TERMS & CONDITIONS

Terms and Conditions – Avondale Sweeps Limited.

By scheduling and receiving services from Avondale Sweeps Limited, the customer agrees to these terms and conditions.

1. Scope of Service

• Service Description: The chimney sweep service includes the cleaning of the chimney flue to remove soot, a smoke test and the issue of a fully recognised sweeping certificate. A visual inspection will be conducted, and any identified issues will be reported to the customer. Upon inspection, should there be a high level of creosote, tar or other debris within the chimney, further investigation/services may be required at an additional cost. 

• The standard sweep cost does not include the removal of birds’ nests or live birds. 

• Exclusions: The service does not include CCTV camera inspections, inspections at height, repairs, structural assessments or removal of hazardous materials unless specified and agreed upon in advance.

• Avondale Sweeps Limited reserve the right to withdraw, suspend or amend the service we provide without notice. As an organisation, we have a zero-tolerance approach for abuse towards our staff. Aggressive, violent or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in our services being terminated.

• A minimum call out fee is applicable should there be a prevention to sweep the chimney or safety issue with the chimney or appliance upon inspection. The call out fee can be confirmed upon enquiry.

• Avondale Sweeps Ltd are not responsible if a fault occurs during the sweeping process. The appliance and chimney must be in a condition that allows for safe cleaning and testing. Any damage caused during sweeping indicates an underlying fault exposed by the process. 

• It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that all chimney cowls, pots, and associated components are securely fixed and suitable for a solid fuel appliance before the commencement of work.  Should a chimney cowl fall off during sweeping Avondale Sweeps Ltd are not liable to replace or re-fit the guard and are not responsible to cover any costs should access hire be required. If a chimney cowl or pot becomes dislodged during the sweeping process, Avondale Sweeps Ltd are not responsible for any damages caused by the fall. 

2. Booking and Appointments

• Customers may book services by phone, email, or through our website.

• Appointments are scheduled based on availability and location, and we will confirm each appointment with the customer.

• We reserve the right to reschedule appointments due to unforeseen circumstances, including adverse weather conditions or emergencies.

• Upon booking, we provide arrival time slots for all appointments. This is an estimation and Avondale Sweeps Ltd. does not take any responsibility for delays that may occur out of our control. Our sweep can arrive anytime within the agreed time slot.

• In our busy period there may be a lead time for appointments. Please be patient with us, we will do our best to book appointments within our availability.

3. Property Access

• Avondale Sweeps Ltd do not offer a key collection unless agreed in advance. There may be an extra charge for us to carry out a key collection.

• If the customer is not able to be present for the appointment and gives Avondale Sweeps Ltd permission to access the property during this time, this is at the customers own risk.

4. Payment Terms

• Payment Due: Payment is due immediately upon completion of the service unless otherwise agreed in writing. The sweeping certificate is only issued to the customer once a payment has been made.

• Additional work: Any additional work requested by the Customer or deemed necessary after the initial inspection may incur extra charges, which will be agreed upon in advance.

• Payment Methods: We accept payment methods of cash, cheque or credit/debit cards via a present ‘Sump Up’ card machine.

• Late Payments: Payments not received within 7 days of the service date may incur a late fee.

5. Customer Responsibilities

• Access: The customer must provide clear and safe access to the chimney, fireplace, and surrounding area. Any obstructions should be removed prior to the service.

• Use of Fireplace: The fireplace should not be used for at least 24 hours before the scheduled service to ensure it is safe for our technicians and equipment.

• Pets and Children: Please ensure that pets and children are kept away from the work area during the service for safety reasons. If a child is present at the appointment without a parent/guardian over the age of 18 present, there will be a termination of the appointment and a fee may apply.

• Our appointments may involve multiple trips to and from our vehicle. It is the responsibility of the homeowner or their designated person to ensure all valuables/pets and children are secure and away from the work route/area. 

• Our sweep will need to use his hoover whilst carrying out the sweeping process. A working plug socket must be available within the room of the appliance for this.

• Waste material removed from the chimney must be disposed of by the customer.

6. Health and Safety

• Our team follows all health and safety guidelines, including the use of protective equipment and proper waste disposal.

7. Working at Height

• Inspections will be conducted to ensure the chimney is suitable for work at height before commencing.

• The customer agrees to disclose any structural issues or known defects in the chimney or surrounding roof areas.

• The customer confirms they have the legal authority to authorise work on the property. 

• Avondale Sweeps Ltd are not liable for any pre-existing damage or structural weaknesses in the chimney or roof.

• If we are fitting a bird guard/cap or any type of chimney cowl or chimney pot, the customer is responsible for the regular maintenance of these items. 

• The company is not responsible for loss of chimney draft or ventilation caused by factors unrelated to the installed product.

• Access hire including cherry picker or scaffolding will be charged to the customer if the customer is to cancel at short notice (up to 72 hours before the work is due to go ahead).

• The area we require to use for ladders, scaffolding or a cherry picker must not be obstructed, therefore providing access on the day(s) of work as agreed. Should there be an obstruction, or no access to the working area, the customer is liable to charges for the hire of a cherry picker or scaffolding, as well as losses for incomplete work.

• Avondale Sweeps Ltd. will take great care when working at height to reduce the risk of any damage to the property. We will not take any liability for damage to roof tiles/brickwork when working at height to include working from ladders, an access lift/cherry picker or from scaffolding. This is carried out at the customers’ own risk.

• If Avondale Sweeps are working with ladders from a neighbours garden or roof, written permission is required for this from the relevant home owner. Access to the area must be made available on the day(s) of work. 

• Should there be power lines obstructing the roof area, the customer is responsible to contact National Grid to arrange to have these sleeved before work is to take place.

8. Privacy and Data Protection

• We respect your privacy and handle personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. We do not share Customer information with third parties without consent, except as required by law.

9. Liability

• Damage to Property: Avondale Sweeps Limited takes great care to protect your property during the service. However, we are not liable for any pre-existing damage to the chimney, fireplace, or surrounding area.

• Avondale Sweeps Limited is not responsible for badly maintained, incorrect or deteriorating pots, cowls, chimney stacks, fireplaces or any other part of your chimney or appliance.

• No responsibility is accepted for chimney problems that occur during sweeping that were not obvious before the sweep was undertaken or have not been advised to us if known by the customer.

• Limitations of Liability: Avondale Sweeps Limited is not responsible for any damages arising from undisclosed hazardous conditions, such as structural damage or the presence of hazardous materials. We are not responsible for pre-existing conditions, defects in the chimney, or any damage that results from improper installation or maintenance prior to our service.

• Insurance: We carry full public liability insurance. Any claims must be reported within 3 days of the service date. The Customer is advised to have adequate home insurance that covers chimney and fireplace maintenance.

10. Service Guarantee

• Quality of Service: We guarantee the quality of our chimney sweep services. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please contact us within to address any concerns.

11. Force Majeure

• Unforeseen Events: Avondale Sweeps Limited is not liable for delays or inability to perform services due to unforeseen events beyond our control, such as supplier delays, severe weather, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

12. Changes to Terms and Conditions

• Modifications: Avondale Sweeps Limited reserves the right to update or modify these terms and conditions at any time.

13. Acceptance of Terms

• Customer Agreement: By scheduling and receiving services from Avondale Sweeps Limited, the customer agrees to these terms and conditions.

Contact Information:
Avondale Sweeps Limited

TEL: 01536 510865

EMAIL: avondalesweeps@outlook.com