Terms & Conditions

Part A: Terms of Service for decorating work

1. About us and these terms

D C Decorators is the trading name of David Cooley, [CONFIRM: sole trader or Ltd + company number]. Where these terms say "we", "us" or "our", they mean D C Decorators.

• Address: 2 Crooksbroom Lane, Edwin Lodge, Hatfield, Doncaster DN7 6HP
• Phone: 07424 648041 or 07834 395675
• Email: jackboyjamie18@icloud.com
• VAT: [VAT registered – VAT number: XXXXXXXXX / not VAT registered]

These terms apply to all painting, decorating, wallpapering, plastering, preparation, commercial and design consultation work we carry out. Please read them before accepting a quote. We will give you a copy with every written quote. If anything in your written quote differs from these terms, the quote takes priority for that job.

2. Definitions

3. Quotes

• Quotes are free and without obligation. You can request one using the form on our website, by phone or by email. David will normally visit to see the job and then send you a written quote.
• A quote is valid for [30] days from the date on it. After that, we may need to update it, for example if material prices have changed.
• A quote is based on what we can reasonably see at the time of the visit and on the information you give us. It will set out what is included (such as rooms, surfaces, number of coats, preparation and materials) and anything that is excluded.
• Some problems only show up once work starts, such as damp, blown or loose plaster, rotten timber, failing previous paint layers, or hidden cracks. If we find something like this, we will stop that part of the work, show you, and explain your options and any extra cost. We will not carry out, or charge for, extra work unless you agree to it first. See section 12 and section 14.
• A verbal estimate or a "ballpark" figure given on the phone is only a rough guide and is not a quote.

4. How our contract with you is formed

A contract is formed when you accept our written quote in writing (a reply by email or text saying you accept is enough) and we confirm the booking. Before then, neither of us is committed.

When you accept, you are confirming that you have read these terms, that the description of the work in the quote is correct, and that you are entitled to have the work done at the property (see section 11).

We will confirm the contract, including the quote and these terms, to you on paper or by email so you have a permanent copy.

5. Your right to cancel (consumers)

How long you have

The cancellation period ends 14 days after the day the contract is formed (the day you accept our quote in writing and we confirm, as described in section 4).

How to cancel

To cancel, you must tell us clearly that you have decided to cancel before the cancellation period ends. You can:

• email jackboyjamie18@icloud.com;
• write to D C Decorators, 2 Crooksbroom Lane, Edwin Lodge, Hatfield, Doncaster DN7 6HP; or
• phone 07424 648041 or 07834 395675 (we recommend following up by email or text so there is a record).

You may use the model cancellation form at the end of this page, but you do not have to. It is enough to send your message before the 14 days are up.

What happens when you cancel

If you cancel, we will refund all payments we have received from you, including any deposit, without undue delay and no later than 14 days after the day we are told of your decision. We will use the same payment method you used, unless you expressly agree otherwise, and you will not be charged any fees for the refund. The only deduction is the one explained below if you asked us to start work early.

If you want work to start within the 14 days

We will not start work during the cancellation period unless you expressly ask us to, in writing. If you do ask us to start early and then cancel within the 14 days:

• you must pay us an amount in proportion to the work we have carried out up to the time you tell us you are cancelling, compared with the full contract; and
• if we have fully completed the work within the 14 days at your express request, and you acknowledged that you would lose your right to cancel once the work was complete, you will no longer be able to cancel.

Asking us to start early does not affect any of your other rights, including your rights under our guarantee and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Cancelling after the 14 days

You can still cancel a booking after the cancellation period. If you do, we may charge you for work already done and for reasonable costs we have actually incurred that we cannot recover, for example special-order paint or wallpaper that cannot be returned or used elsewhere. We will not charge you for loss of profit on work we have not done, and we will always try to keep these costs as low as possible. We will explain any charge to you in writing.

6. Your legal rights as a consumer

If you are a consumer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives you the following rights, and nothing in these terms takes them away:

• we must carry out the work with reasonable care and skill;
• anything we say or write to you about us or the work, which you take into account when deciding to go ahead, is binding on us;
• if no price has been fixed, you only have to pay a reasonable price; and
• if no timescale has been agreed, the work must be done within a reasonable time.

If the work does not meet these standards, you are entitled to ask us to put it right (repeat or fix the work) at no cost to you, within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience. If we cannot do that, or cannot do it within a reasonable time or without significant inconvenience to you, you may be entitled to a price reduction, which can be as much as a full refund.

