Business Terms & Conditions
Introduction
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all services provided by HOBBS ARC (“we”, “us”, “our”) to you (“Client”, “you”, “your”). By confirming instruction or making payment for any service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
These Terms apply to services including design advice, feasibility discussions, drawings for planning or Building Regulations, measured surveys, party wall services, structural information, consultations and related deliverables.
1. Scope of Services
1.1 The services to be provided will be set out in a written fee proposal, quotation, engagement letter, or other written confirmation.
1.2 Services may include (but are not limited to):
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Measured surveys and existing information
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Drawings and documentation for planning applications
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Drawings and documentation for Building Regulations submissions
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Structural design and calculations
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Party Wall notices and awards
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Consultation services, including phone calls
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Delivery of digital drawings and related materials
1.3 Any additional services beyond the agreed scope will only be provided if agreed in writing and may incur additional fees.
2. Client Information and Responsibilities
2.1 You agree to provide accurate and complete information necessary for the provision of services, including:
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Property address and relevant site information
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Existing plans or survey data (if available)
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Photographs, boundary information or any other relevant documentation
2.2 If we require a site visit or measured survey to collect missing information (e.g., dimensions, structural openings), this will be confirmed in advance. Failure to provide accurate input may delay the project or incur additional costs.
2.3 You agree to supply any CAD or original design files if required to complete technical drawings.
3. Surveys & Failed Survey Charges
Survey obligations
3.1 Where a measured survey of a property is required to provide the agreed services (including but not limited to existing information for drawings, planning submissions, Building Regulations or technical coordination), the Client acknowledges that:
a) Survey appointments are arranged in advance at a mutually agreed date and time; and
b) The accuracy and completeness of deliverables depend on access to and conditions at the survey site.
Failed, aborted or missed surveys
3.2 If the surveyor attends the property and is unable to complete the survey due to circumstances within the Client’s control (including but not limited to insufficient access, lack of safe entry, unavailability of required keyholders, pets unattended, or failure to prepare the property as instructed) then:
i) A failed survey fee will be payable, equal to 50% of the originally agreed survey cost; and
ii) Any subsequent re-attendance to complete the survey will be charged at the full survey fee or such other fee as may be agreed in writing.
Late cancellation or rescheduling
3.3 If the Client cancels or reschedules a survey appointment with less than 48 hours’ notice, a cancellation fee may apply equal to 25% of the survey fee, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Where a survey has been carried out but cannot be completed for reasons outside the control of the surveyor (for example, adverse weather conditions, unsafe site conditions, or access denied by a third party), we will notify the Client and agree the next steps. In such cases, no additional survey charge will be applied for rescheduling, but standard survey fees will apply when the survey is re-booked.
Client cooperation
3.4 The Client agrees to ensure the property and relevant areas are made accessible at the agreed time, and to provide any information reasonably required to complete the survey. The Client will be responsible for any additional charges arising from failure to provide such cooperation.
4. Fees, Invoicing & Payment
4.1 Our fees will be confirmed in writing before work begins.
4.2 A deposit, part payment or full payment may be required to secure instruction, depending on the service.
4.3 All fees are exclusive of VAT at the prevailing rate and any statutory application fees (e.g., planning authority or building control fees), which are payable by the Client.
4.4 Invoices are due within the payment period stated on the invoice. Late payment may result in suspension of services until cleared.
4.5 If a project is paused or left undecided for more than 30 days, we reserve the right to issue an interim invoice for work completed to date.
4.6 Additional services arising from variation, delay or new client requirements will be charged at our standard rates unless agreed otherwise.
5. Delivery of Work
4.1 Drawings and deliverables are typically issued in digital format (e.g., PDF). Additional formats may be provided on request at additional costs.
5.2 Delivery timelines are estimates and may vary depending on complexity, client response times, site access, or required survey work.
6. Copyright, Licence and Use
6.1 Copyright in all original material, plans, drawings and documents created by us remains with HOBBS ARC unless agreed otherwise in writing.
6.2 Upon payment in full, we grant you a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use the delivered material for the specific project for which it was prepared.
6.3 This licence does not extend to use by third parties for projects other than the one defined in the scope unless so agreed in writing.
6.4 CAD data will only be issued where expressly quoted for or agreed.
7. Limitation of Liability
7.1 We will exercise reasonable skill and care expected of a competent provider of similar services.
7.2 Except where prohibited by law, our liability for any claim, loss or damage is limited to the total fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim.
7.3 We cannot guarantee statutory approvals (e.g., planning permission) as these depend on external authority decisions.
8. Cancellation & Suspension
8.1 You may cancel instruction within 14 days for a full refund if no substantial work has commenced.
8.2 Once work has started, cancellation may incur charges for time spent and expenses incurred up to the date of cancellation.
8.3 We reserve the right to suspend or cease services if fees are overdue or if client input is repeatedly delayed.
9. Confidentiality
9.1 We will treat all information provided by you as confidential and will not disclose it without consent, except where required to perform the services, comply with law, or as necessary to fulfil deliverables.
10. Governing Law
10.1 These Terms are governed by English law, and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
11. Contact
For any questions or clarifications regarding these Terms, please contact us via the contact details on the website.