Terms & Conditions

Please read these Terms & Conditions before accepting a quotation or asking us to begin work. By accepting our quotation, confirming that you would like us to proceed, paying a deposit or allowing work to commence, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Contact details

Essex Garden Irrigation
Email: essexgardenirrigation@gmail.com
Telephone / WhatsApp: 07301 359010
Service area: Essex, Hertfordshire, North London and surrounding areas

 

1. Our Services

Essex Garden Irrigation provides services including:

• Garden irrigation design and installation

• Lawn sprinkler systems

• Drip and micro-irrigation systems

• Automated irrigation controllers

• Pumps, manifolds, valves and associated irrigation equipment

• Irrigation servicing, repairs and upgrades

• System commissioning and programming

• Lawn irrigation and associated groundworks

• Lawn renovation and seasonal lawn services

• Water storage and irrigation infrastructure

• Project management and coordination of specialist contractors where agreed

The exact work included in your project will be set out in your quotation, proposal or other written agreement.

Anything not specifically included should not be assumed to form part of the agreed works.

 

2. Quotations

Unless stated otherwise, quotations are based on the information available to us at the time, including site visits, photographs, measurements, drawings and information provided by the customer.

Quotations are normally valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless stated otherwise.

A quotation may be revised where:

• the customer changes the specification;

• site conditions differ materially from those reasonably visible or disclosed when the quotation was prepared;

• additional work is requested;

• previously unknown underground structures, services, obstructions or ground conditions are discovered;

• additional equipment or materials become necessary;

• information supplied by the customer proves inaccurate; or

• circumstances outside our reasonable control materially affect the work.

We will discuss any significant additional work or charges with you before proceeding wherever reasonably practicable.

 

3. Acceptance of a Quotation

A contract is formed when you accept our quotation or proposal and we confirm that we are proceeding with the work.

Acceptance may take place by email, WhatsApp, electronic confirmation, signature, payment of an agreed deposit, or another clear written instruction to proceed.

The quotation, agreed specification and these Terms & Conditions together form the agreement between us.

If there is any conflict between these Terms & Conditions and a specific written quotation, the specific wording contained in the quotation will normally take priority for that particular project.

 

4. Deposits and Payment

A deposit may be required before materials are ordered or an installation date is confirmed.

The amount and payment schedule will be stated on your quotation or invoice.

Deposits may be used towards materials, equipment, design work, administration, reserved labour and other costs reasonably incurred in preparing for your project.

Where a customer cancels a project, any amount retained from a deposit or advance payment will be limited to reasonable losses and costs arising from that cancellation, subject to the customer's statutory rights.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the final balance becomes payable following completion of the agreed work.

For larger projects, staged payments may be required. Where applicable, the payment stages will be set out within the quotation.

Invoices must be paid within the payment period shown on the invoice.

 

5. Consumer Cancellation Rights

Where a contract is entered into online, by telephone, by email, by WhatsApp, or away from our normal business premises, you may have a statutory right to cancel the contract within 14 days, subject to the applicable consumer legislation.

If you would like work to begin during the 14-day cancellation period, we may ask you to expressly request this in writing.

If you request that work begins during this period and later exercise a valid right to cancel, you may be required to pay for work or services reasonably supplied up to the point of cancellation.

Where the service has been fully performed during the cancellation period following your express request and acknowledgement where legally required, your statutory cancellation right may come to an end.

Certain exceptions may also apply, including some urgent repair or maintenance work specifically requested by the customer.

Nothing within these Terms & Conditions affects any statutory cancellation rights you may have.

 

6. Customer Cancellations Outside Any Statutory Cancellation Period

If you wish to cancel after any applicable statutory cancellation period has expired, please contact us as soon as possible.

We will take reasonable steps to minimise any losses arising from the cancellation.

