MPO PLASTERING TERMS & CONDITIONS

(Domestic & Small Commercial Works – UK)

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1. Definitions

1.1 “The Company” refers to MPO Plastering.
1.2 “The Client” refers to the person or organisation instructing the works.
1.3 “Works” refers to plastering, skimming, rendering, patching, plasterboarding, or associated services agreed in writing.

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2. Quotations & Estimates

2.1 All quotations are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated.
2.2 Quotes are based on visual inspection and information available at the time.
2.3 Hidden defects (including but not limited to damp, blown plaster, loose plasterboard, structural movement or contamination) may result in additional costs.
2.4 Any variation to agreed works must be confirmed in writing and may affect price and timescale.

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3. Booking, Deposits & Payment Schedule

3.1 A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total quoted price is required to secure the booking and confirm the start date.

3.2 Works will not commence until the deposit has been received and cleared funds confirmed.

3.3 The remaining balance shall be payable as follows:

Option A – Works Lasting One Week or Less
The remaining 50% balance is due immediately upon completion of works.

Option B – Works Lasting Longer Than One Week
Weekly interim invoices will be issued reflecting the value of work completed and materials supplied. Weekly invoices are payable immediately upon receipt.

3.4 For projects exceeding one week in duration, works will only continue into the following week once the previous week’s invoice has been paid in full.

3.5 Failure to make payment when due may result in suspension of works. The Company shall not be liable for any delay to completion dates resulting from late payment.

3.6 The Company reserves the right to charge interest and statutory compensation on overdue payments under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

3.7 All materials remain the property of the Company until paid for in full.

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4. Access, Room Preparation & Cleaning

4.1 The Client must provide clear and safe access to all work areas before works commence.

4.2 Rooms and areas being plastered must be cleared as fully as reasonably possible before the agreed start time. Furniture, electrical items, ornaments, curtains, rugs, personal belongings and other removable items should be removed from the room wherever possible.

4.3 Any items that cannot reasonably be removed must be moved away from the working area and appropriately covered by the Client. The Company accepts no responsibility for damage, dust or plaster splashes affecting items left within the work area.

4.4 Plastering is an inherently messy trade. Although reasonable care will be taken to protect floors and surrounding areas, plaster splashes, dust and debris are an unavoidable part of the work.

4.5 The Company will remove its own waste and will wipe away visible plaster splashes caused during the works where reasonably practicable. However, wiping plaster from existing walls, floors, skirting boards or other finished surfaces may leave a light residue, haze or marks which require further cleaning once the area has dried. This final cleaning is the responsibility of the Client.

4.6 Following plastering works, fine dust may remain or settle after the Company has left. The Client is responsible for the final cleaning of the property, including dusting, vacuuming and/or mopping as required. Due to settling dust, this may need to be carried out more than once in the days following completion.

4.7 The Company cannot guarantee that the work area or surrounding property will be completely free from dust or minor plaster residue following completion.

4.8 If the work area has not been sufficiently cleared and the Company is required to move furniture or belongings before work can commence, a charge of £50 may apply.

4.9 The Company accepts no responsibility for damage to belongings or furnishings that the Client has chosen to leave within the work area.

4.10 The Client is responsible for ensuring suitable parking is available for the Company’s vehicle(s) at or near the property for the duration of the works. Any parking charges, permits, congestion charges, fines or associated costs incurred during the works will be added to the Client’s invoice.

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4b Existing Decoration & Making Good

4b.1 Where plastering is carried out adjacent to existing painted, wallpapered or otherwise finished surfaces, reasonable care will be taken to protect the surrounding decoration. However, plastering is a wet trade and minor marks, plaster residue and disturbance to existing finishes may occur, particularly along edges, corners and where newly plastered surfaces meet existing decorated surfaces.

4b.2 The Client should allow for minor decorating and touching-up of adjoining surfaces following plastering works. Unless specifically included within the quotation, painting, decorating and making good to existing decorative finishes is not included within the Company's works.

4b.3 The Company will wipe away visible plaster splashes where reasonably practicable; however, wiping plaster from existing walls, floors, skirting boards or other finished surfaces may leave a light residue, haze or marks which require further cleaning once the area has dried. This final cleaning is the responsibility of the Client.