For free, independent advice about your rights, contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or visit citizensadvice.org.uk.

7. Business customers

If you are a business customer, the following applies in addition to the rest of these terms:

• The consumer cancellation right in section 5 and the consumer-specific rights in section 6 do not apply to you in the same way. The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 implies terms that we will act with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time and for a reasonable charge where not agreed.
• If you cancel after accepting a quote, you must pay for work carried out and for costs we have reasonably incurred, including non-returnable materials.
• Payment terms are as set out in section 9. If you pay late, we may claim statutory interest and compensation under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
• Subject to section 18 (which does not limit liability that cannot legally be limited), our total liability to you arising from or in connection with the contract, whether in contract, negligence or otherwise, is limited to the total price payable under the contract. We will not be liable to a business customer for loss of profit, loss of business, loss of revenue, business interruption, or any indirect or consequential loss.
• You are responsible for making sure the work can be carried out safely and lawfully at your premises, including sharing your asbestos register or survey (where required under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012) and any site rules, permits or induction requirements before we start.

8. Prices, VAT and deposits

• The price is the amount in the accepted quote. It is fixed for the work described unless you ask for changes (section 14) or we find hidden problems that you agree to have dealt with (section 12).
• VAT: [Choose one: "We are not registered for VAT, so no VAT is charged." / "We are VAT registered. Prices in quotes to consumers include VAT at the current rate; prices in quotes to business customers are shown plus VAT."]
• Deposit: for smaller jobs we do not usually take a deposit. For larger jobs, or where special-order materials are needed, we may ask for a deposit of [e.g. 0–25%] of the price, to cover materials. Any deposit will be shown on the quote and deducted from the final invoice. If you are a consumer and cancel within the 14-day cancellation period, your deposit is refunded as explained in section 5.
• If the quote includes materials, we buy them at the price set in the quote. We will not add hidden charges for travel, parking or waste removal within our normal area unless these are shown on the quote.

9. Payment

• When: for most jobs, payment is due on completion. For larger jobs lasting more than [one week], we may agree staged payments in the quote, linked to clear stages of the work. We will send you an invoice, and payment is due within [7] days of the invoice date.
• How: bank transfer to the account shown on our invoice [add: card / cash / other accepted methods]. We will never change our bank details by email or text without also telling you in person or by phone. If you receive a message saying our bank details have changed, please call David on 07424 648041 before paying.
• Snagging: if there are small snagging items when the job is finished (see section 17), please tell us. You may hold back a fair amount that reflects the value of the outstanding items until they are put right, but please pay the rest of the invoice on time.
• Late payment (consumers): if you pay late, we will contact you first to find out why. If payment is still not made, we may charge simple interest on the overdue amount at [4]% a year above the Bank of England base rate from the due date until payment, and we may recover the debt through the courts. We will always act reasonably and are happy to discuss a payment arrangement if you are in difficulty.
• Late payment (business customers): we may charge interest and fixed compensation under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, currently 8% a year above the Bank of England base rate, plus fixed compensation of £40, £70 or £100 depending on the size of the debt, and reasonable recovery costs.
• If an invoice is overdue, we may pause any remaining work until it is paid, after giving you notice in writing.

10. Materials, colours and finishes

• Who supplies materials: the quote will say whether we supply paint, wallpaper and other materials, or whether you do. Unless the quote says otherwise, we supply sundries such as fillers, caulk, sandpaper, masking tape and primers.
• Your choices: you are responsible for choosing colours, paint brands and wallpaper, and for confirming them to us in writing before we order or start. We are happy to advise, and this is part of our design consultations, but the final choice is yours.
• Colour and batch variation: colours can look different on a colour card, a screen, a sample pot and a finished wall, and under different lighting. Paint and wallpaper from different production batches can also vary slightly. We recommend trying a sample first. We will check batch numbers on wallpaper and use materials from the same batch where we can, but we are not responsible for manufacturers' variation or for a colour you have chosen not looking as you expected, provided we used the product you chose.
• Materials you supply: if you supply materials, please make sure there is enough (we can tell you quantities), that they are suitable for the surface and are not out of date or damaged. If materials you supply are faulty or unsuitable, we are not responsible for resulting defects, and extra time caused by shortages or wrong items may be charged. Our guarantee does not cover defects caused by customer-supplied materials.
• Leftover materials: materials paid for by you belong to you, and we will leave any leftovers with you, labelled where practical, for future touch-ups. If you would prefer us to take them away for responsible disposal, just ask.
• Eco-friendly products: where we recommend lower-VOC or eco-friendly products, we will say so. Please note that no paint is completely odour-free, and rooms should be ventilated during and after decorating.