Depending on how far the project has progressed, you may be responsible for reasonable costs already incurred in connection with your project, which may include:

• specially ordered materials or equipment;

• non-returnable or restocking costs;

• design or planning work already completed;

• labour already undertaken;

• reasonable committed subcontractor costs; and

• other direct losses resulting from the cancellation.

We will not impose an excessive or arbitrary cancellation charge.

 

7. Installation Dates and Timescales

Any proposed commencement or completion dates are given in good faith.

Irrigation and landscaping work can be affected by circumstances including weather, ground conditions, material availability, supplier delays, access restrictions, other contractors and unforeseen site conditions.

We will make reasonable efforts to complete work within any agreed timeframe but dates may need to change where circumstances outside our reasonable control occur.

We will keep you informed of significant delays where reasonably possible.

 

8. Access to the Property

The customer is responsible for providing reasonable and safe access to all areas necessary for the agreed work.

This includes access for personnel, tools, machinery, materials and, where required, vehicles.

Please tell us in advance about:

• restricted access;

• parking restrictions;

• shared access;

• locked gates;

• fragile surfaces;

• drainage systems;

• electrical cables;

• gas pipes;

• water pipes;

• communications cables;

• private utilities;

• garden lighting cables;

• robotic mower cables;

• underground structures;

• irrigation systems installed by others;

• septic tanks;

• soakaways;

• land drains; or

• any other known underground services or hazards.

Where accurate plans or records exist, these should be supplied before excavation begins.

 

9. Underground Services and Hidden Conditions

We will take reasonable care when carrying out excavation and installation work.

However, private gardens may contain underground cables, pipes, drains, roots, foundations, rubble and other structures which are not visible from the surface and may not appear on available plans.

The customer should inform us of all known underground services and provide any available plans before work starts.

If previously unidentified services, obstructions, abnormal ground conditions or other hidden issues are discovered, work may need to stop or the installation method may need to change.

Any additional work or specialist investigation required as a result may be chargeable following discussion with the customer.

Nothing in this section excludes liability where damage has resulted from a failure by us to exercise reasonable care and skill.

 

10. Excavation and Lawn Disturbance

The installation of underground irrigation systems normally requires some disturbance to lawns, beds, borders or other landscaped areas.

Where appropriate, we may use specialist equipment such as trenching machinery to minimise the width of excavations and reduce disruption.

We will take reasonable care to minimise the installation footprint and reinstate disturbed areas as reasonably practicable within the scope of the agreed work.

However, freshly disturbed turf, soil and planting areas may remain visible immediately following installation and can require time, watering and natural growth before fully blending back into the surrounding garden.

Unless specifically included in the quotation, our work does not include a guarantee that lawns, planting, paving or landscaping will immediately return to their exact pre-installation appearance.

Major landscaping, turf replacement, replanting, paving or specialist reinstatement is only included where specifically stated within the quotation.

 

11. Existing Gardens, Plants and Landscaping

We will take reasonable care while working around existing plants, lawns, trees, borders, paving and garden features.

Some disturbance may be unavoidable where irrigation pipework needs to pass through or underneath existing landscaped areas.

The customer should identify any particularly valuable, sensitive or protected plants or features before work begins.

We cannot guarantee the health or survival of existing plants following installation where their condition is affected by factors outside our control, including weather, disease, soil conditions, existing root damage, overwatering, underwatering or subsequent garden maintenance.

 

12. Water Supply and Water Pressure

Irrigation system design depends upon the water flow and pressure available at the property.

Where we test an existing supply, our system design may be based upon conditions measured at the time of testing.

Water pressure and flow can vary due to factors outside our control, including:

• changes in mains pressure;

• simultaneous water use within the property;

• changes made to the property's plumbing;

• water company operations;

• restrictions or supply interruptions; and

• modifications made after installation.

Where the existing water supply is insufficient, additional infrastructure such as storage tanks, pumps, filters or specialist equipment may be required.

Unless expressly guaranteed in writing, we cannot guarantee the performance of an irrigation system where its operation is materially affected by changes to the water supply outside our control.