 

 

5. Scaffolding & Access Equipment

5.1 Where scaffolding or specialist access equipment is required, responsibility for arranging and paying for such equipment shall be agreed in writing prior to works commencing.

5.2 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Client is responsible for arranging and covering the cost of scaffolding and ensuring it is erected by a competent and insured contractor.

5.3 Where the Company arranges scaffolding on behalf of the Client, the scaffolding contractor operates as an independent third party.

5.4 The Company accepts no liability for the acts, omissions, safety standards, erection, dismantling, certification, or conduct of any scaffolding contractor.

5.5 Any agreement for scaffolding services remains between the Client and the scaffolding provider, even where the Company facilitates arrangements.

5.6 If scaffolding is deemed unsafe or unsuitable, the Company reserves the right to refuse to work until compliant access is provided.

5.7 Additional costs arising from scaffolding delays, alterations, extended hire, or re-attendance due to access issues will be chargeable.

 

 

6. Third-Party Contractors

6.1 The Company may recommend or introduce third-party contractors at the Client’s request.

6.2 Third-party contractors operate as independent businesses and are not employees or agents of the Company unless expressly stated in writing.

6.3 The Company accepts no responsibility or liability for:

• The workmanship, conduct, or delays of third-party contractors

• Damage caused by third-party contractors

• Agreements or payments made between the Client and third-party contractors

6.4 Any contract for works carried out by third-party contractors is strictly between the Client and that contractor.

6.5 The Company shall not be liable for any direct or consequential loss arising from the actions or omissions of third-party contractors.

 

 

7. Wasted Visits & Aborted Works

7.1 The Client must ensure the property is ready for works to commence on the agreed start date.

7.2 A wasted day charge will apply where works cannot proceed due to circumstances outside the Company’s control, including:

• Work areas not cleared

• Other trades preventing access

• Scaffolding not erected or unsafe

• No access to the property

• Outstanding payments

• Site conditions not as described

7.3 A wasted day fee of £250 per day may be charged to cover labour, travel, and loss of earnings.

7.4 Re-booking is subject to availability and any additional days required will be chargeable.

 

 

8. Materials

8.1 Materials remain the property of the Company until paid in full.

8.2 The Company reserves the right to substitute materials with suitable equivalents where necessary.

 

 

9. Timescales

9.1 Start and completion dates are estimates only.

9.2 Delays caused by weather, drying conditions, supplier delays, access restrictions, or unforeseen issues are outside the Company’s control.

9.3 The Company shall not be liable for delays beyond reasonable control.

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10. Drying, Environmental Conditions & Aftercare

10.1 Fresh plaster requires adequate ventilation and sufficient time to dry naturally. The Client is responsible for maintaining suitable conditions within the property following completion of the works.

10.2 Drying times will vary depending on temperature, humidity, ventilation, the thickness of the plaster and the condition of the property. The Company cannot guarantee a specific drying time.

10.3 Fresh plaster must not be subjected to excessive or rapid drying. This includes excessive heat, direct strong sunlight, heaters, dehumidifiers or other methods used to artificially accelerate the drying process. Rapid drying can cause shrinkage, cracking or other surface imperfections.

10.4 During periods of particularly hot or dry weather, plaster may dry more rapidly than under normal conditions. The Company cannot be held responsible for cracking, shrinkage or other defects caused by excessive temperatures, unusually rapid drying or environmental conditions outside the Company's reasonable control.

10.5 The Client must ensure that the property has adequate ventilation during the drying period. Windows should be opened where appropriate and safe to do so to allow moisture to escape and assist natural drying.

10.6 Poor ventilation, excessive humidity, condensation, existing damp, water ingress or other moisture-related problems within the property can significantly affect the drying and performance of newly applied plaster. The Company is not responsible for cracking, staining, mould, delayed drying, adhesion failure or other deterioration caused by these conditions.

10.7 Where the Company identifies signs of damp, excessive moisture, poor ventilation or other unsuitable conditions, the Client may be advised that remedial works or improvements are required. Plastering does not remedy an underlying damp, condensation or ventilation problem unless this has specifically formed part of the agreed works.

