Terms & Conditions

1. Services

VCL Contractors provides residential renovation, carpentry, painting, decking, bathroom renovation, and general construction services primarily across Lower Hutt and the greater Wellington region. The scope of services for each project will be defined in the written quote provided to you prior to commencement of any work.

Any variations to the agreed scope of work must be agreed in writing between both parties. Additional work requested outside the original scope may incur additional charges, which will be communicated to you prior to proceeding. VCL reserves the right to decline any work it considers outside its area of expertise or unsafe to perform.

2. Quotes & Pricing

All quotes provided by VCL Contractors are free of charge and are prepared based on information supplied by the Client and, where applicable, a site visit. Quotes are itemised and detail labour, materials, and any subcontractor costs included in the scope.

Quote Validity

All quotes are valid for 30 days from the date of issue, unless otherwise stated. After 30 days, VCL reserves the right to revise pricing to reflect current material costs, labour rates, or changes in site conditions.

Price Variations

While VCL endeavours to provide fixed-price quotes, unforeseen site conditions (such as hidden damage, structural issues, or significant variations from information initially provided by the Client) may necessitate price adjustments. Any such adjustments will be communicated promptly and must be approved by the Client before additional work proceeds. Prices are inclusive of GST unless otherwise stated.

3. Payment Terms

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the following payment schedule applies to all projects:

• Deposit (20–30%) — required upon acceptance of the quote to secure your project booking and cover initial material procurement.
• Progress payments — may be invoiced at agreed project milestones for larger projects, as specified in the quote.
• Final payment (balance) — due within 7 days of project completion and final inspection.

Payment is accepted via bank transfer (preferred). Invoices not paid within the agreed timeframe may incur late payment fees. VCL reserves the right to suspend work on projects where payments become significantly overdue, without liability for project delays arising from such suspension.

4. Project Timeline

VCL Contractors will provide an estimated start date and project duration at the time of quoting. These timelines are estimates only and may be affected by factors outside our control, including but not limited to:

• Adverse weather conditions
• Delays in material supply or delivery
• Variations to the scope of work requested by the Client
• Discovery of unforeseen site conditions requiring additional work
• Delays caused by subcontractors or third-party inspections

VCL will communicate any anticipated delays to the Client as soon as reasonably practicable and will work to minimise any impact on the project schedule. VCL shall not be liable for losses or damages arising from reasonable project delays.

5. Client Responsibilities

To enable VCL Contractors to perform the agreed work effectively and safely, the Client agrees to:

• Provide safe and unobstructed access to the work site during agreed working hours (generally Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, unless otherwise agreed).
• Ensure all existing structures, services (water, gas, electrical), and underground services are clearly identified and accessible.
• Obtain any necessary consents, building permits, or body corporate approvals prior to commencement of work, unless VCL has expressly agreed to manage this process.
• Remove or protect personal belongings, furniture, and valuables in areas affected by the work.
• Provide accurate and complete project information to enable accurate quoting.
• Promptly review and respond to requests for variation approvals, material selections, or other decisions required to maintain project progress.

6. Warranty

VCL Contractors stands behind the quality of our workmanship. We provide the following warranty coverage on completed projects:

Workmanship Warranty

VCL provides a 12-month workmanship warranty on all work completed, commencing from the date of final completion. If any defect in workmanship is identified within this period, VCL will return to remedy the defect at no additional cost to the Client, provided the issue is reported promptly and is not caused by Client actions, misuse, or normal wear and tear.

Materials & Products

Where VCL supplies materials or products, the manufacturer's warranty will apply to those materials. VCL will assist the Client in making warranty claims against manufacturers where applicable. Warranties on materials provided by the Client are the Client's responsibility.

7. Dispute Resolution

In the event of any dispute arising in connection with these Terms or the services provided by VCL, both parties agree to attempt to resolve the matter in good faith through the following process:

• Step 1 — Direct negotiation: The Client should first contact VCL directly, in writing, outlining the nature of the dispute. VCL will acknowledge receipt within 5 working days and work toward a resolution within 15 working days.
• Step 2 — Mediation: If the dispute cannot be resolved directly, either party may refer the matter to a mutually agreed independent mediator.
• Step 3 — Adjudication or legal proceedings: If mediation is unsuccessful, disputes may be referred to adjudication under the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (New Zealand), or to the appropriate court or tribunal.

8. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand. All parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

Applicable legislation includes, but is not limited to:

• Construction Contracts Act 2002
• Consumer Guarantees Act 1993
• Building Act 2004
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017

These Terms and Conditions may be updated from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website. By continuing to engage VCL Contractors after an update, you accept the revised Terms.