Terms & Conditions

1. Agreement to Terms

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Client" or "you") and A & O Contracting ("Company", "we", "us", or "our") regarding your use of our demolition and waste removal services.

By engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not use our services.

2. Services Provided

A & O Contracting provides the following services across Sydney and surrounding areas:

• Residential demolition
• Commercial demolition
• Industrial demolition
• Rubbish and waste removal
• Asbestos removal (where licensed)
• Site clearance and cleanup

All services are subject to availability and our capacity to perform the work safely and legally.

3. Quotes and Pricing

3.1 Quotations

All quotations provided are:

• Valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated
• Based on information provided by the Client at the time of request
• Subject to site inspection and may be revised if actual conditions differ
• Exclusive of GST unless stated otherwise

3.2 Price Variations

We reserve the right to adjust quoted prices if:

• Site conditions differ materially from those initially described
• Additional asbestos or hazardous materials are discovered
• Access or site restrictions are more challenging than anticipated
• The scope of work changes at the Client's request
• Unexpected delays occur due to factors beyond our control

Any price variations will be communicated to the Client for approval before proceeding.

3.3 Additional Charges

Additional charges may apply for:

• Disposal of hazardous materials
• Extended work hours or weekend/public holiday work
• Excessive waste beyond the quoted volume
• Site conditions requiring specialized equipment
• Waiting time due to site access issues

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Payment Schedule

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• A deposit of 30% is required upon acceptance of quote
• Progress payments may be required for large projects
• Final payment is due upon completion of work
• Payment must be made within 7 days of invoice date

4.2 Payment Methods

We accept payment via:

• Bank transfer (preferred)
• Credit/debit card
• Cash
• Cheque (subject to clearance)

4.3 Late Payment

Overdue accounts may incur:

• Interest charges at the rate of 2% per month on overdue amounts
• Suspension of further work until payment is received
• Referral to debt collection agencies
• Recovery of all costs associated with collection

5. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

• Provide accurate information about the property and scope of work
• Obtain all necessary permits and approvals before work commences
• Ensure safe and legal access to the site
• Disconnect all utilities (gas, water, electricity) before demolition begins
• Remove or protect any items of value prior to demolition
• Notify us of any known hazardous materials (asbestos, lead, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with local council requirements
• Provide reasonable parking and site access for our equipment

6. Our Responsibilities

A & O Contracting agrees to:

• Perform work in a professional and workmanlike manner
• Comply with all relevant Australian Standards and regulations
• Maintain appropriate licenses and insurance coverage
• Implement proper safety procedures and risk management
• Dispose of waste in accordance with environmental regulations
• Minimize disruption to neighboring properties
• Clean up the site upon completion of work

7. Cancellations and Delays

7.1 Client Cancellation

If the Client cancels after accepting our quote:

• More than 7 days before scheduled start: Deposit refunded minus 10% administration fee
• 2-7 days before scheduled start: 50% of deposit forfeited
• Less than 2 days before scheduled start: Full deposit forfeited
• After work has commenced: Full payment for work completed plus materials ordered

7.2 Company Cancellation

We may cancel or postpone work if:

• Weather conditions make work unsafe
• Site conditions pose unacceptable safety risks
• Required permits have not been obtained
• Payment terms are not met

In such cases, we will reschedule at the earliest opportunity or provide a full refund of any deposit paid.

7.3 Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, strikes, government actions, or public health emergencies.

8. Insurance and Liability

8.1 Our Insurance

We maintain:

• Public Liability Insurance ($20 million)
• WorkCover Insurance for all employees
• Professional Indemnity Insurance

8.2 Limitation of Liability

Our liability is limited to:

• The total value of the contract for the specific project
• Direct damages only (excludes consequential or indirect losses)
• Coverage provided by our insurance policies

8.3 Client's Insurance

The Client is responsible for maintaining adequate insurance coverage for their property and should notify their insurer of demolition work being undertaken.

9. Safety and Compliance

All work will be conducted in compliance with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
• Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
• Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997
• Local council regulations and building codes
• Australian Standards for demolition work

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) will be prepared for all high-risk demolition work.

10. Asbestos and Hazardous Materials

If asbestos or other hazardous materials are discovered:

• Work will be immediately stopped in the affected area
• The Client will be notified without delay
• A licensed asbestos assessor may be required
• Additional costs for removal and disposal will apply
• All work will comply with SafeWork NSW requirements

11. Waste Disposal

All waste will be disposed of at licensed facilities in accordance with EPA regulations. We provide waste disposal dockets upon request. Recycling will be maximized where commercially viable.

12. Intellectual Property

All photographs, videos, and documentation of our work remain the property of A & O Contracting. We reserve the right to use these materials for marketing purposes unless the Client requests otherwise in writing.

13. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute:

1. The parties will first attempt to resolve the matter through good-faith negotiation
2. If unresolved, the matter may be referred to mediation
3. As a last resort, disputes will be resolved through the courts of New South Wales

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any legal proceedings must be brought in the courts of New South Wales.

15. Amendments

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our written quote and any signed contract, constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior understandings and agreements.

18. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact: