1. Introduction and Basis of Contract
Welcome to Bio Tech Heating Services. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the provision of heating, plumbing, gas, oil, and drainage services by us to you.
By accepting a quotation, booking an appointment, or instructing us to proceed with any works—whether via our website https://www.biotechheatingservices.co.uk/, by telephone, or by email—you agree to be bound by these Terms. These Terms form a legally binding contract between the Customer (“you”, “your”) and the Contractor (“we”, “us”, “our”).
Please read these Terms carefully. They protect both parties and ensure that you have a clear understanding of our operational procedures, payment structures, and liabilities regarding your heating and plumbing requirements.
2. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply:
- “The Company/We/Us”: Bio Tech Heating Services, operating from 75 Withycombe Drive, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 0SL.
- “The Customer/You”: The person, firm, or company who engages our Services.
- “The Works”: The plumbing, heating, boiler installation, repair, servicing, or drainage services specified in the Quotation or agreed verbally for emergency call-outs.
- “The Engineer”: The Gas Safe or OFTEC registered operative(s) carrying out the Works on behalf of the Company.
- “The Quotation”: The written or verbal estimate provided by us for the performance of the Works.
- “Force Majeure”: Any event beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, strikes, fire, flood, or severe weather conditions.
3. Quotations and Estimates
3.1. Validity
All written quotations provided by Bio Tech Heating Services are valid for a period of 30 days from the date of issue. After this period, we reserve the right to withdraw or revise the quotation to reflect changes in the cost of materials (such as copper, brass, or boilers) or labour rates.
3.2. Fixed Price vs. Estimate
- Fixed Price: If a price is explicitly stated as “Fixed,” we will not charge more than that amount unless the Customer requests additional work or unforeseen circumstances arise (see clause 3.3).
- Estimate: If a price is stated as an “Estimate” (often used for fault-finding or leak detection), it is a best guess based on visible evidence. The final invoice will reflect the actual time spent and materials used.
3.3. Unforeseen Works
The Quotation is based on a visual inspection of the accessible parts of the system. We cannot be held responsible for existing faults or issues that are concealed beneath floors, within walls, or within the building fabric. If, during the Works, we discover:
- Asbestos: Or other hazardous materials;
- Non-Compliant Pipework: Existing gas or oil lines that do not meet current safety regulations;
- Structural Issues: Rotting floorboards or unstable walls;
- Sludge/Blockages: Severe system debris not visible during the survey; We will cease work immediately and provide a revised Quotation to rectify these issues. The Customer will be liable for any costs incurred up to that point.
4. Booking and Cancellations
4.1. Appointments
We will offer a specific date and time slot for the Works. While we make every effort to arrive on time, plumbing and heating work can be unpredictable. If our Engineer is delayed by a previous job or traffic, we will contact you as soon as reasonably possible.
4.2. Customer Cancellations
- Standard Works: You may cancel or reschedule a standard appointment (e.g., annual service, minor repair) up to 24 hours before the scheduled time without charge.
- Late Cancellation: If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, we reserve the right to charge a cancellation fee equivalent to our minimum call-out charge (£80 + VAT).
- Major Works: For major installations (e.g., new boiler, bathroom refit) where dates have been blocked out, cancellations made within 7 days of the start date may incur a charge to cover lost labour time and restocking fees for materials.
4.3. Access
The Customer must ensure that our Engineer has clear and safe access to the property and the specific area where the Works are required (e.g., boiler cupboard, loft, under-sink area). If we arrive and cannot gain access, or if the working environment is deemed unsafe (e.g., aggressive pets, hazardous hygiene), we will abort the visit and charge the full call-out fee.
5. The Works: Gas Safe and OFTEC Compliance
5.1. Regulatory Compliance
All gas works will be carried out by Gas Safe-registered engineers, and all oil works by OFTEC-registered engineers. We are legally obliged to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and the Building Regulations.
5.2. Unsafe Situations
If our Engineer identifies a dangerous situation with your existing gas or oil appliances, they have a legal duty to classify it as either “Immediately Dangerous” (ID) or “At Risk” (AR).
- ID: With your permission, we must disconnect the appliance immediately. If permission is refused, we are legally required to report the situation to the Gas Emergency Service Provider (ESP), which may disconnect the property’s supply.
- AR: We will advise you to turn the appliance off and not use it until the fault is rectified. We cannot be held liable for any loss of heating or hot water arising from our legal duty to ensure the installation is safe.
