Terms and Conditions for The Firebox

1. Introduction and Definitions

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the agreement between The Firebox ("we," "us," or "the Company") and you ("the Customer" or "you") for the supply and installation of wood burning stoves & multifuel stoves, fireplaces, and related services. By accepting a quote or placing an order, you agree to these Terms, which form a legally binding contract. No variations apply unless agreed in writing by an authorized representative of The Firebox.

Goods: Wood burning & Multifuel stoves, fireplaces, accessories, and materials supplied by us.
Services: Surveys, installations, and any additional works.
Survey: An initial assessment covering installation feasibility, chimney access, and compliance with safety regulations (e.g., building codes, fire safety standards).
Quote: A written estimate based on the Survey, valid for 30 days.
Additional Works: Any unforeseen requirements identified during installation, such as modifications due to structural issues or chimney access problems.

We reserve the right to update these Terms, with changes notified via our website or in writing. Continued use of our services implies acceptance of updates.

2. Survey and Quotation Process

Before providing a Quote, we conduct a Survey at your property to assess:

Installation requirements and compatibility with your setup.
Chimney access and condition.
Compliance with relevant safety regulations, including fire safety, ventilation, and structural integrity.

The Survey is advisory and based on visible conditions at the time. While we aim for accuracy, chimney access and other elements may not always align perfectly during installation due to hidden factors (e.g., blockages or weaknesses). If issues arise post-Survey, we may need to revise the Quote or recommend Additional Works.

Quotes are provided in writing and remain valid for 30 days from issuance. They include estimated costs for Goods and Services but exclude unforeseen extras. Acceptance of a Quote requires acceptance online or signed confirmation and payment of the deposit (see Section 3). We may withdraw or amend a Quote if material costs fluctuate or if new regulations apply.

3. Payment Terms

Payments secure your booking and ensure timely delivery of Goods and Services. We accept bank transfers, debit/credit cards, or cash. All prices include VAT unless stated otherwise.

Deposit: 50% of the total Quote amount is due upon acceptance to confirm the order and book the job. This is non-refundable once Goods are ordered or work commences, except in cases of our material breach.
Balance: The remaining 50% is payable within 5 days of job completion and satisfactory inspection. We will not release warranties or certificates until full payment is received.
Additional Works: Quoted separately and payable as agreed—typically 50% upfront and 50% on completion.
Late Payments: Overdue amounts accrue interest at 4% above the base rate of our bank, plus any recovery costs.
Ownership: Title to Goods remains with us until full payment. We may recover unpaid Goods from your property if necessary.

Failure to pay may result in suspension of Services, delays, or cancellation, with you liable for costs incurred.

4. Booking, Delivery, and Installation

Upon Quote acceptance and deposit receipt, we book the job at a mutually agreed date. Installation dates are estimates and subject to availability, weather, or supply chain issues. We aim to complete work efficiently but cannot guarantee exact timelines.

Delivery: Goods are delivered to your property prior to or on installation day. You must ensure safe access and storage.
Installation: Performed by qualified installers using reasonable skill and care. We comply with safety standards (HETAS). You must provide free access to utilities (electricity, water) and clear the work area.
Additional Works: If unforeseen circumstances arise (e.g., unable to gain chimney access despite quotation stating working from ladders but on site find it not accessible for reasons not seen from ground level or structural issues emerge), we pause work, provide a revised quote, and require your approval before proceeding. Delays from this are not our liability.
Delays: We are not liable for delays beyond our control (e.g., supplier issues, adverse weather). We notify you promptly and reschedule.

You are responsible for:

Obtaining permits (e.g., planning permission, listed building consent).
Ensuring the property is structurally sound.
obtaining scaffold access or cherry picker hire unless quoted for by The FireBox
Protecting furnishings from dust or minor damage—some cosmetic impact (e.g., to walls or floors) is unavoidable and not our responsibility.
Arranging pre-installation chimney sweeping by a qualified professional or The FireBox.
re-decoration of walls, skirting boards and any carpet alterations required.

Post-installation, we clean the work area but expect some residual dust. Final sign-off confirms acceptance.

5. Warranties and Guarantees

We stand behind our work with the following coverage, subject to proper use, maintenance, and compliance with manufacturer instructions:

Workmanship Warranty: 1 year from completion date, covering defects in installation. Claims require evidence (e.g., photos, maintenance records). We repair or replace at our discretion, excluding misuse or external damage.
Manufacturer Warranties: For stoves and Goods purchased from us, covered by the manufacturer's terms (typically 5-10 years for parts like flue liners). Register directly with the manufacturer upon purchase.
Exclusions: No warranty for stoves or Goods bought externally. Coverage voids for:
- Misuse (e.g., unapproved fuels, over-firing).
- Lack of maintenance (e.g., annual sweeping).
- Consumables (e.g., seals, grates, glass).
- Natural variations in materials (e.g., wood grain, stone markings).
- Damage from third-party work or accidents

To claim, contact us in writing within the warranty period. We may charge for inspections if no defect is found (£50/hour plus travel). Warranties are non-transferable and apply only to the original Customer.

6. Cancellations, Returns, and Refunds

Cancellation by You: Possible before Goods are ordered, with full deposit refund minus administrative fees (£50). After ordering, cancellations incur restocking fees (20% of Goods value) plus any incurred costs. No refunds for bespoke or installed items.
Cancellation by Us: If we cannot proceed (e.g., due to safety issues), we refund deposits minus Survey costs. We are not liable for your consequential losses.
Returns: Supply-only Goods may be returned within 14 days if unused and in original packaging, minus restocking (20%) and delivery fees. Installed Goods cannot be returned.
Consumer Rights: These Terms do not affect your statutory rights under applicable consumer laws (UK Consumer Rights Act 2015).

7. Liability and Limitations

We carry public liability insurance but limit our responsibility as follows:

We are liable for foreseeable damage caused by our negligence, but not for indirect losses (e.g., business interruption, loss of earnings).
No liability for pre-existing structural defects unless we should have reasonably identified them during Survey.
We are not responsible for third-party work (e.g., your electrician or builder).
Force Majeure: No liability for events beyond control (e.g., strikes, pandemics).

In disputes, we aim for amicable resolution; otherwise, mediation or courts apply.

8. Data Protection and Privacy

We collect personal data (e.g., contact details) to process orders and provide Services, in compliance with GDPR. We do not sell data and use it only for legitimate purposes.

9. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Disputes fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of those courts.