Terms & Conditions
Last updated: February 2026
1. General
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the provision of foundation and groundworks services ("the Work") by Just Bases Limited, trading as JustBases ("we", "us", "our"), with its registered office at Highlands, Poulner Hill, Ringwood, BH24 3HR.
By requesting a quotation or instructing us to carry out Work, you ("the Customer") agree to these Terms. Please read them carefully before proceeding.
In these Terms, "the Site" means the location where the Work is to be carried out, and "the Base" means the foundation installed by us.
2. Quotations & Pricing
2.1 All prices shown on our website are guide prices only. A formal written quotation will be provided before any Work commences.
2.2 Unless otherwise stated, our written quotation is a fixed price. The price we quote is the price you pay, provided the site conditions are not materially different from the information you supplied.
2.3 Quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. After this period, we reserve the right to re-quote due to potential changes in material costs.
2.4 Where VAT is applicable, it will be clearly stated as a separate line item on your quotation so you know the exact total cost.
2.5 If, upon arrival at the Site, conditions are materially different from those described (e.g. hidden underground services, significantly harder ground, tree roots not disclosed), we will notify you immediately and provide an amended price before proceeding with any additional work. You will not be charged for additional work without your prior agreement.
2.6 The following items are optional extras and are only charged when recommended by us and agreed by you:
- Steel reinforcement mesh or rebar
- Damp proof membrane (DPM)
- Retaining walls or additional excavation for sloping ground
- Drainage modifications or manhole access hatches
3. Payment Terms
3.1 We require a deposit to secure your installation date. The deposit amount will be stated on your quotation.
3.2 The balance is payable upon completion of the Work and your satisfaction with the finished base.
3.3 We accept payment by bank transfer and card payment. A full invoice will be provided for your records.
3.4 In the event of late payment, we reserve the right to charge interest at 4% above the Bank of England base rate on any outstanding balance.
4. The Work
4.1 All Work will be carried out with reasonable skill and care, in accordance with good building practice, and using quality materials as specified in your quotation.
4.2 We install bases to engineering tolerances of +/- 5mm across the finished surface, measured using professional laser-levelling equipment.
4.3 Unless otherwise agreed, the Work includes:
- Site preparation and excavation
- Removal and disposal of excavated soil and waste materials
- Supply and installation of the foundation as specified in your quotation
- Leaving the Site clean and tidy upon completion
4.4 Concrete bases: We use a high-strength C30 or C35 concrete mix depending on the application. Concrete must be allowed to cure for a minimum of 3–7 days before any structure is placed upon it. Premature loading of the base may void the guarantee.
4.5 Timber frame bases: All structural timber is pressure-treated (tanalised) to resist rot and insect attack. Timber frames are supported on concrete or composite posts concreted into the ground.
4.6 Slabbed bases: A compacted sub-base is prepared before high-quality paving slabs are laid. Slabbed bases are designed for pedestrian loads and lighter structures.
4.7 Ground screw bases: Ground screws are installed with minimal ground disturbance. Where a timber frame is included, it will be supplied and fitted by us. Where ground screws only are supplied, the Customer is responsible for their own frame.
5. Customer Responsibilities
5.1 The Customer must provide accurate measurements, descriptions, and photographs of the Site when requesting a quotation.
5.2 The Customer must ensure we have adequate access to the Site for personnel and necessary equipment (e.g. wheelbarrows, micro-diggers, dumpers). Any access limitations must be disclosed at the quotation stage.
5.3 The Customer must inform us of any known underground services, cables, pipes, drains, septic tanks, or other obstructions before Work commences. JustBases shall not be liable for damage to undisclosed underground services.
5.4 The Customer is responsible for obtaining any necessary planning permission, building regulation approvals, or other permissions required for their project. JustBases provides foundation installation only and does not provide planning advice.
5.5 The Customer must ensure that the area around the completed base is adequately maintained, including proper drainage. Standing water or inadequate drainage around the base may affect its longevity and could void the guarantee.
6. The JustBases 10-Year Guarantee
All bases installed by JustBases carry a 10-year guarantee covering both materials and labour from the date of completion. The specific terms vary by base type as set out below.
