1. General
For the purposes of this document, “we”, “our” and “us” refer to Intelligent Structural Solutions Ltd, and “you” and “your” refer to the client commissioning our services.
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis upon which we are appointed. Commencement of our services, whether following written or verbal instruction, shall constitute acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
1.1 Appointment and Scope
Instructions are often taken verbally and subsequently confirmed in writing (typically by email) detailing the scope of work and agreed fee basis. Failure to issue written confirmation shall not invalidate a verbal agreement.
Where a fixed fee has been agreed, any request for additional work beyond the original scope will be charged as an additional service on a time-charge basis at our standard hourly rates plus disbursements and expenses, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Where our fees are provided as an estimate, we will inform you if costs are likely to exceed the original estimate and will not proceed beyond it without your prior approval.
1.2 Inability to Proceed
We will notify you as soon as reasonably practicable if we are unable to carry out your instructions for any reason, including (but not limited to):
In such cases, you will remain responsible for the reasonable costs of time spent and expenses incurred up to the point at which we notify you.
1.3 Professional Indemnity and Liability
We maintain professional indemnity insurance appropriate to the nature of our work. Our liability to you shall be limited to direct losses arising from proven negligence or breach of contract, and our total aggregate liability shall not exceed £500,000.
Our services are provided for your sole use and for the specific purpose stated in our appointment. We accept no responsibility or liability to any third party who may rely on our deliverables without our express written consent.
1.4 Independent Specialists
Where independent specialists (e.g. soil testing, trial pits, CCTV surveys) are required, we will advise you of their costs and seek your approval prior to instruction. Such specialists will be appointed as your agent, and you will have a direct contractual relationship with them. We may pay their invoice on your behalf and recharge the cost to you with a 10% administration fee.
1.5 Cost Estimates
Any budget estimates or indicative costs provided by us are for guidance only and do not constitute a quotation or guarantee. We recommend obtaining formal quotations or tenders from suitably qualified contractors before committing to expenditure.
1.6 Cancellation
If you cancel your instructions after we have commenced work, you shall pay for time and expenses incurred up to the date of cancellation.
1.7 Payment
Payment of our invoices is due within 14 days of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed in writing. We reserve the right to charge interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate on overdue accounts.
Any disputed invoice must be raised before the payment due date. Failure to do so may result in recovery proceedings.
1.8 Insurance or Grant Funding
Where services or associated works are funded by insurance or grant aid, you must inform us in writing and provide full details. You remain responsible for paying our invoices in full, irrespective of any reimbursement arrangements.
1.9 Data Protection
We comply with our obligations under the UK Data Protection Act and GDPR. Personal information provided to us will only be used in connection with your project and will not be disclosed to third parties other than as necessary to deliver our services.
1.10 Complaints
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, please notify us immediately. We will investigate promptly and provide a written response explaining our findings and any proposed remedial action.
1.11 Use of Knowledge
If we are later instructed to advise on the same property or structure for another client, we reserve the right to use knowledge gained from our previous involvement. We will take reasonable steps to inform you beforehand, but your consent will not be required.
2. Reporting
Our reports are based on visual observations from accessible areas of the property. You must ensure safe access to all relevant areas. We do not normally move heavy furniture, lift floor coverings, or carry out invasive opening-up works unless specifically agreed.
If access is unsafe or restricted, we will be unable to inspect those areas until appropriate safety measures are arranged (which may incur additional cost).
Unless otherwise agreed, inspections are limited to the main building and exclude detached structures, walls, fences, and outbuildings.
Hidden or inaccessible elements are excluded from inspection, and no assurance is given regarding their condition.
Our reports do not cover items typically addressed in a Building Surveyor’s report, such as services, finishes, or decoration, nor do they address environmental factors such as contamination, asbestos, deleterious materials, or timber decay unless expressly included.
3. Investigations
Our investigation services are limited to the issues described in your instructions. Investigations may include (but are not limited to) archive research, sampling, testing, trial holes, opening-up works, or monitoring.
Such activities may cause localised damageto finishes or fabric. If you are not the property owner, your instruction will be deemed confirmation that you have the necessary permissions from the owner or occupier. Reinstatement of disturbed areas is excluded unless expressly included in our proposal.
4. Crack and Level Monitoring
Monitoring will be limited to the specific locations identified in our scope. Readings will normally be taken at agreed intervals, and we will provide reports summarising the results. The monitoring period and reporting frequency will be defined in advance.
5. Building and Remedial Works
Where instructed, our services may include preparation of specifications, tender documentation, and assistance with procurement, including assessment of contractor tenders and obtaining statutory approvals.
Associated application fees (e.g. Building Regulations) will be treated as disbursements.
If we are engaged to inspect the contractor’s work or administer the contract, site visits will be undertaken at intervals appropriate to the project’s nature and progress.
We will issue instructions and contract variations as required. You must not issue instructions directly to the contractor without our prior agreement, as this may result in additional costs or contractual issues.
Interim and final valuations will be certified in accordance with the contract terms. A completion certificate will only be issued once all of our invoices have been settled.
6. Miscellaneous Services
Any other professional services not specifically covered above will be defined and agreed in writing before commencement, including any relevant limitations of scope.
7. Drawings
Drawings produced by us are intended to illustrate the design principles, geometry, and assumptions used in our structural calculations. They are not to be used for material ordering — such orders should be based on the architect’s or contractor’s drawings.
Drawings issued under the following statuses are to be interpreted as:
© Intelligent Structural Solutions Ltd
These Terms and Conditions apply to all professional services provided by ISS Ltd unless otherwise agreed in writing.