Introduction

This document together with any engagement letter provided to you at the commencement of an appointment set out the terms on which we accept instructions and charge for our services. If there is any conflict between these terms, our engagement letter and your letter of instruction, then your letter of instruction will take precedence.

Persons Responsible for your Work

We will inform you of the Partner responsible for your instruction and any other surveyor involved. We will also tell you if there is any change.

Right to Withdraw Instructions

You have the right to withdraw, without charge, any new instruction on which you instruct us within seven working days of the date of the original instruction. Please note that this right will cease if we start work within that time.

Third Parties

If we need to engage other professionals on your behalf (such as counsel,  lawyers, accountants or expert witnesses) whether in the UK or abroad we will do so as your agent. We cannot be responsible for any act or omission of such a professional unless we have otherwise agreed in writing.

Fees and Disbursements

At the outset of an instruction we will agree the basis on which we will charge you and arrangements concerning our fees will be set out in our engagement letter.

Billing and Payment

VAT at the rate applicable will be added to bills unless zero rating or an exemption applies.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all bills are for payment within seven days from the delivery of the invoice. We reserve the right to charge interest for late payment at the higher of 4 per cent over Lloyds TSB Bank plc base rate from time to time, the rate payable from time to time on judgment debts or the rate payable pursuant to the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

Payments on Account of Fees and Disbursements

We may require a payment in advance in respect of fees. Any interest will not be credited against future bills or be paid to you. Where we have rendered a final bill to you, but still retain monies to be applied against future disbursements, we will not account to you for interest on such monies.

Papers Held by the Firm

On completion of an instruction and payment of our fees, we will return to you, at your request, any documents provided to us for the purposes of that instruction and any other papers to which you are entitled.