 

13. Pumps, Tanks, Boreholes and Larger Systems

Larger gardens and specialist projects may require additional infrastructure including tanks, pumps, filtration systems, boreholes, electrical supplies or specialist engineering.

Where specialist services are required, we may recommend or coordinate appropriately qualified third-party contractors.

Unless expressly stated in our quotation, specialist work such as:

• borehole drilling;

• geological or hydrogeological surveys;

• electrical installations;

• structural engineering;

• concrete foundations;

• major plumbing works;

• planning services; or

• specialist water testing

is not included within our standard irrigation installation service.

Where Essex Garden Irrigation is appointed to coordinate a larger project, the responsibilities and costs associated with third-party contractors will be explained within the relevant project quotation or proposal.

 

14. Electrical Work

Some irrigation installations require access to a suitable electrical supply.

Any electrical work which must legally be carried out by an appropriately qualified person will be undertaken by, or referred to, a suitably competent contractor.

Unless expressly included in our quotation, providing a new electrical supply to pumps, controllers, garden buildings or remote areas is not included within the irrigation installation price.

 

15. System Design

Systems are designed according to the requirements of the garden and the information reasonably available when the design is prepared.

Sprinkler placement, irrigation zones, pipe routes, dripper quantities and equipment specifications may occasionally need to be adjusted during installation because of actual site conditions.

We may make reasonable technical adjustments where necessary to achieve the intended performance of the system without materially changing the agreed project.

Material changes to the project or price will be discussed with the customer before proceeding wherever reasonably practicable.

 

16. Controllers and Programming

Where an automatic controller is included, we will configure the system as agreed at the time of installation.

The customer remains responsible for adjusting irrigation schedules where necessary following installation, particularly in response to changing seasons, weather conditions, rainfall, plant requirements and any applicable water restrictions.

Irrigation controllers are designed to assist with garden watering but do not remove the need for the customer to monitor the condition of their lawn and plants.

 

17. Water Usage

Irrigation systems use water and may increase the customer's water consumption.

Actual water consumption depends upon factors including:

• system size;

• watering duration;

• number of irrigation zones;

• weather;

• programming;

• water pressure; and

• seasonal requirements.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, we do not guarantee a particular level of water consumption or reduction in water bills.

Customers are responsible for complying with any restrictions imposed by their water supplier or other relevant authority.

 

18. Changes Requested During the Work

Customers may request changes while a project is underway.

Where a change affects labour, materials, equipment or the project schedule, the price may also change.

Where reasonably practicable, we will explain any additional charge before carrying out the additional work.

Small variations which do not materially alter the cost or function of the project may be dealt with as part of the normal installation process.

 

19. Materials and Equipment

We aim to use suitable, good-quality irrigation components appropriate for the installation.

Product brands or individual components may occasionally need to be substituted because of availability, discontinuation or technical requirements.

Where a substitution is required, we will use a reasonably equivalent product appropriate for the intended purpose.

Manufacturer warranties remain subject to the relevant manufacturer's terms and conditions.

 

20. Completion and Commissioning

At completion, the installed system will normally be tested and commissioned where conditions allow.

Where applicable, we will demonstrate the basic operation of the controller or system to the customer and provide relevant operating information.

The customer should notify us promptly if they believe there is a problem with the installation.

Where a problem results from our installation or workmanship, we will deal with it in accordance with our legal obligations and any warranty expressly provided with the project.

 

21. Maintenance and Seasonal Care

Irrigation systems require ongoing maintenance.

Depending on the installation this may include:

• checking sprinkler heads;

• cleaning filters;

• inspecting emitters and drip lines;

• checking valve operation;

• adjusting watering programmes;

• inspecting pumps;

• checking for leaks;

• preparing systems for winter; and

• recommissioning systems when required.

Unless an ongoing maintenance service has been purchased, routine maintenance is the customer's responsibility after installation.

