Terms and Conditions of Service
Version 1.0 | 01 January 2026
1. Introduction
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern all services provided by Philippe the Sweep (“we”, “us”, “our”) to our customers (“you”, “the Client”). By booking any service with Philippe the Sweep, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms in their entirety.
Philippe the Sweep is a professional chimney sweeping and installation company. We are committed to delivering a high-quality, safe, and reliable service in accordance with all applicable industry standards and regulations.
2. Standard Services - Sweeping, Inspections & General Maintenance
2.1 Appointments and bookings
We schedule all bookings within a one-hour arrival window. While we aim to arrive as early as possible within that slot, delays such as traffic or extended previous appointments may occur.
A standard chimney sweep typically takes around one hour from arrival. We will do our best to give you an accurate estimate of how long the work will take. However, factors such as larger fireplaces, taller chimneys, or any unexpected issues may extend the duration of the visit.
By booking an appointment, you agree to allow for some flexibility in both arrival and completion times.
All bookings must be made directly with Philippe the Sweep via telephone, email, SMS or WhatsApp. A booking is only confirmed once you receive a written confirmation from us.
On the day of the appointment, it is your responsibility to ensure that:
· The stove/fire grate itself is cool and clear of ash/unburnt fuel.
· Safe and clear access to the fireplace, appliance, and chimney is provided on the day of the appointment.
· The area around the fireplace is cleared of furniture, ornaments, and valuables prior to our arrival.
· Any animals or young children are kept away from the working area for health and safety reasons.
· All relevant information regarding the property and chimney system is disclosed at the time of booking.
2.2 Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
We understand that circumstances can change. However, cancellations and late rescheduling have a direct impact on our engineers' time and operational planning. The following policy applies to all bookings:
Less than 48 hours' notice: A flat cancellation fee of £50.00 will be charged.
48 hours' notice or more: No cancellation fee will apply, and your appointment will be rescheduled at no charge.
The 48-hour notice period is calculated from the confirmed start time of your appointment window. Notice must be given directly to Philippe the Sweep by telephone, email, SMS or WhatsApp during business hours.
2.3 Payment terms
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment for all standard services is due upon completion of the work within 7 days.
We accept card payment, bank transfer, cash or such other methods as may be agreed at the time of booking. Invoices unpaid beyond 14 days of the due date may be subject to a late payment charge.
3.Installation Services
3.1 Appointments and bookings
All bookings must be made directly with Philippe the Sweep via telephone, email, SMS or WhatsApp. A booking is only confirmed once you receive a written confirmation from us, and non-refundable deposit has been paid (minimum of 10 days before commencement of works).
It is your responsibility to ensure that:
• Any conditions agreed upon within the quotation (including but not limited to, services being isolated, access to property, deposits paid) are in place for the date and time of commencement of works. Any costs incurred for failure to meet this requirement will be passed to the customer.
• Safe and clear access to the work area is provided on the day of the appointment.
• The work area is cleared of furniture, ornaments, and valuables prior to our arrival.
• Any animals or young children are kept away from the working area for health and safety reasons.
• All relevant information regarding the property and chimney system is disclosed at the time of booking.
3.2 Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
Due to the significant pre-planning, material ordering, equipment hire, and time allocation involved in installation work, a separate and more detailed cancellation policy applies. If you cancel or reschedule an installation booking with less than 48 hours' notice, the following charges will be applied:
Labour Costs:
75% of the total labour costs allocated for that day's installation will be charged. This reflects the time that has been reserved by our engineers and cannot be reallocated at short notice.
Equipment Hire Charges:
100% of any equipment hire costs incurred by Philippe the Sweep in connection with your installation will be charged in full. This allows for any non-recoverable fees, dictated by equipment hire terms and conditions.
48 Hours' Notice or More:
Where 48 hours' notice or more is provided for an installation cancellation or rescheduling, no cancellation fees will be applied, provided that no equipment hire costs have already been incurred. Where equipment hire has already been committed, 100% of those hire charges will still apply.
Philippe the Sweep will provide documentation of any equipment hire charges upon request.
Any cancellation fees will be invoiced and may need to be settled prior to our next attendance.
3.3 Payment terms
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment for all services is due upon completion of the work as per the relevant quotation/works order agreement. For larger installation projects, we may require a deposit of up to 50% of the total quoted cost prior to commencement. Deposits may be non-refundable or subject to restocking charges in the event of a cancellation, in line with the cancellation policy detailed in Section 3.2.
We accept payment by card payment, bank transfer, cash or such other methods as may be agreed at the time of booking. Invoices unpaid beyond 14 days of the due date may be subject to a late payment charge.
4.Cancellations by Philippe the Sweep
The only circumstances under which a cancellation or reschedule may occur are those beyond our reasonable control. In the unlikely event of such a situation, we will endeavour to provide as much notice as possible and will offer the next available appointment at no additional charge.
Philippe the Sweep shall not be held liable for any costs, losses, or inconvenience arising from a cancellation made by us due to circumstances outside our reasonable control (see Section 9 – Force Majeure).
5.Quotations & Estimates
All quotations provided by Philippe the Sweep are valid for 30 days from the date of issue, unless otherwise stated. Quotations are based on the information available at the time and may be subject to revision if additional work is identified once a job is underway. We will always seek your approval before proceeding with any additional work that falls outside the original scope.
6.Health & Safety
The safety of our engineers and your household is our highest priority. Philippe the Sweep reserves the right to halt or decline work where we consider it unsafe to continue. This includes, but is not limited to, structural concerns, the presence of hazardous materials, unsafe access, or other risk factors identified on site.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that fireplaces, stoves, and appliances have been allowed to cool completely and are safe to work on prior to our arrival, unless a specific agreement has been made in advance.
7.Limitation of Liability
Philippe the Sweep carries full public liability insurance. However, our liability to you shall not exceed the total value of the service provided. We shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or special losses arising from our services.
We accept no responsibility for damage to property that is pre-existing, concealed, or not disclosed to us prior to commencement of work. Any concerns regarding the condition of your chimney, appliance, or surrounding structure should be raised before work begins.
8.Complaints & Disputes
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, please contact us as soon as possible. We are committed to resolving all complaints promptly and fairly. Complaints should be submitted in writing via email within 14 days of the service being carried out.
In the event of a dispute that cannot be resolved informally, we reserve the right to refer the matter to an appropriate alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body or to seek resolution through the courts of England and Wales.
9.Force Majeure
Philippe the Sweep shall not be in breach of these Terms, nor liable for any failure or delay in the performance of our services, if such failure or delay results from events, circumstances, or causes beyond our reasonable control. These include, but are not limited to: severe weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, acts of government, pandemics, or other unforeseen emergencies.
10.Data Protection & Privacy
Philippe the Sweep is committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your personal information will be used solely for the purposes of providing our services, communicating with you, and managing your account. We will not share your data with third parties except where required by law or necessary for the performance of our services (e.g., equipment suppliers).
11.Amendments to These Terms
Philippe the Sweep reserves the right to update or amend these Terms at any time. The most current version will always apply to new bookings made after the date of any amendment. Continued use of our services following any amendment constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.
12.Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, please do not hesitate to get in touch:
Philippe the Sweep
Tel: 01787 322 228 or 0787 999 4526
Web: www.philippethesweep.co.uk