11. Your responsibilities

To help the job go smoothly and safely, you agree to:

• Access: give us reasonable access to the property and the areas to be decorated on the agreed dates and times, including keys or someone to let us in.
• Clear the rooms: remove or safely store ornaments, pictures, mirrors, curtains, electronics, valuables and fragile or high-value items before we arrive. We will move and cover larger furniture where it is safe to do so, but we are not able to move very heavy items, pianos or items that need specialist handling. Please tell us about anything particularly valuable or delicate.
• Parking: let us know about any parking restrictions and, where possible, provide a parking space or permit close to the property. Parking charges and permits will be added to the price only if agreed in advance.
• Electricity, water and facilities: provide reasonable use of electricity, water and a toilet at no charge.
• Pets and children: keep pets and children away from work areas, wet paint, tools and materials for their safety.
• Permissions: make sure you have any permissions needed for the work, for example your landlord's or freeholder's consent, managing agent approval, or consent for work to a listed building or in a conservation area (where exterior colour changes may need approval). If we are asked to stop because a permission is missing, we may charge for time already spent and reasonable costs.
• Information: tell us about anything that could affect the work or safety, such as known damp, previous leaks, fragile surfaces, alarm systems, or anyone in the household who is vulnerable or sensitive to fumes.

12. Asbestos, lead paint and hidden defects

Asbestos

Asbestos may be present in properties built or refurbished before 2000, for example in textured ceiling coatings (such as Artex), old floor tiles, soffits and boxing. Please tell us if you know or suspect asbestos is present, and share any asbestos survey you have. We do not remove or disturb asbestos-containing materials. If we suspect asbestos during the work, we will stop work in that area and let you know. It may need to be tested and, if necessary, dealt with by a licensed or suitably trained specialist before we can continue. Any delay or extra cost from this will be agreed with you first.

Lead paint

Paint containing lead was widely used in homes before the 1960s and may still be found under newer layers on woodwork, doors, windows and railings in older properties. Sanding or burning off lead paint can be harmful, especially to children and pregnant women. Please tell us if you know of old paintwork. Where we suspect lead paint, we will use safer preparation methods, and may recommend testing, which may affect the price and timescale. We will agree any change with you before going ahead.

Hidden defects

Decorating can reveal problems that could not reasonably be seen when we quoted, such as damp, blown plaster, rotten timber, cracked render or structural movement. We are decorators, not surveyors, and we cannot guarantee the condition of the surfaces underneath. If we find a problem, we will tell you straight away, explain the options (which may include getting another trade in), and give you a price for any extra work we can do. We will only go ahead once you agree.

13. Scheduling, delays and weather

• We will agree a start date and an estimated duration with you. Dates are estimates, and we will keep you updated if anything changes. We will always try to finish within the agreed time, and in any case within a reasonable time.
• Exterior work depends on the weather. Paint must not be applied in rain, frost, high humidity or very low temperatures, and surfaces must be dry. We may need to reschedule or pause exterior work at short notice, and this will not be a breach of contract.
• Delays can also be caused by illness, emergencies, delays in material deliveries, other trades, hidden problems or changes you ask for. We will tell you as soon as possible and agree a new date.
• If you need to change the start date, please give us as much notice as you can. If you are a consumer and a significant delay on our part causes you a problem, please tell us: if we cannot start or finish within a reasonable time, you may be entitled to end the contract and receive a refund for work not done.

14. Changes and extra work

• If you would like to change the work (for example, add a room, change a colour after materials are bought, or add wallpaper), please ask us. We will tell you whether we can do it and any change to the price and timescale.
• All changes and extra work must be agreed in writing before we do them. A text message or email is fine. We will not charge you for extras you have not agreed to.
• Extra work will be priced at the rates in the quote, or if none are given, at a fair price that we will tell you before starting.

