Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions for Astralabe Ltd trading as The Floor Sanders

1. Introduction
These Terms and Conditions govern the use of services provided by The Floor Sanders ("we", "us", or "our"), specialising in wood floor restoration, sanding, and sealing. By engaging with our services, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

2. Scope of Work
We provide services in the restoration, sanding, and sealing of wooden floors, as per the specifications outlined in the quotation or service agreement.
Any additional work requested outside the agreed scope may incur additional charges and will be subject to our availability.

3. Quotations and Estimates
All quotations and estimates are provided free of charge and are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated. The final price may
vary based on the condition of the floor and any additional work required, which will be discussed and agreed upon before proceeding.

4. Booking and Scheduling
Upon acceptance of the quotation, a deposit of 40% is required to secure the booking. Final scheduling will be confirmed once the deposit is received. We will strive to adhere to the agreed dates, but unforeseen circumstances (e.g. weather, material delays) may necessitate changes. We will inform you
of any changes as soon as possible.

5. Customer Responsibilities
To ensure efficient service, the client agrees to:
• Clear the work area of all furniture and obstructions prior to our arrival.
• Provide access to water, electricity, and adequate lighting.
• Ensure proper ventilation for dust and fumes during and after the sanding and sealing process.

Failure to meet these requirements may result in delays or additional charges.
6. Health and Safety
We adhere to all applicable health and safety regulations during the performance of our services. However, the client is responsible for ensuring the worksite is free of hazards unrelated to our work. Any unsafe conditions identified by our team will be reported, and work may be suspended until they are rectified.

7. Materials
All materials used in the restoration process, including abrasives, sealants, stains, and finishes, will be of the highest quality and chosen based on the specific needs of your floor. Any specific requests regarding materials must be communicated in advance.

8. Sanding & Finishes
• We advise painting your skirting boards after renovation, as residual marks may remain on skirting and architraves from equipment, finishes, and stains.
• Colour stains and oils may highlight fine scratch marks and imperfections.
• Deep ingrained marks and deep scratches may not be fully removable without excessive sanding that risks damaging the wood.
• Some stains (e.g. watermarks, urine marks) may become more visible after sanding and finishing.
• While our finishes are of the highest quality, they can still be scratched. The client must take precautions such as using pads on furniture legs and avoiding dragging furniture. We are not responsible for damage caused by the client after completion.

9. Existing Floor Conditions
• Dirty, damaged, painted, stained, or worn floors may hide imperfections that become visible after sanding.
• Previous waxes or oils (including candle wax) may cause stains that are not apparent until sanding.
• Latex underlays and carpet adhesive may leave marks that are not fully removable.
• Colour variations can occur due to sun fading or partial rug/furniture coverage.
• Different timber types may result in colour variations.
• Woodworm damage may become more visible.
• Dry rot may reveal crumbling timber.

10. Nail Driving
• We may secure loose boards, but cannot be responsible for damage to pipes if we were not informed of their location.
• We advise consulting a plumber before work begins.
• Nails driven below the surface may cause pipe damage, for which we are not responsible.

11. Floor Thickness
• Thin wood, such as engineered flooring, may be at risk of "sanding through".
• We will assess board thickness where possible and discuss risks beforehand, but we cannot be responsible for damage caused by pre-existing thin flooring.

12. Filling Gaps
• We make every effort to fill gaps between boards, but movement may cause filler to fall out.
• Some gaps simply cannot retain filler.

13. Colour of Your Wood Floor
• Wood floors change colour over time. Sanded floors will look different from pre-sanded ones.
• Test patches are available upon request for an additional fee.

14. Room and Floor Conditions
• Wood floors expand and contract with environmental changes.
• Ideal conditions: relative humidity 35%–65%, wood moisture level 7%–11%, temperature 18–24°C.
• Movement and gaps are normal.
• We will carry out moisture readings prior to sanding and finishing.

15. Re-Coating Wood Floors
• A fresh coat of lacquer or oil may not remove all imperfections.
• Uneven existing finishes may cause visible colour variation.
• A full sanding and restoration is recommended to avoid these issues.

16. Immediately Post-Sanding and Finishing – Curing Times
• The floor must be “out of bounds” for 48 hours after the final coat.
• Furniture should ideally not be moved back for up to 7 days.
• Rugs should not be placed for 14 days after lacquer or 21 days after oil.
• Oil may seep between boards and should be wiped promptly.

17. Liability
• We are not liable for pre-existing damage, imperfections, or environmental factors.
• Our maximum liability is limited to the cost of the services provided.
19. Parking
• Parking must be provided close to the job site.
• Any permit or parking cost will be charged to the client.

20. Payment Terms
Payment is due upon completion unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Invoices are payable immediately and within 5 days of issue.
Late payments may incur charges.
A 40% deposit is required at booking.

21. Cancellation and Rescheduling
• Cancellations with less than 7 days’ notice may incur a fee of up to 40%.
• Rescheduling with less than 7 days’ notice may incur a fee of up to 20%.
• We reserve the right to reschedule due to unforeseen circumstances.

22. Warranties
We offer a 3-month workmanship warranty related to sanding and sealing.
This does not cover wear and tear or damage caused after completion.

23. Complaints and Disputes
Complaints must be submitted in writing within 5 days of completion.
Disputes will be resolved via mediation prior to legal action.

24. Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

25. Company Information
• Astralabe Ltd trading as The Floor Sanders
• Registered address: 26 The Green, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 8SD
• Company Number: 05668585

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