Terms & Conditions

Dougal Black Carpentry is a furniture-making company, specialising in the bespoke design, manufacture and installation of individual and unique interior furniture and cabinetry, both free-standing and fitted.  We are located at Grieve’s Cottage, Culloden Moor, Inverness, IV2 5EH.  All items are custom-made to order by a design process which involves working closely with our customers to establish their particular requirements.  

Please read the following terms and conditions; they are intended to ensure that this process is clearly understood by both parties and to enable a smooth and satisfactory transition from an initial idea to a completed project.  If required, a paper copy can be posted to you on request, using our CONTACT page.

Otherwise, you can click here for a PRINTABLE VERSION.

  1. Making an enquiry
    You may contact Dougal Black Carpentry to discuss a new project without obligation.  Should you wish to proceed further, we will discuss your ideas with you to ensure that you are happy with any resultant design.  Our provision of an estimate for the work represents an invitation to you to place an order.  Unless otherwise stated the estimate is valid for 30 days.
  2. Design work
    Initial design work up to the point where an estimate is given is carried out free of charge.  We will work closely with you to achieve the design that suits you best, taking into account your plans, ideas and preferences.  The design will also defer to the practicalities of the proposed item and the space and/or use for which it is meant.  The design may be subject to changes due to the unavailability of certain materials or components.  Where practical, we will discuss this with you in advance of commencing the work.  (See 7 below).
  3. Placing an order
    An order will be deemed to have been placed upon our receipt of your initial deposit.  Payment of your deposit denotes acceptance of these terms and conditions.  It also secures space in our making schedule and indicates your agreement to the estimated cost and delivery dates as specified in the estimate.
  4. Amendments to the design
    Any alterations you require us to make to the design specification after placing your order, however minor, will be likely to affect the cost and completion date of the work.  In addition, the cost of any additional design work or re-design required or commissioned by you after receipt of your deposit will be charged to you.
  5. Keeping in touch
    We will communicate with you periodically from the time of your initial enquiry to the completion of the work.  Feel free to contact us at any time by post, email or SMS text message, or by telephone during normal business hours.
  6. Paying for the work
    You will be asked to make payments according to a timescale, laid out and agreed with you at the time we provide an estimate.  The payment schedule will depend upon the nature of the project and the length of time taken to complete the work, but generally it will consist of deposit, interim and balance payments for which respective invoices will be issued.  To keep work flowing smoothly, we request you make these payments on time. Payments can be made by cheque, cash or by online bank transfer.  Our bank details are available on request.  The amount of any invoice is due upon receipt and we would request payment within 7 days of the date of the invoice at the latest.  All goods remain the property of Dougal Black Carpentry until paid for in full.
  7. The materials used
    Due to the nature of natural materials such as stone, timber and wood veneers, no two pieces exhibit exactly the same grain pattern or colour.  Any samples we provide will be intended to indicate the characteristics of the material chosen, but the finished product will vary to some extent.  Some seasonal movement of wood is to be expected and is quite normal.
  8. Cancelling your order
    Orders for bespoke furniture and other bespoke items are tailored to your specific requirements alone.  Monies paid (whether (a) by you to us or (b) by us to our suppliers on your behalf) therefore cannot be refunded once an order has been received.  If you wish to cancel an order you must do so in writing to Dougal Black Carpentry.  This can only be accepted if you reimburse us for all costs, losses and expenses resulting from the cancellation.  
  9. Delivery of the finished product
    Every effort will be made to achieve delivery of your order on the agreed date, however we cannot be held responsible for late delivery or fitting due to circumstances beyond our control.
  10. Delaying delivery of your order
    If you find you are unable to take delivery of your goods on the arranged date or to meet an agreed fitting appointment, you should inform us as soon as possible.  Any costs incurred by us as a result of your requiring us to delay delivery/fitting dates/times will be charged to you.  These include the costs of transport, storage, extra handling and delays or disruption to our work schedule.  The reviewed timescale of your project will then be discussed with you, although it must be understood that this will be subject to our workload at the time.
  11. Limitation of Liability
    Dougal Black Carpentry has Public and Product Liability insurance.
  12. VAT
    Dougal Black Carpentry is not a VAT registered company, so unless stated otherwise, our prices are not subject to the addition of VAT.

Please click CONTACT if you require our contact details or wish to enquire about any aspect of the above.

Thank you.  We look forward to doing business with you.

DBTC I