Terms & Conditions
Thank you for choosing DCW Services. By engaging with us for property maintenance or related services, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. These apply to all services provided by DCW Services ("we", "us", "our") to you ("you", "client", "customer").
Application
These Terms apply to all services, bookings, communications, and transactions involving DCW Services, whether through our website, phone, email, social media, or in person. These Terms override any conflicting terms unless explicitly agreed in writing by both parties.
Authority
By engaging our services, you confirm:
You are forming a legally binding contract;
You have the authority to act on behalf of any business, trust, or other entity you represent;
You will comply with all applicable New Zealand laws and regulations;
You accept our services and deliverables under these Terms.
If you are not the legal owner of the property but engage our services on behalf of the owner, you confirm that you have the legal authority to do so. Unless stated otherwise in writing, we will treat the person who makes the booking or confirms the quote as the client and responsible party.
Where services are booked by a third party (e.g., tenant, family member, property manager), both the booking party and the property owner are jointly and severally liable for full payment and compliance with these Terms.
Services Provided
We offer a wide range of property maintenance services, including interior and exterior repairs, cleaning, compliance assessments (e.g., Healthy Homes), installations, handyman services, and other related work.
You acknowledge:
Our service scope is limited to what is quoted or agreed;
Services such as gutter guard removal, deep remediation, or pest control are not included unless explicitly stated;
We may refuse or postpone work if:
Conditions pose health and safety risks;
Adequate access, parking, water, or electricity is not available;
The work would breach the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015;
The requested work is unsafe, illegal, or breaches local building or tenancy codes;
You instruct us to perform work that may void warranties, damage surfaces, or exceed professional recommendations.
Subcontracting
We reserve the right to engage subcontractors or external specialists to complete all or part of the job.
All subcontractors will be selected based on their qualifications and safety standards. Our obligations under these Terms remain unchanged regardless of subcontractor involvement.Disclosure of Subcontractor Details
Subcontractor details (including names, licenses, qualifications, or direct contact information) are considered proprietary and will only be released under the following conditions:
The quote or estimate has been formally accepted in writing; and
The work is either scheduled or pending compliance-related verification (e.g., warranty-backed membrane systems, council-mandated qualifications, or pre-agreed credential submission).
We reserve the right to withhold subcontractor information prior to job confirmation to protect our commercial relationships and quoting process. Requests for subcontractor credentials without quote acceptance will not be accommodated unless required by law or a regulatory authority. We reserve the right to redact or anonymize subcontractor information provided to the client if it is not essential to job execution or regulatory compliance.
If credentials are necessary for pre-approval (e.g., Council related work), the client must disclose this requirement before requesting a quote. Retroactive credential requests may delay scheduling.
Subcontractor Substitution
DCW Services reserves the right to substitute subcontractors or service providers at our discretion if the original party becomes unavailable, is delayed, or no longer meets safety or quality standards. Any replacement will be of equal or greater competency.Confidentiality & Non-Circumvention
You agree not to engage directly or indirectly with any subcontractors, specialists, or service providers introduced or engaged by DCW Services without our written consent. This restriction applies for a period of 12 months from the date of introduction. Attempting to circumvent DCW Services to avoid fees, engage subcontractors independently, or replicate service arrangements constitutes a material breach of these Terms, and may result in immediate termination of service and legal remedies.
Supplies and Access
Unless otherwise agreed, we supply our own equipment and eco-friendly cleaning products. You are responsible for:
Ensuring water, electricity, and safe access to all service areas;
Clearing workspaces or notifying us in advance if you'd like our team to move items (may incur a moving fee);
Informing us of any hazards, fragile surfaces, or special conditions (e.g., previous pest sprays or coatings).
Health and Safety
We both agree to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. You agree to:
Disclose known risks, access limitations, or hazards;
Provide information on your property’s health and safety protocols if applicable.
We agree to:
Maintain appropriate safety plans and conduct site risk assessments;
Report any accidents or incidents during service delivery.
Insurance
DCW Services maintains appropriate public liability and statutory insurance to protect against accidental damage or injury during the course of our work. Proof of insurance is available upon request following formal quote acceptance. However, our liability remains limited as outlined under the “Limitation of Liability” section.
Discovery of Hazardous Materials
If suspected hazardous materials (e.g. asbestos, lead paint, contaminated soil) are identified during the course of work, DCW Services will stop work and notify the client. Further work will only proceed once the site is made safe and compliant by a qualified professional at the client's cost.
Site Visits & Attendance
Unless otherwise arranged in writing, DCW Services reserves the right to attend or conduct site visits independently. While clients (or their representatives) are welcome to be present, their attendance is not required unless specified. If present, clients are expected to allow staff and subcontractors to carry out their work without interference or undue oversight. If our team is unable to proceed with scheduled work due to site obstruction or client interference, a minimum charge or return visit fee may apply.
Quotes and Validation
Quotes are valid for 7 days unless otherwise stated;
Prices are based strictly on the information you provide. Any changes, inaccuracies, or site conditions requiring extra work will result in a variation charge;
Additional work not included in the original scope must be confirmed in writing.
If a quote expires and the job is requested at a later date, DCW Services may reissue a new quote reflecting current rates and conditions.
To avoid pricing changes or booking delays, we recommend confirming your quote as soon as possible. Delays may result in rescheduling or re-quoting based on updated costs or availability.
Credential or qualification-based requirements must be disclosed before a quote is issued. Late requests may incur delays or revalidation fees.
Quote Withdrawal
We reserve the right to withdraw or revise any quote at any time prior to written acceptance by the client. Submission of a quote does not obligate us to proceed with the work unless the quote is formally accepted and confirmed with a booking or deposit (if required).
