Subcontracters Ts and Cs

Knoetze Ltd — Subcontractor Terms & Conditions

Contact: info@knoetze.co.uk | Date: 15th January 2026

These Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) govern all works undertaken by subcontractors and suppliers for insurer-funded High Net Worth (HNW), Ultra-HNW and Major Loss reinstatement projects, and general construction works, where Knoetze Ltd acts as the Main Contractor. These Terms override any conflicting terms unless expressly varied by an authorised signatory of Knoetze Ltd.

Where we use “you” or “your”, it means the subcontractor. Where we use “we”, “us” or “our”, it means the main contractor — Knoetze Ltd.

Main Contractor: Knoetze Ltd | Address: The Old Fir View, Meath Green Lane, Horley, Surrey, RH6 8JA |

1) Definitions

“All Risks Insurance”: insurance that provides cover for any physical loss or damage to works, to site materials, including debris removal, shoring and propping of the Contract Works, for which insurers have no right of recourse against Knoetze Ltd.

“CDM Regulations”: the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, as amended.

“Confidential Information”: secret or confidential commercial, financial, marketing, technical or other information or know-how (in any form), whether disclosed orally or in writing, together with any reproductions of such information.

“Contract Documents”: these Terms together with the relevant Purchase Order and any documents attached, referred to or listed in the Purchase Order.

“Contract Price”: the price set out in the Purchase Order payable by Knoetze Ltd.

“Contract Works”: the works described in the Purchase Order and Contract Documents.

“NHBC”: National House-Building Council or other provider of latent defects warranty cover.

“Practical Completion”: the state in which the Contract Works are complete in all respects and free from defects, as determined by Knoetze Ltd (acting reasonably).

“Purchase Order”: an order issued by Knoetze Ltd supplemental to and in addition to these Terms.

“Site”: the construction site described in the Purchase Order.

“Statutory Requirements”: all applicable laws, regulations, rules, orders and approved codes of practice affecting the Contract Works and Site.

2) Agreement & Commencement

By accepting a Purchase Order or instruction, you agree to these Terms and to carry out and complete the Contract Works regularly and diligently in the sequence and on the dates instructed by Knoetze Ltd.
Knoetze Ltd may suspend the Contract Works on giving not less than five (5) working days’ written notice. You shall recommence within five (5) working days after receiving notice, unless otherwise agreed.
You shall consult, report and advise Knoetze Ltd and warn promptly of any inadequacies or deficiencies in scope or design of the Contract Works that a prudent, experienced contractor ought to identify.

3) Scope, Standards & Samples

Execute the Contract Works in accordance with drawings, specifications and instructions issued by Knoetze Ltd; UK Building Regulations; CDM Regulations; and conservation best practice for heritage finishes.
No deviation from standards or approved samples is permitted without written consent.
The Subcontractor shall record the condition of all installation works by way of photographs and/or video recordings and shall upload and supply such records to Knoetze Ltd via its designated photo library portal upon completion of the works and prior to demobilisation from site.

Failure to provide the required photographic and/or video records shall result in any subsequent defects, damage, alleged noncompliance, or workmanship issues being deemed the responsibility of the Subcontractor. In such circumstances, all defect liability in respect of the relevant works shall revert to and remain with the Subcontractor, and the Subcontractor shall be responsible for all associated investigation, remedial works, costs, and losses. The burden of proof regarding the condition of the works at completion shall rest solely with the Subcontractor.
Representative samples: provide and obtain written approval before use. Quality of all materials used must not be inferior to approved samples.

4) Supplier Sample & Finish Approval Process (Insurance Reinstatement)

Sampling costs must be included in quotations. Only undertake sampling/mock-ups when instructed.
Approval pathways: (a) email approval; (b) Knoetze app approval (per item line); and (c) physical sample with approval sticker applied (unique ID, approver, date, finish code).
Timber floors: samples must show the full finishing process and include 1.5 full lengths, three planks wide.
Natural stone: provide finished samples including sealant type/finish (e.g., matt, satin, gloss) and edge treatments, as specified.
Tiles: provide samples including beading and grout to demonstrate final finish.
Windows/doors/metalwork/handrails: provide finished samples in the agreed colour/coat (including powder coat or patination) and fixings exposed as they would be in situ.

