Terms and Conditions of Service

All prices are exclusive of VAT unless explicitly stated otherwise. VAT is charged at the current UK rate (20%) and will be added to all invoices.

Council fees, building control fees, and third-party costs (structural engineers, ecologists, etc.) are separate and payable directly to those parties unless we agree otherwise in writing.

Cost estimates — whether from our calculator, proposals, or conversations — are for guidance only. They are not quotes, offers, or binding commitments.

Actual build costs depend on specification, materials, site conditions, contractor pricing, and market conditions. You should obtain at least two contractor quotes before committing to construction.

Hampshire Build accepts no liability for any difference between estimated and actual costs.

Our drawings cover structure, layout, and external form. Mechanical and electrical (M&E) layouts are excluded from all packages without exception. This includes electrical circuits, lighting, heating, plumbing, ventilation, and all associated design and calculations.

M&E requirements are agreed directly between the client, contractor, and building control during construction. The client is responsible for ensuring M&E works comply with Parts P and L of the Building Regulations.

The package fee covers one design iteration based on the brief given at survey. If a client materially changes their brief after first draft drawings are issued — such as changing extension size, type, number of storeys, or position — this is a change of scope and will be charged at £150 + VAT/hr.

The Premium Package includes one standard tender process: preparation of a tender pack from the approved drawings, issue to two vetted contractors, collection of returns within the Hampshire Build framework timeframe, and a tender comparison report.

Hampshire Build does not guarantee that both contractors will respond. If only one return is received, our obligation is fulfilled. We are not required to chase non-respondents, source replacements, or extend the timeframe. The client may proceed on a single return or commission a further tender process at the rates below.

Tender documents relate to the works shown on Hampshire Build drawings only. They do not cover finishing items, client fit-out, landscaping, or works outside the drawn scope. The client is solely responsible for agreeing any items not shown on our drawings directly with their contractor. Hampshire Build accepts no liability for costs or disputes arising from out-of-scope items.

If drawings are amended after tender documents are issued, the original tender documents are immediately void and must not be relied upon for pricing or construction. A new tender process will be required. Fees apply as below.

All contractors in the Hampshire Build tender process must pass our vetting procedure before inclusion. Vetting covers public liability insurance (min. £2m), employers' liability insurance, trade accreditations, references, and agreement to our terms and payment framework. Vetting is at Hampshire Build's discretion; inclusion is not guaranteed.

Client-nominated contractors may be included but must complete and pass vetting before the tender is issued. If they fail vetting or do not complete it in time, the single-return clause above applies. Hampshire Build will not include unvetted contractors under any circumstances.

Once a tender has closed, Hampshire Build will not issue, adapt, or distribute documentation to a contractor introduced by the client after that point. Any such contractor appointment is entirely at the client's own risk. Hampshire Build accepts no liability for defects, delays, or disputes arising from unvetted contractor appointments.

Hampshire Build is not a party to any contract between the client and a contractor. We do not guarantee any contractor's price, programme, or workmanship. Clients are strongly advised to take independent legal and commercial advice before entering into any building contract.

Payment of the deposit (£250 + VAT) constitutes acceptance of these terms. The proposal issued to you, together with these terms, forms the contract between you and Hampshire Build Limited. No signature is required.

The following payment terms apply to all packages. All amounts exclude VAT.

First draft drawings are issued prior to the design consultation. They represent our interpretation of your brief and site conditions. They are not final drawings. The balance payment is due on issue of these drawings, regardless of any subsequent amendments.

Any work beyond the package scope will be confirmed in writing before commencing and invoiced separately. Additional work is charged at £150 + VAT/hr, minimum 3 hours. Invoices are payable within 14 days.

Invoices unpaid after 14 days will result in all work being suspended with immediate effect. Interest accrues at 4% above the Bank of England base rate from the due date. For business clients, the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 applies.

Where a project is dormant due to client inaction for more than 3 months, Hampshire Build may archive the project. A reactivation fee of £250 + VAT applies to recommence work.

• Measured survey: within 10 working days of receiving your deposit.
• First draft drawings: within 15–20 working days of completing the survey.

All structural calculations are based on visual inspection only. We cannot inspect concealed areas, hidden structural elements, or conditions behind finishes without invasive investigation. Structural assumptions are based on typical construction methods for the age and type of property.

Loft conversions carry additional structural risk: roof structures, ceiling joists, and party wall conditions are frequently concealed. Structural amendments are commonly required once the roof is opened. Clients should budget accordingly.

Structural calculations are prepared by a qualified third-party structural engineer engaged by Hampshire Build. Hampshire Build does not itself prepare structural calculations.

Calculations cover steel beam sizing and foundation design only. They do not extend to: party wall structure, existing building structure, retaining walls, or any other specialist structural matter. Where additional structural calculations are needed beyond this scope, these will be agreed in writing and charged at cost.

When construction exposes previously concealed areas, structural amendments to the original design may be required. These are outside the original package scope and will be charged at £150 + VAT/hr, minimum 3 hours. We will confirm any additional work in writing before proceeding.

Building regulation drawings are prepared to a standard suitable for a Building Notice application. A Building Notice does not require pre-approval of drawings before construction commences.

Where a Full Plans application is used instead, Building Control may raise additional requirements beyond our standard drawing set — such as detailed structural notes, energy calculations, drainage layouts, or fire safety information. Any additional work to satisfy Full Plans requirements will be confirmed in writing before commencing and charged at £150 + VAT/hr, minimum 3 hours.

Hampshire Build takes responsibility for measurements obtained during the initial on-site survey. Once the technical package has been issued and construction has commenced, Hampshire Build is no longer on site. Any measurements required in connection with drawing amendments or technical queries at that stage must be taken by the client or contractor and supplied to Hampshire Build accurately.

The client and contractor accept full liability for the accuracy of any measurements they supply. Where drawing amendments are required as a result of measurements supplied by the client or contractor, these will be charged at £150 + VAT per hour, minimum 3 hours, in accordance with clause 8.5.

• We will deliver the specified drawings and documents in your chosen package.
• We will respond to queries within 2 working days.
• We will correct errors or omissions in our work at no extra cost.
• Package fees will not increase once agreed (for the specified scope).
• We will keep you informed of progress throughout your project.
• Hampshire Build reserves the right to use completed project drawings and images in its portfolio and marketing materials unless you request otherwise in writing.