Terms of service

---

• 1. Definitions
• "Company" refers to GB Surveys, operated by Graham Bateson as a sole trader. 
• "Client" refers to the individual, business, or organisation engaging the Company's services. 
• "Services" refers to surveying, inspection and related professional services provided by the Company.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By instructing the Company to provide services, the Client agrees to these Terms of Service.

3. Scope of services

• Services will be performed according to the agreed quotation, proposal, or written instructions. 
• Any additional work requested beyond the original scope may incur additional charges. 
• The Company reserves the right to decline work outside its expertise or professional competence.

3.1. UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) 

• Operations are assumed to take up to 1 hour of flying to capture imagery for an average size property.
• Airspace will be checked by the Company, should any restrictions be present these will be confirmed to the Client.
•  The Client is to notify their neighbours of the planned flight, the Company will protect the privacy of others as much as possible but notification is recommended.
• CAA rules will be abided by (https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/open-category/drone-code/where-you-can-fly-points-3-to-9/)

3.2. Drainage Surveys

• The Company will arrange required equipment hire for the project
• Drainage routes will either be, Sounded, traced or CCTV inspected. For best results routes are to be unblocked and free from debris. Cleaning (jetting) of drainage routes is not undertaken by this Company.
• No entry into drainage chambers will be undertaken.

4. Quotations and Fees

• Quotations are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated. 
• VAT is not applicable.
• Quotations include estimated hours, standard equipment and travel.
• Additional expenses, including specialist equipment, or third-party costs, may be charged separately where agreed.

5. Payment Terms

• Invoices are payable within 30 days of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed. 
• Late payments may incur interest at the statutory rate applicable in the relevant jurisdiction. 
• The Company reserves the right to suspend services where payment remains overdue.
• Quotations over £100 require a 50% deposit to secure the project and any hired equipment.

6. Client Responsibilities

The Client shall:

• Provide accurate and complete information relevant to the services. 
• Grant safe and reasonable access to properties, sites, documents, and records as required. 
• Inform the Company of any known hazards, risks, or access restrictions.
• Notify neighbours of UAS operations prior to flight.
• Provide a safe take off & landing point at each side of the Clients building/structure which is on their land.

7. Site Access and Safety

• The Company may refuse to enter any site considered unsafe. 
• The Client is responsible for ensuring reasonable site safety and legal access permissions. 
• Any delays caused by restricted access or unsafe conditions may result in additional charges. 

8. Survey deliveries

• Deliveries are prepared solely for the Client's use unless otherwise agreed in writing. 
• Deliveries reflect observations made at the time of inspection only. 
• Hidden, inaccessible, or concealed defects may not be identified. 
• Reports should not be relied upon by third parties without the Company's written consent.

9. Limitations of Inspection

Unless specifically agreed:

• No destructive investigations will be undertaken. 
• Areas that are inaccessible, obstructed, locked, covered, or unsafe may not be inspected. 
• The Company does not guarantee the discovery of all defects, issues, or hazards.
• The presence of nesting birds will hamper flight operations and may need to be rescheduled and occur additional costs.

10. Professional Liability

• The Company's liability for any claim arising from the services shall be limited to the amount of its professional indemnity insurance cover or the fees paid for the relevant services, whichever is lower, except where prohibited by law. 
• The Company shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, or economic losses. 

11. Reliance on Reports

• Reports are based on information available at the time of inspection. 
• Recommendations provided are professional opinions and should not be considered guarantees of future performance or condition. 
• Structural recommendations should be confirmed by a qualitied structural engineer.

12. Confidentiality

The Company will treat Client information as confidential except where disclosure is:

• Required by law; 
• Necessary to perform the services; or 
• Authorised by the Client. 

13. Data Protection

The Company will process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws and its Privacy Policy.

14. Cancellation and Rescheduling

• Clients must provide at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule appointments. 
• The Company may charge a cancellation fee for late cancellations or missed appointments. 
• Deposits, where paid, may be non-refundable unless otherwise agreed. 

15. Intellectual Property

• All reports, drawings, photographs, documents, and materials produced remain the intellectual property of the Company unless otherwise agreed in writing. 
• The Client receives a licence to use the materials for their intended purpose only. 

16. Force Majeure

The Company shall not be liable for delays or failure to perform due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, illness, government restrictions, or utility failures.

17. Complaints

Any complaints should be submitted in writing within 30 days of the completion of services. The Company will investigate and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

18. Termination

The Company may terminate services if:

• The Client breaches these terms; 
• Payment remains outstanding; 
• Safety concerns arise; or 
• The Client provides misleading information. 

19. Governing Law

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

20. Amendments

The Company reserves the right to update these Terms of Service. The version in force at the date services are instructed shall apply.

Client Acceptance

By instructing GB Surveys to carry out services, the Client confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted these Terms of Service.