5.3. Power Flushing
If we recommend a Power Flush to clean your central heating system, we will use reasonable skill and care. However, Power Flushing involves pumping chemicals at high velocity through old pipework and radiators. This process can sometimes expose pre-existing weaknesses (e.g., pinholes in radiators caused by rust) that were previously plugged by sludge. We accept no liability for leaks that occur during or after a Power Flush on existing pipework or radiators, as this is a risk inherent to the cleaning of old systems.
6. Customer Obligations
To ensure the Works can be carried out efficiently, you agree to:
6.1. Utilities
Provide free access to water, electricity, and gas/oil supplies for the duration of the Works.
6.2. Preparation
Clear the working area of furniture, carpets, and personal items. While we use dust sheets to protect flooring, we cannot be held responsible for unavoidable dust or minor scuffs in tight working areas.
6.3. Lifting Floors
If we need to lift carpets, laminate flooring, or floorboards to access pipework, we will do so with care. However, we are not flooring specialists. We will relay floorboards and carpets to the best of our ability, but we cannot guarantee a “like-new” finish. We recommend engaging a professional flooring contractor for high-value floor coverings.
6.4. Decorating
We are responsible for making good any holes we create for flues or pipework (filling with sand/cement or silicone). We are not responsible for re-painting, re-tiling, or re-wallpapering areas disturbed by the Works or the removal of old appliances (e.g., an old boiler leaving a gap in kitchen units).
7. Payment Terms
7.1. Invoicing
An invoice will be issued upon completion of the Works. For larger projects, we may issue interim invoices at agreed stages.
7.2. Due Date
Unless otherwise agreed in writing (e.g., for commercial account customers), payment is due immediately upon completion of the Works. The Engineer may request payment via card terminal or bank transfer before leaving the property.
7.3. Deposits
For high-value items such as new boilers, heat pumps, or bathroom suites, we require a 50% deposit of the total quoted price at the time of booking. This covers the cost of purchasing the equipment. The balance is due upon satisfactory completion.
7.4. Late Payment
In the event of late payment, we reserve the right to:
- Charge interest on the overdue amount at a rate of 8% above the Bank of England base rate, in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
- Suspend any further work or warranty visits.
- Recover all costs reasonably incurred in collecting the debt, including legal fees and debt collection agency charges.
7.5. Title of Goods
All materials, boilers, and equipment supplied remain the property of Bio Tech Heating Services until the invoice has been paid in full. We reserve the right to enter the property to recover unpaid goods, provided we do not cause criminal damage.
8. Warranties and Guarantees
8.1. Workmanship Guarantee
We guarantee our labour and workmanship for 12 months from the date of completion. If a fault arises solely due to our installation error within this period, we will rectify it free of charge.
8.2. Manufacturer Warranties
- Materials and appliances (e.g., boilers, taps, pumps) are covered by their respective manufacturer’s warranties.
- For new boiler installations (e.g., Worcester Bosch, Grant), we will register the warranty on your behalf.
- Crucial Condition: Manufacturer warranties are often valid only if the appliance is serviced annually by a qualified engineer. It is the Customer’s responsibility to arrange this annual service. Failure to do so may void the warranty.
8.3. Exclusions
Our guarantee does not cover:
- Faults caused by misuse, negligence, or accidental damage by the Customer.
- Faults in the existing heating system (e.g., if we install a new boiler, we guarantee the boiler, not the old radiators or pipework connected to it).
- Damage caused by limescale, freezing weather (frozen condensate pipes), or sludge build-up.
- Adjustments to controls (e.g., thermostats/programmers) where there is no mechanical fault.
9. Liability
9.1. Limitation
We will not be liable for any loss or damage that is not a reasonably foreseeable result of our breach of these Terms.
9.2. Consequential Loss
We accept no liability for indirect or consequential losses, including but not limited to:
- Loss of profit or business interruption (for commercial clients).
- Loss of use of the heating/hot water system while waiting for parts.
- Damage to property caused by existing faults in the Customer’s plumbing system (e.g., a
10. Data Protection
We process your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the UK GDPR. We will use your data to process your booking, register your appliance warranties, and send you service reminders. We do not sell your data to third parties.
11. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:
- Company Name: Bio Tech Heating Services
- Address: 75 Withycombe Drive, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 0SL
- Email: info@biotechheatingservices.co.uk
- Phone: 01295 408100
13. Entire Agreement
These Terms and Conditions, together with our official Quotation, constitute the entire agreement between you and Bio Tech Heating Services. No other verbal statements, promises, or representations form part of this contract.