10.8 Shrinkage cracks and small surface imperfections will occur naturally as plaster dries and are not considered a workmanship defect.

10.9 Any cracking or failure believed to be caused by structural movement, existing substrates, excessive heat, rapid drying, damp, moisture, condensation, inadequate ventilation or the Client's failure to follow aftercare advice is excluded from the Company's workmanship guarantee.

10.10 The Client must allow the plaster to dry fully before decorating. The Company accepts no responsibility for damage or defects resulting from painting, wallpapering or otherwise covering plaster before it has fully dried.

 

 

11. Existing Surfaces & Substrates

11.1 Where the Company is instructed to skim, patch, or plaster over existing surfaces (including plasterboard, painted walls, artex, render, bonding or previous plasterwork) not installed by the Company, the structural integrity and suitability of those surfaces remain the responsibility of the Client.

11.2 The Company cannot guarantee the condition, adhesion, or long-term stability of existing backgrounds.

11.3 If plaster failure occurs due to:

• Poor adhesion of previous materials

• Movement or instability of underlying plasterboard

• Loose or blown plaster

• Painted, sealed or contaminated surfaces8

• Artex or textured coatings

• Damp or moisture issues

• Any pre-existing defect

then any remedial work required will be chargeable.

11.4 Where the Company recommends full re-boarding or removal due to risk, and the Client chooses not to proceed with that recommendation, all future risk relating to adhesion or failure transfers to the Client.

11.5 Remedial works required due to substrate failure are not covered under the Company’s workmanship guarantee.

 

 

12. Finishing, Sanding & Decoration

12.1 The Company provides a plastering finish ready for the decorator.

12.2 Minor surface imperfections, light trowel marks, small air bubbles or shrinkage cracking may occur as part of the natural drying process and are not considered defects.

12.3 The Client is responsible for carrying out any light filling, sanding, or preparation required prior to painting or decorating.

12.4 Sanding, filling, mist coating, painting, or final decorative preparation are not included unless specifically agreed in writing.

12.5 Final surface appearance should only be assessed once the plaster is fully dry and has received a mist coat.

12.6 The Company is not responsible for the final decorative finish.

 

 

13. Guarantee

13.1 Workmanship is guaranteed for 12 months from completion date unless otherwise stated.

13.2 The guarantee does not cover:

• Structural movement

• Damp or moisture-related issues

• Substrate failure

• Poor ventilation

• Client interference

• Decoration before full drying

• Plastering carried out over existing surfaces (including plasterboard, painted walls, artex, render, bonding or previous plasterwork
   

 

14. Health & Safety

14.1 The Company complies with relevant UK health and safety legislation.

14.2 The Client must inform the Company of any known asbestos or hazardous materials prior to works.

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15. Cancellations

15.1 Domestic clients have cancellation rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

15.2 If cancellation occurs after materials have been purchased, material costs will be deducted from any refund.

15.3 Cancellation within 48 hours of the agreed start date will incur a charge.

 

 

16. Liability

16.1 The Company holds appropriate public liability insurance.

16.2 The Company is not responsible for:

• Pre-existing defects

• Hidden structural issues

• Damage caused by inadequate substrates

• Damage caused by third-party trades

• Plastering carried out over existing surfaces (including plasterboard, painted walls, artex, render, bonding or previous plasterwork

 

 

17. Complaints

17.1 Any concerns must be raised within 7 days of completion.

17.2 The Company must be given reasonable opportunity to inspect and remedy issues.

 

 

18. Governing Law

18.1 These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the United Kingdom.

 

 

19. Variations & Additional Works

19.1 The quotation is based solely on the works described and agreed in writing.

19.2 Any additional works identified during the project, including but not limited to hidden defects, damaged substrates, damp issues, loose plaster, unstable plasterboard, or unforeseen site conditions, will be treated as variations and will be chargeable.

19.3 Any additional works requested by the Client after works have commenced, including alterations, extra areas, upgrades, or changes to the original scope, will be charged separately.

19.4 The Company will notify the Client of any additional costs before proceeding where reasonably practicable.

19.5 Where urgent remedial work is required to ensure safety or proper completion of the works, the Company reserves the right to carry out such work and invoice accordingly.

19.6 Any variation may affect the agreed completion date.