5) Programme, Coordination & Delays

Adhere to agreed programme dates; attend coordination meetings; maintain daily records (labour, plant, deliveries, progress photos).
Notify potential delays immediately. Extensions of time may be granted for events beyond reasonable control where notified and evidenced.

6) Variations & Dayworks

No variations are to be undertaken without written instruction from Knoetze Ltd.
Variations will be measured and valued by agreement or, failing agreement, using contract rates or a fair and reasonable basis.
Dayworks must be supported by signed daywork sheets and photographs and priced at agreed schedule rates.

7) Price, Provisional Sums & Prime Cost Items

Rates include supervision, preliminaries and compliance costs.
Provisional Sums/Prime Cost items will be adjusted to actuals plus agreed margins.

8) Payment

Applications for payment must be submitted in the prescribed format and timetable, supported by adequate records; the due date for payment is 14 days after receipt of a valid application; the final date for payment is 20 days from the due date, subject to Payment Notice and any Pay Less Notice.
Retention: 5% deducted from each interim payment; 50% released at Practical Completion subject to documentation; balance released after defects are remedied, subject to set-off.
Late payment interest accrues at 5% above Bank of England base rate.
CIS: provide UTR within five (5) working days of the Purchase Order; if status cannot be matched with HMRC, payment may be withheld or tax deducted until status is confirmed. Notify Knoetze Ltd immediately of any change.
Knoetze Ltd may set off amounts due to remedy defective work, recover overpayments, or address breaches, including costs of engaging third parties where necessary.
Where client disputes subcontractor workmanship, Knoetze Ltd may withhold payment for the disputed element until resolution; parties will cooperate to resolve issues promptly.

9) Trade-Specific Terms — Scaffolding

Initial hire period: 12 weeks included in the agreed price.
75% of scaffolding cost payable upon erection; remaining 25% payable upon striking or after six (6) months of supply, whichever occurs sooner.
Extended hire beyond 12 weeks charged at 10% of original erection & 12 week hire cost.

10) Health, Safety & Site Rules

Comply with Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and current CDM Regulations. Provide RAMS, competence/skill cards, supervision, inductions, PPE and welfare compliance.
Provide, when requested, final construction drawings, suppliers lists, warranties, O&M manuals, and approvals required for building control completion and warranty cover.

11) Environmental Protection

Comply with all applicable Environmental Laws; obtain and maintain required licences and permits; provide environmental and waste reporting data when requested.

12) Insurance

Maintain All Risks Insurance recognising Knoetze Ltd as joint insured for no less than full reinstatement value plus at least 12.5% for professional fees, where applicable to the Contract Works.
Maintain Public Liability not less than £10,000,000 and Employers’ Liability not less than £5,000,000. Provide evidence prior to mobilisation and on request. Do not invalidate any project insurance.
Where design responsibility exists, maintain Professional Indemnity Insurance (minimum £5,000,000 each and every claim) for up to 15 years post-completion, subject to market availability.

13) Design Responsibility & Collateral Warranties

Where you design any part of the Contract Works, you shall exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence of a suitably qualified professional.
Execute collateral warranties in favour of parties acquiring an interest in the designed elements when requested; Knoetze Ltd may withhold payment until such warranties are delivered.

14) Practical Completion, Defects & Aftercare

Knoetze Ltd will confirm Practical Completion and may issue a defects schedule for outstanding items.
Remedy defects during the defects liability period at your cost within a reasonable period; Knoetze Ltd may use a third party for emergencies or repeated non-compliance and contra-charge.
Non-attendance to agreed customer appointments incurs a £50 fee; repeated non-compliance may result in alternative contractor appointment and contra-charge.

15) Ethics, Anti-Bribery, Modern Slavery & Compliance

Comply with all applicable laws including the Bribery Act 2010 and Modern Slavery Act 2015; maintain high ethical standards across the supply chain.
Notify Knoetze Ltd immediately of any investigation or breach relating to bribery or modern slavery.