6.1 General Guarantee Terms (All Base Types)
6.1.1 The guarantee period commences on the date of completion of the Work.
6.1.2 The guarantee covers defects in materials supplied by us and workmanship carried out by us. If a defect is found during the guarantee period, we will, at our discretion, repair or re-do the affected area at no cost to you.
6.1.3 The Customer must report any defect to us in writing within 30 days of becoming aware of it. Failure to report defects promptly may affect our ability to remedy them and could limit our liability.
6.1.4 JustBases must be given reasonable access to the Site to inspect the reported defect and carry out any necessary remedial work.
6.1.5 The guarantee is transferable. If the property changes ownership during the guarantee period, the guarantee transfers automatically to the new owner for the remainder of the original 10-year period. The new owner should contact us with proof of purchase of the property to have the guarantee details updated in our records.
6.1.6 The guarantee shall be void if:
- The base has been altered, modified, or damaged by the Customer or any third party without our prior written consent.
- The base is used for a purpose materially different from that agreed at the quotation stage.
- A structure placed on the base exceeds the load or weight parameters discussed and agreed at the quotation stage.
- The Customer has failed to maintain adequate drainage around the base as advised.
- The concrete base has been loaded before the recommended curing period has elapsed.
- Damage is caused by exceptional or unforeseeable events including, but not limited to: flooding, subsidence caused by factors outside our control, earthquakes, or extreme weather conditions beyond what is normal for the UK.
6.1.7 Unique or challenging ground conditions: In situations where unusual ground conditions are identified (e.g. made ground, unstable soil, high water tables, or other factors that make it difficult to forecast the long-term performance of a base), we will advise you of these conditions before providing a quotation. Any implications for the guarantee will be discussed and agreed in writing before the Work commences.
6.1.8 The guarantee covers the cost of repair or replacement of the base only. It does not cover any consequential or indirect losses, including but not limited to: damage to buildings or structures placed on the base, loss of use, cost of alternative accommodation, or any other financial loss.
6.2 Poured Concrete Base — Guarantee Terms
What is covered:
- Structural integrity of the concrete slab
- Subsidence or movement caused by inadequate sub-base preparation by us
- Cracking that affects the structural performance of the base (i.e. cracks wider than 3mm or that cause differential settlement)
What is not covered:
- Hairline or cosmetic cracks: Minor surface cracking is a natural characteristic of concrete as it cures and is not a structural defect. Hairline cracks (under 3mm width) with no measurable differential movement are considered normal and are not covered.
- Water ingress or rising damp where the Customer declined the optional Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) at the quotation stage.
- Damage caused by third-party works carried out on, over, or adjacent to the base.
- Overloading the base beyond the weight specification discussed at the quotation stage.
6.3 Raised Timber Frame Base — Guarantee Terms
What is covered:
- Structural soundness and stability of the timber frame and supporting posts
- Rot or decay of pressure-treated (tanalised) timber caused by the treatment being inadequate or failing prematurely
- Movement or instability of concrete or composite support posts
Maintenance condition: To maintain the timber guarantee, the Customer must treat all exposed timber with a quality wood preservative at regular intervals (we recommend at least every 2–3 years), in accordance with the preservative manufacturer's instructions. Failure to maintain the timber in this way may void the timber-related elements of the guarantee.
What is not covered:
- Natural weathering: Greying, surface checking, or minor warping of timber are natural cosmetic characteristics and are not structural defects.
- Damage caused by overloading the frame beyond the load specification agreed at the quotation stage.
- Modifications made to the frame by the Customer or a third party (e.g. cutting, adding fixings, or altering the structure).
- Ground movement caused by factors outside our control, such as tree root growth, third-party drainage work, or changes to the water table.
6.4 Slabbed Base — Guarantee Terms
What is covered:
- Subsidence or differential movement of paving slabs caused by inadequate sub-base preparation by us
- Structural failure of the sub-base
What is not covered:
- Cosmetic discolouration, staining, or efflorescence: These are natural characteristics of paving slabs and are not defects.