Repairs resulting from lack of maintenance, accidental damage, frost damage, gardening works, third-party interference or changes to the property may be chargeable.

 

22. Frost and Winter Conditions

Water remaining within irrigation equipment can be affected by freezing temperatures.

Where appropriate, we may recommend winter preparation or system shutdown procedures.

Damage caused by frost, freezing conditions or a failure to follow recommended winter maintenance is not considered an installation defect unless the damage resulted from work which was not carried out with reasonable care and skill.

 

23. Third-Party Damage and Alterations

We are not responsible for problems caused after installation by other contractors, landscapers, gardeners, builders, customers or other third parties who damage, disconnect, move, alter or interfere with the system.

This can include damage caused by:

• digging;

• fencing;

• landscaping;

• planting;

• tree works;

• building works;

• lawn aeration or scarification;

• machinery;

• electrical changes; or

• alterations to plumbing or water supplies.

We can normally inspect and repair such damage as a separate chargeable service.

 

24. Faults and Warranty Claims

If you believe there is a fault with our work, please contact us as soon as reasonably possible and allow us a reasonable opportunity to inspect the issue.

Where the problem is our responsibility, we will provide an appropriate remedy in accordance with your statutory rights.

Where inspection shows that the problem has been caused by something outside our responsibility, such as accidental damage, third-party work, inadequate maintenance, frost, altered water supply or customer modification, the inspection and any repair may be chargeable.

Any additional written workmanship or product warranty stated in your quotation operates alongside and does not replace your statutory consumer rights.

 

25. Customer-Supplied Equipment

Where a customer asks us to install equipment or materials they have supplied themselves, we cannot accept responsibility for the quality, suitability, compatibility or manufacturer warranty of those products.

We remain responsible for carrying out our own installation services with reasonable care and skill.

Additional labour required because customer-supplied equipment is incorrect, incomplete, incompatible or defective may be chargeable.

 

26. Photographs

We may ask for permission to photograph completed work for our records, portfolio, website or marketing.

We will not intentionally publish identifying personal information such as the customer's name or full residential address without permission.

If you do not wish photographs of your property to be used for marketing purposes, please tell us.

 

27. Events Outside Our Reasonable Control

We will not be responsible for delays or failure to perform an obligation where this is caused by circumstances reasonably outside our control.

These may include severe weather, flooding, supplier disruption, utility interruptions, shortages, accidents, government restrictions, road closures or similar events.

Where such an event occurs, we will take reasonable steps to minimise its impact and resume the work when reasonably practicable.

 

28. Our Responsibility to You

We will provide our services with reasonable care and skill and in accordance with applicable consumer law.

Nothing within these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits liability where it would be unlawful to do so.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects your statutory rights as a consumer.

 

29. Complaints

We want customers to be satisfied with the work we provide.

If you have a concern, please contact us as soon as possible so that we have an opportunity to investigate and, where appropriate, put matters right.

 

You can contact us at:

Email: essexgardenirrigation@gmail.com
Telephone / WhatsApp: 07301 359010

We aim to deal with complaints fairly and within a reasonable period.

 

30. Personal Information

Personal information provided to us will be handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection law and our Privacy Policy.

Customer information will only be used where reasonably necessary to provide our services, communicate with customers, manage quotations and invoices, comply with legal obligations and operate our business.

Please refer to our separate Privacy Policy for further information.

 

31. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions and any contract between us are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Nothing in this section removes any rights a consumer may have regarding where legal proceedings can be brought under applicable law.

 

32. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time.

The terms applicable to an individual project will normally be those provided or made available when the relevant contract was entered into, unless a change is subsequently agreed between us.

 

33. Your Statutory Rights

These Terms & Conditions are intended to clearly explain the basis on which we provide our services.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects your statutory rights as a consumer.

For independent information about consumer rights, customers can contact Citizens Advice or visit GOV.UK.