Terms and Policies
At Earth, Stone & Mortar, we believe in clear communication, honest advice and exceptional craftsmanship. The following terms explain how we work and what you can expect when choosing us for your project.
About Us
Earth, Stone & Mortar Ltd is a Derbyshire-based traditional stonework and landscaping company specialising in bespoke stone masonry, dry stone walling, natural stone patios, retaining walls and premium outdoor spaces.
By engaging our services, you agree to the terms outlined below.
Quotations
All standard quotations are provided free of charge unless otherwise stated. Quotations prepared for insurance claims are subject to a fee, which will be confirmed prior to any site visit or assessment.
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Our quotations are based on the information available at the time of inspection and remain valid for 30 days, unless specified otherwise.
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Due to the nature of construction and varying ground conditions, unforeseen work may occasionally become necessary. Should this occur, any additional work and associated costs will always be discussed with you and agreed before proceeding.
Booking Your Project
Projects are secured once:
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Your quotation has been accepted.
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Any required deposit has been received.
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A provisional start date has been agreed.
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Due to demand, we are often booked several months in advance. Whilst every effort is made to begin work as scheduled, start dates remain approximate and may be affected by weather, supplier delays or the progress of previous projects.
Deposits & Payments
Where applicable, deposits may be required to secure your booking and cover the purchase of materials.
Payment schedules will be clearly detailed within your quotation.
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Unless otherwise agreed:
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Deposits are non-refundable once materials have been ordered
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Interim payments may be requested for larger projects
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Final payment is due upon completion of the agreed works
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Late payments may incur interest in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act where applicable.
Natural Materials
Stone is a natural product.
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Every piece varies in:
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Colour
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Texture
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Veining
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Shape
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Surface Finish
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These natural variations are not defects but form part of the character and beauty of genuine stone.
Samples and photographs should only be used as a guide.
Ground Conditions
Many of our projects involve excavation and groundwork.
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Whilst we take every reasonable precaution, hidden ground conditions such as:
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Rock
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Tree roots
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Existing foundations
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Underground services
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Poor ground stability
cannot always be identified before work begins.
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Should unforeseen conditions arise, additional work may be necessary and will always be discussed before continuing.
Weather
Stonework and landscaping are heavily influenced by weather conditions.
Heavy rain, frost, extreme heat or prolonged periods of adverse weather may delay works to ensure quality is never compromised.
We appreciate your patience where delays occur for this reason.
Access
Clients are responsible for ensuring reasonable access to the property throughout the duration of the project.
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This includes:
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Safe vehicle access where possible
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Access to water (if required)
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Access to electricity (if agreed)
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Reasonable working space
Restricted access may increase labour time and project costs.
Existing Services
Unless otherwise agreed, clients are responsible for informing us of the location of:
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Water pipes
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Gas services
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Electrical cables
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Drainage
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Septic systems
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Irrigation systems
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Fibre broadband cables
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Whilst reasonable care is always taken, Earth, Stone & Mortar cannot accept responsibility for services that have not been disclosed or accurately marked.
Waste Removal
Unless stated within your quotation, waste removal, skips and disposal costs will be included within the agreed project price.
Where clients choose to retain excavated materials or stone, this should be agreed before work begins.
Site Safety
Construction sites can present hazards. For everyone's safety we kindly ask that:
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Children are supervised at all times.
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Pets are kept away from working areas.
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Clients avoid entering active work zones unless invited.
Guarantees
We take enormous pride in our workmanship.
All projects are completed using quality materials and traditional construction methods.
Our workmanship is guaranteed in accordance with the details outlined within your quotation.
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Guarantees do not cover:
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Movement caused by ground settlement
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Vehicle damage
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Accidental impact
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Storm damage
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Alterations carried out by others
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Lack of maintenance
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Natural weathering of materials
Dry Stone Walls
Dry stone walls are traditional structures built without mortar.
Whilst constructed using recognised techniques, minor movement and settlement can occur naturally over time due to weather, livestock, vegetation or ground movement.
This is considered part of the natural behaviour of dry stone structures and does not necessarily indicate defective workmanship.
Photography
We are proud of our work.
Unless requested otherwise, we may photograph completed projects for use on:
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Our website
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Social media
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Marketing materials
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Awards and publications
We will never publish personal information or identifiable property details without permission.
Intellectual Property
All photographs, website content, logos, branding and designs remain the property of Earth, Stone & Mortar Ltd unless otherwise agreed.
They may not be copied or reproduced without written permission.
Cancellation
Should you need to cancel your project, please notify us as soon as possible.
Where materials have already been ordered or work has commenced, reasonable costs may be deducted from any monies paid.
Liability
Earth, Stone & Mortar carries appropriate public liability insurance.
Our liability shall be limited to the value of the contracted works except where prohibited by law.
We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses arising from delays beyond our reasonable control.
Privacy
Any personal information submitted through our website or enquiry forms will only be used to respond to your enquiry and manage your project.
We do not sell or share personal information with third parties except where required to fulfil our contractual obligations or comply with legal requirements.
Cookies
Our website may use cookies to improve your browsing experience, analyse website performance and enhance functionality.
By continuing to use our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with your browser settings.
Website Information
Whilst every effort is made to ensure information on this website is accurate, content is provided for general guidance only and may be updated without notice.
Accessibility Statement
Earth, Stone & Mortar is committed to making our website as accessible and easy to use as possible for all visitors.
We aim to provide clear content, simple navigation and a website that works across a range of devices and browsers. We are continually reviewing and improving accessibility to ensure everyone can access the information they need.
If you experience any difficulty using our website, accessing information or viewing content, please get in touch. We welcome your feedback and will do our best to provide the information you need in an alternative format where possible.
Contact Us Regarding our
Terms & Policies
If you have any questions regarding these Terms & Policies, please contact us.
Earth, Stone & Mortar Ltd
 Buxton, Derbyshire