact E.M Construction as soon as reasonably possible so that we have an opportunity to understand and investigate the issue.
Where appropriate, we will arrange to inspect the matter and will be given a reasonable opportunity to rectify defects for which we are responsible.
Both parties should make reasonable efforts to resolve concerns through direct communication.
If a dispute cannot be resolved directly, the parties may consider an appropriate independent dispute-resolution process where suitable before commencing court proceedings.
Nothing in this clause prevents either party from exercising any legal rights or remedies available to them.

25. Liability
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits liability where doing so would be unlawful.
In particular, nothing excludes or restricts liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted under consumer law.
E.M Construction will not be responsible for losses that were not caused by our breach, negligence or other legal responsibility, or for losses that were not reasonably foreseeable when the contract was entered into, subject always to applicable law.

26. Insurance
Details of applicable insurance arrangements will be confirmed in the relevant project documentation where appropriate.

27. Intellectual Property and Drawings
Drawings, specifications, designs and other documents prepared specifically for a project may be subject to intellectual property rights belonging to E.M Construction or to the architect, engineer, designer or other person who created them.
The customer's rights to use such materials will depend on the arrangements under which they were supplied.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions transfers third-party intellectual property rights where E.M Construction does not own those rights.

28. Personal Information
We will handle personal information in accordance with applicable data protection law and our Privacy Policy.
Information relating to a project may be shared with subcontractors, professional advisers, suppliers or other parties where reasonably necessary to perform the contract or comply with legal obligations.

29. Changes to These Terms
The version of these Terms & Conditions applicable to a project will be the version provided to or agreed with the customer when the relevant contract is entered into, unless a later change is expressly agreed between the parties.
We will not retrospectively change the contractual terms of an existing project simply by updating the version displayed on our website.

30. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
If the customer is a consumer, nothing in this clause deprives them of any mandatory rights concerning the jurisdiction in which legal proceedings may be brought.

31. Contact
For questions about these Terms & Conditions or an E.M Construction project, please contact:
E.M Construction London
Email: info@emconstructionltd.co.uk
Telephone: 020 3918 4277