Quotation costs and agreed schedule of work.
Excluding very minor tasks, a site assessment visit is normally made, before a written quotation, (print or e-mail), detailing the schedule of work and total cost is provided. Some tasks can be achieved in more than one way, so quotations may have selectable options and a variable price structure.
Duration of work.
The actual time taken to complete a job can vary due to numerous factors; Building structure, walls, ceilings and floors and the ease of access to concealed cables. Furniture and/or floor coverings that need to be moved or lifted. Other trades builders, plasterers, plumbers, kitchen or bathroom fitters, loft insulation installers etc. can slow a job down, or necessitate multiple visits while different stages of work are completed.
Any durations quoted are best guess estimates, based on past experience and site evaluation, of the probable time a job may take. It is primarily to give an idea of how long any disruption or access to a property may be needed. Although the actual duration of the job may differ from the estimate, the labour cost quoted is fixed as the price for the job. If the job takes longer, (or shorter), the labour cost stays as per the written agreement.
Variations to quoted costs.
The agreed costs will only vary if the actual schedule of work is amended. Such as additional items added to, or items removed from the quoted work schedule. Or if the specification of an item changes. e.g. Additional socket fitted, or second light no longer required, or decorative stainless instead of white plastic accessories, would all result in amended price. Whereas a job taking 10 hours instead of an estimated 8 hours would not amend the final price.
Urgent or unplanned work.
Some tasks are of an urgent or non quoted nature, fault finding investigations and periodic inspection and testing are typical tasks where it is impossible to know what you will find or what needs to be done until you actually commence the work. In these situations a typical minimum and/or maximum price range is given for an estimated duration to achieve the requested task.
Material Costs.
Suppliers material costs can fluctuate, so all quotes are only valid for a limited time, until a expiry date. SM Services is not a VAT registered company, so all material prices quoted include the standard VAT rate as applied by suppliers. SM Services holds minimal stock, and only orders materials for a job once a formal acceptance of the quotation is received.
(For a few long term regular customers, ad-hoc, unquoted work, is sometimes undertaken on a verbal agreement only)
Payment terms.
Dependent upon the size and value of the agreed works, an initial part payment and/or interim stage payments may be required. Typically a part payment covering materials purchased may be due on the day work commences. Other interim or staged payments will be itemised on the quotation. Full final balance payments are due within 10 days of invoice following completion of works.
* Card Payments Accepted. *
SM Services uses “SUMUP” card payment terminal.
Providing a suitable mobile data or Wifi connection is available, SM Services can accept payment via the major debit or credit card providers.
Or traditional Cash or Cheque payable to “SM SERVICES”. ( Cheques are still acceptable for as long as banks will still issue and accept them. )
Or by electronic BACS/FPS transfer to Sort Code & Account number given on the invoice.
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