Charter
APHC Licensed Members must comply with a code of practice setting standards that are to be observed in their dealings with customers. Members are obliged to provide clients with clear information on services offered, pricing policy and a timetable in respect of work to be carried out.
Introduction
The charter outlines the general principles of good and fair trading between members and their customers in respect of domestic plumbing and central heating work, including jobbing and small estimate work.
The charter does not apply to work carried out under the Standard Conditions of Contract or Subcontract in the Construction Industry.
Good Practice
Customers and firms should agree the detail of the task involved before work starts. Both the estimate and the customer's acceptance should preferably be in writing. Members should advise customers of any standard charges for labour, transport and call-out prior to the work starting or at the time of request in an emergency.
Members should draw attention to any conditions that apply to the contract in their offer to the customer.
Jobbing work, whether repair or new work occurs when no price is agreed beforehand, the member being merely instructed to carry out the work and work is charged to the customer on a labour and materials basis.
On acceptance of the contract, the member is under obligation to carry out the work as stated in the offer. On satisfactory completion, the customer is under contract to pay the agreed amount in line with the contract, subject to any agreement for payment to account.
Members will use their knowledge to do the work efficiently and economically, but cannot be held responsible in those cases where the amount of repair works exceeds reasonable expectations.
Members will ensure that personnel can provide evidence of identification and that they treat customers with courtesy and respect.
Members will give a clear indication of appointments and inform customers as soon as possible of any delays or changes; these will form part of a standard set of fair and reasonable conditions between firms and customers.
Price
The member's tender will give details of the work to be done and the estimated cost. It will not cover work done by other trades or statutory fees, unless stated otherwise.
Any requested or necessary additional work will either be the subject of a separate tender; or will be charged on a labour and materials basis, as agreed with the customer.
The contractor will take every care during the work but the tender does not include renewing flooring, coverings or incidental redecoration following proper execution of the work.
Terms of Payment
Payment, as set out in the contract, is due on completion of the work and shall be made within the terms of payment as set out on the contract or invoice.
An agreement on progress payments may be part of the contract.
Interest of 2½% per month of the outstanding may be charged on overdue accounts.
Drawings
Unless otherwise stated, drawings are for demonstration purposes only.
Completion
Every effort will be made to complete the work on time, but the contractor will not be responsible for any delay caused by factors outside his control.
Where the originally specified material is not available, an agreement may be reached to provide a suitable alternative. A price adjustment may be made.
Until paid in full all materials, appliances and fitments are the property of the member whether installed or not.
Risks
The contractor shall be responsible for equipment, materials and labour supplied during the course of the work, but shall not be liable to replace equipment or re-do work which is destroyed, damaged or stolen in circumstances where they are not at fault.