Terms of Service
These terms explain how we work with clients and what you can expect when commissioning a memorial or related stonework.
By requesting a quotation, estimate, or placing an order, you agree to these terms.
1. Quotations and Estimates
A quotation is a fixed price for clearly defined work and is valid for 30 days unless stated otherwise.
An estimate is an approximate cost based on the information available at the time. Final costs may change if materials, cemetery fees, regulations, site conditions, or additional work requirements change.
Where work begins on an estimate, we will confirm any significant cost changes before proceeding.
2. Designs and Approval
Design, layout, wording, dimensions, and materials will be agreed before production begins.
Written approval is required before any work starts.
Changes requested after approval may incur additional costs and may affect timescales.
3. Lettering Layouts and Design Revisions
Once a lettering layout or design has been prepared based on the client’s instructions or suggestions, up to two revisions are included within the quoted or estimated cost.
Further changes beyond two revisions are charged at £125.00 per revision.
A revision includes any requested alteration to wording, layout, spacing, or overall design after a draft has been issued.
4. Client Responsibility for Wording
Clients are responsible for carefully checking spelling, names, dates, and wording before giving final approval.
Once approval is given, any errors in approved wording can only be corrected at additional cost.
5. Cemetery Regulations, Permissions and Fees
All memorials and works are subject to cemetery or churchyard regulations, permissions, and fees.
We can assist with applications and paperwork, but approval decisions rest with the relevant authority.
We are not responsible for delays caused by approval processes or regulation changes.
Cemetery or churchyard fees are separate from our workmanship and materials.
In many cases, these fees are included within the overall memorial cost and handled on the client’s behalf. Where this applies, it will be clearly stated in writing.
In some situations — particularly with private cemeteries or churchyards — fees must be paid directly by the lair owner or family to the cemetery or church authority.
Responsibility for payment ultimately rests with the lair owner or applicant. Work cannot proceed until required permissions are granted and fees paid.
6. Timescales
An estimated timeframe will be provided when work is agreed.
Timescales can be affected by factors outside our control, including:
Weather
Ground conditions
Material supply lead-times
Cemetery access or restrictions
Approval timelines
We will keep clients informed of progress.
7. Payment
Payment terms will be confirmed in writing.
For new memorials and larger works, a 75% deposit is required before materials are ordered or work begins.
Invoices are payable within 14 days unless otherwise agreed in writing.
The remaining balance is due on completion or as otherwise agreed.
Memorials remain our property until paid in full.
We reserve the right to delay installation or completion where payment terms have not been met.
8. Natural Stone
Memorials are produced from natural stone, and each piece is unique.
Variations in colour, grain, veining, texture, and natural markings are inherent characteristics and not faults.
Natural stone may contain small mineral deposits, inclusions, or naturally occurring fissures that do not affect structural integrity.
Weather and environmental exposure will naturally alter the appearance of stone and finishes over time. This is a normal ageing process and not considered a defect.
9. Installation and Ground Conditions
Installation is carried out to current industry standards.
We cannot be responsible for future movement caused by ground conditions, soil instability, tree roots, or cemetery ground settlement beyond our control.
10. Work to Existing Memorials
When carrying out additional inscriptions, refurbishment, cleaning, or re-fixing, the condition and stability of an existing memorial depend on its age, original installation, and prior workmanship.
We will assess the memorial before work begins, but cannot be responsible for hidden defects, structural weaknesses, or previous poor installation not reasonably visible.
Any issues discovered during work will be discussed before proceeding.
11. Additional Inscriptions and Refurbishment
For additional inscriptions and refurbishment:
Clients are responsible for ensuring permissions are in place where required
We can assist with applications, but approval rests with the authority
Exact matching of lettering styles, colours, or finishes cannot be guaranteed due to natural weathering and ageing
Cleaning and refurbishment improve appearance but cannot restore a memorial to a new condition
12. Re-fixing and Stability
Re-fixing and stabilisation are carried out to current standards.
Long-term stability depends on ground conditions and existing foundations, which are outside our control.
Future movement caused by soil or ground settlement cannot be guaranteed against.
13. Condition of Older Memorials
Older memorials may have age-related deterioration not always visible.
We cannot accept responsibility for damage resulting from pre-existing weaknesses, historic repairs, or earlier installations.
14. Right to Decline Unsafe Work
We reserve the right to decline or postpone work where a memorial is structurally unsafe, where permissions are not in place, or where work risks damaging the memorial.
15. Access to Grave Space
The client is responsible for ensuring the grave space is accessible and that personal items or tributes are removed before work is scheduled.
We cannot be responsible for delays where access is restricted.
16. Items on Graves
Items left on a grave may need to be temporarily moved to allow work to be carried out safely.
We will take reasonable care but cannot accept responsibility for damage to items not supplied by us.
17. Unforeseen Ground Conditions
If unexpected ground or foundation issues are discovered, additional work may be required.
Any additional costs will be discussed and agreed before proceeding.
18. Aftercare and Responsibility
Care and maintenance guidance can be provided on request.
Our workmanship warranty does not cover damage caused by:
Weathering or environmental factors
Ground movement or subsidence
Vandalism or accidental damage
Third parties
19. Design Ownership
All designs and layouts prepared by us remain our intellectual property until fully paid for.
Designs may not be reproduced or used by another supplier without permission.
20. Photography
We may photograph memorials for record-keeping and portfolio purposes.
No personal details will be shared publicly without permission.
21. Cancellations
If an order is cancelled after materials are purchased, design work completed, or production started, costs incurred remain payable.
Deposits are non-refundable once work has begun.
22. Storage
If a completed memorial cannot be installed due to client delay or circumstances outside our control, a reasonable storage fee may be charged.
23. Circumstances Beyond Our Control
We are not liable for delays or inability to complete work due to events beyond our control, including severe weather, supply chain disruption, or regulatory changes.
24. Contact
For any questions, please contact:
info@thecolinbraidstoneworkshop.com
Last updated: January 2026