Terms and Conditions – BlazepointBy scheduling and receiving services from Blazepoint, the customer agrees to the following terms and conditions.1. Scope of Service

• Standard Service: Includes cleaning the chimney flue to remove soot, performing a smoke test, conducting a visual inspection, and issuing a fully recognised sweeping certificate. Any issues identified during the visual inspection will be reported to the customer.
• Additional Fees: If the inspection reveals high levels of creosote, tar, or other debris, further services may be required at an additional cost. The standard sweep cost does not include the removal of birds’ nests or live birds.
• Exclusions: CCTV camera inspections, inspections at height, repairs, structural assessments, or the removal of hazardous materials are excluded unless agreed upon in advance.
• Service Adjustments & Zero Tolerance: We reserve the right to withdraw, suspend, or amend our services without notice. We operate a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. Aggressive, violent, or abusive behaviour toward our staff will result in immediate termination of services.
• Call-Out Fee: A minimum call-out fee (confirmable upon enquiry) applies if a safety issue, appliance defect, or obstruction prevents us from sweeping the chimney.
• Liability & Pre-existing Faults: Blazepoint is not responsible if a fault occurs during sweeping. The chimney and appliance must be in a safe condition for cleaning and testing. Any damage caused during the process indicates an underlying, pre-existing fault exposed by the sweep.
• Cowls and Pots: The customer must ensure all chimney cowls, pots, and components are securely fixed and suitable for a solid fuel appliance before work begins. If a cowl or pot falls or becomes dislodged, Blazepoint is not liable for replacement, refitting, access hire costs, or any consequential damages.

2. Booking and Appointments

• Scheduling: Bookings can be made by phone, email, or through our website, subject to availability and location.
• Delays & Rescheduling: Arrival time slots are estimations. Blazepoint is not liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to reschedule appointments due to emergencies or adverse weather.
• Seasonal Demand: Lead times may increase during busy periods. We appreciate your patience as we work to accommodate your booking.
• Cancellations: We require a minimum of 48 hours' notice for cancellations. Cancellations made within this window will incur charges, and any deposits paid will be non-refundable.

3. Property Access

• Key Collection: We do not offer key collection unless agreed in advance, which may incur an extra charge.
• Unattended Access: If you grant us permission to access the property while you are away, you do so entirely at your own risk.

4. Protection of Property and Soot

• Our Precautions: Our operatives will take reasonable precautions to protect the immediate fireplace area using dust sheets and appropriate equipment.
• Customer Requirements: The customer must remove or cover all furniture, soft furnishings, ornaments, electronics, and personal belongings outside the immediate workspace to protect them from dust or soot. Blazepoint is not responsible for sheeting up these surrounding items.
• Soot Liability: While we make every effort to contain debris, minor residual soot or delayed soot falls can occur—especially if the chimney is damaged, poorly maintained, un-swept for long periods, or heavily congested.
• Disclaimer: The customer acknowledges that minor residual soot or delayed falls do not indicate negligence or incorrect performance of the service. Nothing in these terms limits our liability where we have failed to exercise reasonable care and skill under applicable consumer legislation.

5. Payment Terms

• Due Date: Payment is due immediately upon completion of the service. Sweeping certificates will only be issued once full payment is received.
• Additional Work: Charges for any extra work deemed necessary during inspection will be agreed upon with the customer in advance.
• Payment Methods: We accept cash, cheques, and credit/debit cards via our SumUp card machine.
• Late Payments: Payments outstanding after 7 days from the service date may incur a late fee.

6. Customer Responsibilities

• Clear Access: The customer must provide clear, safe, and unobstructed access to the chimney, fireplace, and surrounding area before our arrival.
• Appliance Prep: Fireplaces must not be used for at least 24 hours prior to the appointment. Appliances like AGAs and oil-fired systems must be switched off and completely cooled 24 hours in advance. Failure to comply will result in a call-out fee.
• Power Supply: A working plug socket must be available in the room for our vacuum cleaner.
• Waste Disposal: The customer is responsible for disposing of all waste material removed from the chimney.
• Children and Pets: For safety, children and pets must be kept away from the work area and the technician's route to the vehicle. If a child is left unattended at the property without a parent or guardian over the age of 18, the appointment will be terminated and a fee will apply.

7. Health and Safety

• Compliance: Our team strictly follows all health and safety guidelines, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper waste handling protocols.

8. Working at Height

• Authority: The customer confirms they have the legal authority to authorise work on the property and must disclose any known structural defects or roof issues.
• Pre-inspection: Inspections will be conducted to ensure the chimney is safe for work at height before any roof work commences.
• Liability Limitations: Blazepoint is not liable for pre-existing damage or structural weaknesses in the chimney or roof.
• Maintenance: The customer is solely responsible for the regular, ongoing maintenance of any bird guards, caps, cowls, or chimney pots that we install.