15. Protecting your property and cleaning up

• We will use dust sheets and protective coverings on floors, furniture and fittings in the work areas and mask off surfaces where appropriate.
• We will keep the work area as tidy as possible each day and leave it clean and tidy when the job is finished, including removing masking tape and our dust sheets.
• Preparation work such as sanding creates some dust. We use dust-reducing methods where practical, but some dust outside the covered area may occur and a final household clean may still be needed.
• Waste: unless the quote says otherwise, we will remove waste created by our work (such as old wallpaper, packaging and used sundries) and dispose of it responsibly through licensed routes. Leftover paint belongs to you (see section 10). Removal of other items or large amounts of waste can be quoted separately.
• If we damage your property through our fault, please tell us as soon as possible. We will repair or put it right, or pay a fair amount for the loss, as set out in section 18.

16. Our workmanship guarantee

We guarantee our workmanship for [12] months from the date the work is completed. If a defect appears in that time that is caused by our workmanship, such as flaking, peeling or lifting wallpaper seams due to poor preparation or application, we will put it right free of charge.

The guarantee does not cover:

• fair wear and tear, knocks, scuffs, cleaning damage, or damage caused by misuse or accidents;
• damp, condensation, leaks, water ingress or efflorescence;
• structural movement, settlement, shrinkage cracks or cracks in the underlying plaster, render or timber;
• defects caused by materials you supplied, or by products you chose against our written advice;
• work carried out by other trades or by you, or later alterations to our work;
• natural fading or discolouration of paint or wallpaper, or colour and batch variation from the manufacturer;
• problems caused by hidden defects that we told you about and that you chose not to have fixed.

To make a claim, contact us with a description and photos if possible. We will arrange to inspect and, if the defect is covered, fix it at a mutually convenient time. This guarantee is in addition to, and does not affect, your legal rights as a consumer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (see section 6).

17. Snagging and complaints

We want you to be delighted with the finished job. When we finish, we will walk through the work with you so you can point out anything you are not happy with ("snagging"). We will put right any genuine snags promptly.

If you notice a problem later, or have any complaint:

1. Contact David by phone on 07424 648041, or by email at jackboyjamie18@icloud.com, describing the problem (photos help). Please tell us as soon as reasonably possible, as problems are easier to fix early.
2. We will acknowledge your complaint within [3] working days and arrange to visit if needed.
3. Please give us a reasonable opportunity to inspect and put things right before arranging for anyone else to do so. Where the problem is our fault, we will fix it at no cost to you. If that is not possible, we will agree a fair price reduction or refund with you.

If we cannot resolve your complaint, see section 23 for other options.

18. Our liability to you

• What we cannot exclude: nothing in these terms limits or excludes our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or for anything else that cannot legally be limited or excluded.
• Consumers: nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights. We are responsible for loss or damage you suffer that is a foreseeable result of our breaking this contract or failing to use reasonable care and skill. Loss or damage is foreseeable if it is obvious it will happen, or if we both knew it might happen when the contract was made. We are not responsible for loss or damage that is not foreseeable. We only supply our services for domestic and private use, so we are not liable to consumers for any loss of profit, loss of business or business interruption.
• Business customers: see the liability cap and exclusions in section 7.
• Things we are not responsible for: existing defects in the property that we did not cause, damage caused by hidden defects we could not reasonably have known about, or items you did not remove despite our request (unless the damage was caused by our negligence).
• Insurance: we hold public liability insurance with a limit of [£X million – confirm insurer]. Details are available on request.

19. Photographs of our work

We are proud of our work and may like to photograph it for our website, social media or portfolio. We will only do this with your permission, which you can give or refuse without it affecting the job or price, and can withdraw at any time by contacting us.

If you agree, we will photograph only the decorated areas, and we will not publish your name, address, house number, street name, vehicle registrations, family photographs, or anything else that could identify you or your property unless you separately agree. If you later ask us to remove a photograph, we will remove it from our website and our own social media accounts within a reasonable time. For how we handle personal information, please see our Privacy Policy.

20. If we need to cancel or suspend work

• We may need to cancel or suspend the work if, for example: an invoice or agreed stage payment is overdue after we have reminded you in writing; we are refused reasonable access; we discover asbestos or another hazard that makes it unsafe to continue; a necessary permission is missing; or we (or our staff) are subjected to abusive or threatening behaviour.
• We will tell you in writing and explain why. If we cancel for reasons that are not your fault, we will refund any money you have paid for work not done. If we cancel for a reason that is your fault, you must pay for work done and reasonable costs incurred up to that point.

