These Terms and Conditions apply to all upholstery, repair, and bespoke commissions undertaken by Claire Knox Upholstery ("the Business", "I", "me", "my") for the Client ("you", "your").

1. Estimates and lead times

1.1 Estimates are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

1.2 Estimates are based on the visible condition of the furniture. Any hidden structural defects (e.g., damaged frames, loose joints, or broken springs) discovered only after stripping down the piece will be discussed with the Client. An additional cost for repairs will be agreed upon in writing before proceeding.

1.3 Any estimated completion dates (typically 6 weeks from receipt of both the furniture and all required materials/fabrics) are given in good faith but are estimates only. I cannot be held liable for delays caused by fabric/material supply chains or other circumstances beyond my reasonable control.

2. Fabric choice, flaws, and behaviour

2.1 While I will advise on the general suitability of fabrics for your project, the final choice of fabric rests entirely with the Client.

2.2 Provided I have exercised reasonable care and skill, I cannot be held responsible for fabric flaws, weaving faults, or dye lot variations in client-supplied fabrics (Customer’s Own Material). If a flaw is spotted during cutting, I will notify the Client to discuss how to proceed.

2.3 Provided I have exercised reasonable care and skill, I cannot be held responsible for the natural wear and tear or future behaviour of fabrics, including but not limited to stretching, piling, shrinking, staining, fading, or general deterioration.

3. Collection, delivery, and storage

3.1 Collection and delivery charges are extra and are not included in the upholstery estimate unless explicitly stated.

3.2 The Client is responsible for ensuring clear, safe access for delivery. Any third-party courier transport arranged by the Client is undertaken entirely at the Client's risk. While your furniture is in my workshop, it is handled with reasonable care and skill and is covered by my business insurance; however, the Client is advised to maintain their own household insurance cover for items of high sentimental or financial value.

3.3 Completed items must be collected (or delivery accepted) within 14 days of completion notification. Storage fees of £10 per day may be applied to uncollected items after this period. If items remain uncollected for more than 3 months from the date of completion notification, I reserve the right to dispose of or sell the items to recover outstanding costs and storage fees, in accordance with the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977, having first given the Client 14 days' written notice of my intention to do so.

4. Payments and deposits

4.1 A booking deposit of 25% is required to secure your workshop booking slot. Payment of this deposit constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. In the event of cancellation by the Client, this deposit is non-refundable to the extent required to cover actual expenses, administrative costs, and loss of booking time incurred by the Business up to the date of cancellation.

4.2 If the Client requests me to order fabric on their behalf, the fabric cost must be paid in full prior to ordering.

4.3 The final balance invoice is due in full upon completion of the work and must be cleared prior to or at the time of delivery or collection. I reserve a contractual right of lien over any of the Client's goods in my possession. This means I am legally entitled to retain possession of your furniture until all outstanding invoices and any accrued storage fees are paid in full.

5. Stripping and old materials

5.1 All old covers and fillings will be stripped and discarded immediately unless the Client explicitly requests their return in writing before work begins.

6. Fire safety regulations

6.1 All new fillings used will comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.

6.2 All covering fabrics supplied by me will comply with these regulations, with the exception of fabrics containing at least 75% natural fibers by weight, which require a compliant fire-resistant interliner/barrier cloth.

6.3 Furniture made prior to 1950 does not fall within the scope of the 1988 regulations regarding filling or covers, unless specifically requested otherwise.

6.4 Where the Client supplies their own fabric, it is the Client's sole responsibility to provide proof of compliance with the 1988 Regulations, or to agree in writing to the use of a fire-resistant interliner at an additional cost.

7. Complaints and disputes

7.1 I take great pride in my craft. In the unlikely event of a dispute, the Client must inspect the furniture and notify me in writing of any defects or complaints within 7 days of collection or delivery.

7.2 I must be given the first opportunity to inspect and rectify any agreed defects. I cannot be held liable for costs incurred if the Client commissions a third party to alter or repair my work without my prior written consent.

8. Cancellation Rights & Limitation of Liability

8.1 Statutory Cancellation: If this contract is concluded away from my business premises (e.g., at your home) or online, you have a statutory right to cancel within 14 days without giving a reason. However, if you request me to begin services (including ordering bespoke fabrics or starting upholstery work) within this 14-day cancellation period, you agree to pay for the value of the services and materials supplied up to the point of cancellation, and you acknowledge that you lose your right to cancel once the services are fully performed.

8.2 Limitation of Liability: Nothing in these terms excludes or limits my liability for death or personal injury caused by my negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot be excluded by UK law. Subject to this, my total liability to you in contract, tort, or otherwise arising in connection with this agreement shall be limited to the total price paid by you for the services. I shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses.