Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 17 September 2026

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern all contracts between Gary Middleton trading as GSM Construction & Property Maintenance ("we", "us", "GSM") and the customer ("you") for the supply of building, construction and property maintenance services. Please read them carefully. By accepting a quotation from us, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Definitions

• "Works": the building, construction, renovation or maintenance services described in our quotation.
• "Quotation": our written or emailed price estimate for the Works.
• "Commencement Date": the agreed date on which we begin the Works on site.
• "Contract Sum": the price for the Works as set out in the Quotation, as adjusted for any agreed variations.

2. Quotations

2.1 All Quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue, unless otherwise stated.

2.2 Quotations are based on the information available at the time of survey. Where unforeseen conditions are discovered during the Works (for example, concealed structural defects, asbestos, or non-standard materials), we will notify you promptly and agree any additional cost before proceeding.

2.3 Quotations do not include planning permission fees, building regulations fees, or the cost of surveys, drawings or structural engineer reports unless specifically stated.

2.4 VAT is not charged unless stated, as GSM Construction & Property Maintenance is not currently VAT-registered.

3. Acceptance and Contract Formation

3.1 A contract is formed when you confirm acceptance of our Quotation in writing (including by email or text message) or by paying the required deposit.

3.2 These Terms are incorporated into the contract at the point of acceptance. No other terms apply unless agreed in writing by both parties.

4. Deposit and Payment

4.1 A deposit may be required before work commences. The deposit amount will be stated in the Quotation. Deposits are used to cover the initial cost of materials and scheduling.

4.2 Unless otherwise agreed, payment for the Works (or each stage of the Works) is due on completion of that stage, or within 14 days of our invoice date.

4.3 For larger projects, a staged payment schedule will be agreed in advance and set out in the Quotation.

4.4 We reserve the right to charge interest on overdue invoices at 8% above the Bank of England base rate, in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

4.5 We reserve the right to suspend work on site if payments fall overdue by more than 14 days, without liability for any resulting delay.

5. Variations to the Works

5.1 Any changes to the agreed scope of Works requested by you will be treated as a variation. We will provide a written estimate for any additional cost before carrying out the varied work.

5.2 We will not carry out additional work without your written confirmation unless it is required to make the Works safe or comply with building regulations.

6. Our Obligations

6.1 We will carry out the Works with reasonable care and skill, in accordance with good building practice and any applicable building regulations.

6.2 We will keep you informed of progress and notify you promptly of any matters that may affect the cost or programme.

6.3 We will take reasonable steps to keep the site tidy and minimise disruption to you and your neighbours.

6.4 We hold public liability insurance to the value of £5,000,000. Evidence of this insurance is available on request.

7. Your Obligations

7.1 You will provide safe, clear access to the site on the agreed dates and during agreed working hours (typically Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm, unless otherwise agreed).

7.2 You will ensure that necessary utilities (electricity, water) are available for use during the Works, unless we agree otherwise.

7.3 You are responsible for obtaining any planning permission, listed building consent or other statutory approvals required for the Works, unless we have agreed in writing to manage this on your behalf.

7.4 You will advise us of any known hazards on site, including the location of buried services, asbestos, structural concerns, or any other matters that could affect safety.

8. Materials

8.1 Unless otherwise agreed, we will supply all materials required for the Works. Materials remain our property until paid for in full.

8.2 Where you supply materials, you accept responsibility for their suitability. We accept no liability for defects arising from customer-supplied materials.

8.3 We will aim to match existing materials (brickwork, stonework, joinery profiles etc.) as closely as reasonably practicable. An exact match cannot always be guaranteed due to variations in product availability and weathering.

9. Programme and Completion

9.1 Any dates given for commencement or completion are estimates. We will not be liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including adverse weather, supply chain delays, or changes to the agreed scope.

9.2 Where delays are caused by you (for example, late decision-making, restricted access, or late payment), we reserve the right to revise the programme accordingly.

10. Defects Liability

10.1 We provide a 12-month defects liability period from the date of practical completion of the Works. During this period, we will return to remedy any defects that arise from our workmanship at no additional charge, provided you notify us promptly in writing.

10.2 The defects liability period does not cover fair wear and tear, damage caused by third parties or misuse, or defects arising from customer-supplied materials.

10.3 Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

11. Limitation of Liability

11.1 Our total liability to you in connection with the Works shall not exceed the Contract Sum, except in cases of death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be limited by law.

11.2 We are not liable for any indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profit or loss of use, arising from the Works or any delay in completing them.

12. Cancellation

12.1 If you cancel a confirmed contract before work commences, we reserve the right to retain the deposit to cover costs already incurred (including materials ordered, time spent on design or planning, and loss of booked work).

12.2 If you are a consumer (an individual contracting for purposes outside of your trade or business), you have the right to cancel within 14 days of accepting a quotation under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, except where you have specifically requested the Works to begin within that period.

12.3 We reserve the right to terminate the contract if you fail to make payment when due, fail to provide access, or act in a manner that makes it unsafe or unreasonable to continue. In such cases, we will invoice for all work completed and materials purchased to date.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to attempt to resolve the matter informally in the first instance by contacting us at info@gsm.construction.

13.2 If the dispute cannot be resolved informally, either party may refer it to a recognised alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme. We will provide details of an appropriate scheme on request.

13.3 Nothing in these Terms prevents either party from seeking emergency injunctive or other relief from the courts.

14. Governing Law

These Terms and any dispute arising from them are governed by the law of England and Wales. Both parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

15. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The current version will always be published on this page. Changes do not affect any contract already formed.

16. Contact

Gary Middleton, GSM Construction & Property Maintenance
Email: info@gsm.construction
Phone: 07727 263707