Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions of Dorset Utilities and Groundworks These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all services provided by Dorset Utilities and Groundworks (“the Company”) and govern the use of our services. By accepting the quote provided by the Company, you (“the Client”) agree to be bound by these Terms. The Company reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time, and the most current version will be posted on this website.

1. Agreement
These Terms form the basis of the contract between the Client and Dorset Utilities and Groundworks.
By accepting the quotation provided, you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions found here, and this acceptance will be deemed to have taken place at the time the quote is signed, verbally accepted, or otherwise confirmed.

2. Services Provided
The Company offers utilities and groundwork services, including, but not limited to, water mains installation, drainage, leak detection, moleing, trenchless technology, lead pipe replacement, septic tank installation, and sewage treatment plant maintenance. The scope of the services will be set out in the quotation or contract provided to the Client.

3. Quotations and Prices
All quotes provided by the Company are based on the information provided by the Client and are subject to final confirmation on-site. The prices quoted are exclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated. The final price may vary if additional work is required that was not included in the original quote due to unforeseen issues or changes requested by the Client.

4. Existing Services Not Identified on Drawings or CAT Scan
In the event that an existing service (such as underground utilities, water pipes, gas lines, or electrical cables) is not identified on the initial drawings or detected during the CAT scan (cable avoidance tool scan), and it causes damage or disruption during the course of work, repairs will be carried out at an additional cost. The Client will be informed of any additional work required, and a revised quote will be provided for approval before proceeding with any repair work.

5. Payment Terms
Payment terms are outlined in the quote or contract. A deposit may be required before work commences, with the remaining balance due upon completion of the work. All materials supplied by Dorset Utilities and Groundworks remain the property of the Company until full payment of the invoice is received. If the invoice is not paid in full within the agreed period, the Company reserves the right to remove any materials, equipment, or services provided on-site without liability, and the Client will bear the cost of such removal.

6. Site Access and Conditions
The Client must ensure that adequate access to the site is provided for the Company’s personnel, equipment, and materials. The Company is not responsible for any damage to existing property, structures, or underground utilities unless caused by the Company’s negligence during the course of the works. The Client agrees to notify the Company of any existing utilities or structures on the site that may affect the work.

7. Delivery and Completion
The Company will make reasonable efforts to complete the work on time, but completion dates are estimates and subject to change based on weather conditions, availability of materials, or other unforeseen circumstances. The Company will inform the Client if there is a delay in the completion of the work.

8. Changes to the Scope of Work
Any changes or variations to the work as agreed in the original quotation must be discussed and agreed upon in writing by both the Client and the Company. Additional charges may apply for work that falls outside the scope of the original agreement.

9. Liability and Warranties
The Company provides a 12-month warranty for the workmanship on all work completed, excluding any damage caused by external factors, misuse, or alterations made by others. The Client agrees to inspect the completed work and notify the Company in writing of any defects within 7 days of completion. The Company’s liability for any defect in work will be limited to the cost of correcting the defect, and the Company is not liable for any indirect, consequential, or incidental damages.

10. Cancellation
The Client has the right to cancel the contract within 7 days of acceptance of the quote, provided work has not yet commenced.
If work has already commenced, cancellation will incur charges for work completed and materials already purchased.

11. Force Majeure
The Company will not be held liable for delays or failure to perform under this contract if such failure is due to causes beyond the Company’s reasonable control, including, but not limited to, acts of God, strikes, lockdowns, floods, fire, or shortages of materials.

12. Health and Safety
The Company complies with all relevant health and safety legislation and will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the worksite. The Client is responsible for ensuring that all legal and safety requirements, including any permits, licenses, or consents, are in place before the work commences.

13. Insurance
The Company holds appropriate public liability and employer’s liability insurance to cover accidents or damage caused during the course of the work. A copy of the insurance policy can be provided upon request.

14. Intellectual Property
All intellectual property rights in designs, plans, and specifications created by the Company in the course of providing the services remain the property of the Company, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

15. Dispute Resolution
In the event of a dispute, the Client and Company agree to first attempt to resolve the issue amicably. If a resolution cannot be reached, either party may seek resolution through a neutral third-party mediator, or through legal action in the appropriate court.

16. Governing Law
This agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

Acceptance of Terms
By accepting the quote from Dorset Utilities and Groundworks, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms and Conditions. Until full payment has been made, all materials provided by Dorset Utilities and Groundworks remain the property of the Company, and the Company reserves the right to remove them from the site at any time.