21. Events outside our control

We are not responsible for delays or failure to perform caused by events outside our reasonable control, such as extreme weather, flooding, fire, serious illness or injury, pandemic restrictions, road closures or national shortages of materials. If this happens, we will tell you as soon as possible and take reasonable steps to minimise the delay. If the delay is likely to be substantial, you may cancel the contract and receive a refund for any work paid for but not done.

22. General terms

• Entire agreement: the accepted quote, any changes agreed in writing, and these terms make up the whole agreement between us. If you are a consumer, this does not affect anything we have told you that you relied on when deciding to go ahead (your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 still apply).
• Subcontractors: we may use trusted subcontractors or helpers for some work. We remain responsible for their work under this contract.
• Transfer: we may not transfer our obligations under the contract to someone else without your agreement. You may not transfer your rights without our agreement.
• Severance: if a court decides that any part of these terms is invalid, the rest will continue to apply.
• Delay in enforcing: if we do not insist straight away on something you are required to do, that does not stop us doing so later (and the same applies to you).
• Third parties: this contract is between you and us. No one else has rights to enforce it.
• Changes to these terms: we may update these terms from time to time. The version that applies to your job is the one in force when you accepted your quote.

23. Governing law and disputes

• These terms and any contract between us are governed by the law of England and Wales.
• If you are a consumer, you can bring legal proceedings in the courts of England and Wales. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can also bring proceedings in your local courts. Business customers agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
• We would always prefer to resolve disputes informally and quickly. If we cannot, you may wish to use an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service such as mediation. [If a member of a trade association or ADR scheme, name it here, e.g. "We are a member of [scheme], which offers a free dispute resolution service."] Otherwise, we will consider any ADR suggestion in good faith, though we are not obliged to use it. Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133) can also help. Small disputes can be resolved through the county court small claims track.

Part B: Website terms of use

These terms apply to your use of this website. By using the site, you agree to them. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

Using the site

This website is provided to give information about D C Decorators and to let you contact us or request a quote. You may use it for personal, non-commercial purposes. You must not misuse it, for example by attempting to gain unauthorised access, introducing viruses or malicious code, or sending spam through our forms. We may change, suspend or withdraw the site at any time.

Accuracy of content

We try to keep the information on this site accurate and up to date, but it is for general information only. It does not form an offer or a quote, and prices and services are confirmed only in a written quote. Some images on this website are illustrative stock photography and do not show work carried out by D C Decorators; we are gradually replacing them with photographs of our own projects. Blog articles and decorating tips are general guidance, not professional advice for your specific property.

Intellectual property

The text, logo, design and our own photographs on this site belong to D C Decorators or are used with permission. Stock images are used under licence from their providers. You may view and print pages for personal use, but you must not copy, reproduce or republish content for commercial purposes without our written permission.

Links to other websites

This site may link to other websites, such as Google Maps, paint manufacturers or advice services. These links are provided for your convenience. We have no control over those sites and are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

Quote requests and messages

When you send us a quote request or message, please make sure the information you give is accurate and that it is your own contact details (or that you have permission to share someone else's). Please do not submit sensitive personal information we have not asked for. Submitting a quote request does not create a contract; see section 4. We use the information you provide to respond to your enquiry, as explained in our Privacy Policy.

Privacy and cookies

How we collect and use personal information is explained in our Privacy Policy. How this website uses cookies and similar technologies is explained in our Cookie Policy.

Our liability for the website

We do not guarantee that the site will always be available, uninterrupted or free from errors or viruses. To the extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any loss arising from your use of, or inability to use, the site. Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot be limited by law.

Contact

Questions about these terms? Call 07424 648041 or email jackboyjamie18@icloud.com.

Model cancellation form

To: D C Decorators (David Cooley), 2 Crooksbroom Lane, Edwin Lodge, Hatfield, Doncaster DN7 6HP
Email: jackboyjamie18@icloud.com

I/We [*] hereby give notice that I/We [*] cancel my/our [*] contract for the supply of the following service: ____________________________________

Quote reference (if known): ____________________

Ordered on [*] / received on [*]: ____________________

Name of consumer(s): ____________________________________

Address of consumer(s): ____________________________________

Signature of consumer(s) (only if this form is notified on paper): ____________________

Date: ____________________

[*] Delete as appropriate.

These terms were last updated on 29 September 2026 and apply to quotes accepted on or after that date.