- Moss, algae, or lichen growth on the surface of slabs.
- Damage caused by vehicles, heavy machinery, or point loads for which the base was not designed.
- Frost damage to slabs — while we use quality materials, no paving slab is entirely immune to extreme frost events.
- Individual slab replacement where the original slab type has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
6.5 Ground Screw Base — Guarantee Terms
What is covered:
- Structural integrity and holding capacity of the ground screws
- Stability of the timber frame where supplied and installed by JustBases
What is not covered:
- Customer-supplied frames: Where we install ground screws only (without a frame), any frame or structure built on top by the Customer or a third party is not covered by our guarantee.
- Changes to ground conditions caused by third-party works, including drainage alterations, excavation, or landscaping near the screw positions.
- Damage caused by altering screw positions or frame fixings after installation.
- Corrosion of screws in unusually aggressive soil conditions (e.g. highly acidic soils) that were not identified or disclosed at the time of quotation.
7. Scheduling & Delays
7.1 Once you accept our quotation, we aim to carry out the Work as quickly as possible. We will confirm the installation date with you before arriving.
7.2 Groundworks are weather-dependent. If heavy rain, frost, or other adverse weather makes it unsafe or impractical to carry out the Work, we will reschedule at the earliest opportunity at no additional cost.
7.3 JustBases shall not be liable for any delays caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: severe weather, supplier shortages, road closures, or restrictions imposed by local authorities.
8. Cancellation
8.1 If you wish to cancel your order before the Work has commenced, please contact us as soon as possible in writing (email is acceptable).
8.2 If you cancel before the Work has commenced, we will provide a full refund of any deposit paid, unless we have already ordered materials specifically for your project. In that case, we may deduct the cost of materials already purchased and provide a clear breakdown of any costs retained.
8.3 Once Work has commenced on Site, cancellation is not possible. In exceptional circumstances, we may agree to suspend or modify the scope of works by mutual written agreement.
8.4 Nothing in this section affects your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 or the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.
9. Insurance & Limitation of Liability
9.1 JustBases holds £5 million Public Liability Insurance. Copies of our insurance certificate are available upon request.
9.2 We will take all reasonable precautions to protect your property during the Work. Any damage to your property caused directly by our negligence will be made good at our expense.
9.3 Our total liability to you for any claim arising from the Work shall not exceed the total value of the contract (the price quoted for the Work).
9.4 We are not liable for any indirect or consequential losses, including but not limited to: damage to buildings or structures placed on the base, loss of profit, loss of use of premises, or the cost of alternative arrangements.
9.5 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.
10. Trade & Commercial Customers
10.1 Where we provide services to trade customers (e.g. garden building retailers) on a sub-contracted or white-label basis, these Terms apply in addition to any separate commercial agreement between the parties.
10.2 The same 10-year guarantee applies to all trade installations. The guarantee is provided to the end customer (homeowner). The trade partner is responsible for communicating the guarantee terms to their customer.
10.3 Trade partners requiring a significant volume of base installations are welcome to discuss preferential pricing arrangements. Please contact us directly to discuss your requirements.
10.4 Trade customers may have additional or modified terms as agreed in their commercial agreement with JustBases.
11. Complaints
11.1 We take pride in our work and take all complaints seriously. If you are not satisfied with any aspect of the Work, please contact us at:
- Email: craig@justbases.co.uk
- Phone: 01202 039753
- Post: JustBases, Highlands, Poulner Hill, Ringwood, BH24 3HR
11.2 We will acknowledge your complaint within 3 working days and aim to resolve it within 14 working days. If a site inspection is required, we will arrange this at a mutually convenient time.
11.3 If we are unable to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you may wish to seek independent advice or use an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service. We are not obligated to use ADR but may agree to do so on a case-by-case basis.
12. Governing Law
12.1 These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
12.2 Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Work shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
12.3 Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
13. Changes to These Terms
13.1 We may update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time you accept a quotation is the version that applies to your contract.
13.2 The latest version of these Terms is always available on this page.
Questions About These Terms?
If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.