16) Data Protection & GDPR

Handle personal data in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018; do not cause Knoetze Ltd to breach data protection laws.
Execute and comply with any required data processing/ confidentiality undertakings; treat all client details, locations, security measures and artwork as confidential; no photography or social media other than technical records required by Knoetze Ltd.

17) Plant, Materials & Protection of Works

Provide all necessary plant, tools, equipment and materials unless otherwise agreed; your plant and property remain at your sole risk.
Title in materials intended to form part of the Contract Works passes to Knoetze Ltd upon incorporation or payment, if earlier.
Provide and maintain all necessary protection; repair and make good any damage; failing which Knoetze Ltd may execute works and recover costs.
Use Knoetze-provided scaffolding/hoisting at your own risk after satisfying suitability; no warranty is implied by Knoetze Ltd.

18) Failure to Complete

If you fail to achieve Practical Completion by the Finish Date (as instructed) or any extended period, you shall pay Knoetze Ltd for any loss or damage caused by your failure, including foreseeable liquidated damages under upstream contracts.
Where delay is caused by Knoetze Ltd, fair and reasonable extensions of time will be granted provided you use best endeavours to mitigate and prevent delay.

19) Suspension & Termination

Knoetze Ltd may terminate your engagement for material breach, failure to maintain insurance, safety violations, non-performance, or unauthorised variations, by written notice.
Knoetze Ltd may suspend or terminate at any time with not less than seven (7) days’ notice; you shall demobilise in an orderly manner.
On termination for default, you are liable for all costs, losses and damages arising; Knoetze Ltd may take over materials/plant on Site used for the Contract Works.

20) Consequences of Termination

Provide two (2) copies of drawings/documents prepared and assign benefit of supply agreements if requested.
On termination for convenience under notice, pay due instalments up to termination, a fair proportion of next instalment for works performed, and reasonable demobilisation costs (no compensation for loss of profit or opportunity).

21) Liability & Indemnities

Please reference subcontractor agreement, item 5.

22) Assignment & Sub-letting

You shall not assign or transfer rights/obligations or sub-contract performance without prior written consent; consent does not relieve responsibility for performance.

23) Notices & Dispute Resolution

Serve notices by first class post or hand delivery to the address specified in the Purchase Order; notices by post deemed delivered within two (2) business days.
Disputes may be referred to adjudication under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended); nominating body: Technology and Construction Bar Association (TECBAR) for appointment of adjudicator.

24) Payment Overrides & Exclusion of Conflicting Terms

These Terms prevail over any conflicting terms issued by the subcontractor unless expressly agreed in writing by Knoetze Ltd.

Schedule 1 — Customer Service Standards (Occupied Properties)

Contact the customer within 24 hours of receiving a work instruction to arrange attendance; attend during normal working hours unless agreed.
Standards of conduct: arrive promptly, present identity, explain work, request permission for photographs, protect areas, provide necessary materials, and clear up daily and on completion.
Protection: dust sheets from entry to work areas; safe removal of items; protective coverings over remaining items; plastic under dust sheets for electrical goods and soft furnishings.
Response times: Priority 1 (Emergency) — resolve within 24 hours; Priority 2 (Urgent) — within 3 working days; Priority 3 (Non-Urgent) — within 10 working days (unless materials require ordering or longer timeframe agreed).
Communication: confirm appointments to Customer Services; obtain customer sign-off; provide weekly updates of open issues; notify completion within 24 hours and return completion form.
Non-compliance & contra charges: £50 non-attendance fee; cost of cleaners if property left untidy; repeated non-compliance may result in alternative contractor appointment and contra-charge.

Schedule 2 — Cancellation, No-Show & Call-Out Fees

If you cancel works after acceptance, you will be liable for costs incurred and a cancellation fee of 35%.
No-show penalty: £500 if you fail to attend on the agreed day without valid notice and reason, in addition to any direct costs incurred.

25) Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales with exclusive jurisdiction of its courts.