Price Variations
All pricing is based on current material and labour costs. DCW Services reserves the right to adjust quoted prices if:
There are significant delays between quote acceptance and job commencement (beyond 30 days);
There are unforeseen material cost increases;
Additional site conditions are revealed that affect scope or access.
In such cases, a revised quote or variation will be provided before proceeding. You may accept or reject the revised price. Rejection may result in cancellation with applicable admin or deposit retention.
If, during the course of work, additional tasks are requested or unforeseen conditions arise that significantly differ from those described at the time of quoting, a variation order will be issued. Work on the affected portion will pause until written approval of the variation is received from the client.
Booking, Cancelling & Rescheduling
Cancellations within 24 hours of the booking time incur a 50% fee;
Rescheduling within 24 hours may incur a $25 admin fee;
If we arrive on site and cannot perform the work due to your failure to provide access or meet safety requirements, a call-out fee or minimum charge may apply.
Payment Terms
Invoices must be paid within 7 days of issue unless otherwise agreed in writing;
A 2% late payment fee per calendar month (24% per annum) will apply to all overdue invoices;
We may withhold reports, photos, or assessments until full payment is received;
If payment is not made within 14 days, we may initiate debt recovery proceedings, and you will be liable for all associated costs (including legal and collection agency fees);
You may not withhold payment due to unrelated issues or disputes.
No subcontractor or supplier information will be released until quotes are formally accepted, and any applicable deposit has been received.
Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA)
All invoices issued by DCW Services constitute payment claims made under the Construction Contracts Act 2002.
You have the right, under this Act, to respond with a payment schedule within the required timeframe. If no schedule is provided and payment is not made, we may suspend work and/or initiate adjudication proceedings under the CCA.
Disputes relating to payment will follow the resolution mechanisms set out in the Act.
Suspension of Work
DCW Services reserves the right to suspend work if:
Payment is not received by the due date; or
A valid payment schedule has not been provided in accordance with the Construction Contracts Act 2002.
We are not liable for delays or costs resulting from suspension due to non-payment.
Client-Supplied Materials
Where the client supplies materials or fixtures, DCW Services is not liable for defects, damage, delays, or failure arising from the use or quality of such materials.
Council Consents and Permits
Unless expressly agreed in writing, it is the client’s responsibility to obtain any necessary building consents, resource consents, or compliance documentation. DCW Services will not be liable for delays or penalties resulting from the failure to obtain such approvals.
Minimum Charge
Our minimum service charge is $130 + GST. This applies even if:
A quote contains multiple line items but only one is accepted (and the total falls below $130 + GST);
The work is minor or brief but still requires call-out, admin, travel, or labour allocation.
This ensures our pricing remains fair, sustainable, and reflects operational costs.
Deposits
In certain cases, DCW Services requires a deposit prior to commencement of work. This applies especially to:
Large-scale or multi-day projects;
Jobs involving custom-ordered products or materials;
Services requiring subcontractors, specialty trades, or hired machinery.
Unless agreed otherwise in writing, a standard deposit of 50% of the quoted amount is required upon acceptance of the quote.
By paying a deposit, you agree that:
The deposit secures your booking and allows us to allocate labour, order materials, and schedule resources;
All deposits are strictly non-refundable, including if you cancel the job, change your mind, or delay the project for any reason;
If cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the scheduled start, the deposit may be retained in full or in part to cover preparation, admin, or procurement costs already incurred.
The remaining balance is invoiced on job completion and must be paid within our standard 7-day payment window, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Refunds and Cancellations
Except where required by law, all payments and deposits made to DCW Services are non-refundable. In limited cases, we may at our discretion offer a partial refund after deducting costs already incurred (e.g., admin, materials, labour allocation). Refunds will not be issued for change of mind, project delays caused by the client, or cancellation within 48 hours of scheduled work.
Photographic Documentation
You consent to DCW Services capturing photographic or video evidence of the job site before, during, or after the completion of work. These materials may be used:
As proof of service or condition;
In case of insurance or damage disputes;
For training or marketing purposes (excluding personal details unless explicitly agreed).
All such content remains the property of DCW Services unless otherwise agreed in writing.
If you do not consent to the use of job-related images for marketing or training purposes, you must notify us in writing prior to commencement of work.
Photos used for marketing purposes will never include identifying personal information, address signage, or client faces unless written permission is obtained.
Photographic Evidence in Disputes
You acknowledge and agree that photos or video captured by DCW Services may be used as evidence to confirm work completion, condition before/after service, or to support damage or warranty claims. This applies even if the client is not present at the time of service.
Ownership of Deliverables
All deliverables (including photos, reports, assessments, documentation) remain the property of DCW Services until full payment is received. Use of these materials without cleared payment constitutes a breach of contract.
Intellectual Property
All intellectual property (IP), including methodologies, processes, documentation formats, and media created or shared by DCW Services, remains our exclusive property unless otherwise agreed in writing. Clients may use deliverables only for their intended purpose and must not reproduce, alter, or distribute them without written consent. Unauthorized use may result in legal action.
Ownership of Materials and Goods
Ownership of any physical goods, materials, or fixtures supplied by DCW Services remains with us until full payment is received. We reserve the right to recover such items if payment is not made in full, including access to the site (with appropriate notice and within legal bounds) to retrieve them.
Any surplus materials not used in the completion of the job remain the property of DCW Services and may be removed from the site upon job completion unless otherwise agreed.
Disputes and Claims
Service issues (excluding accidental damage) must be reported to us within 24 hours of job completion with supporting photographs;
Damage claims must be made within 48 hours, with photos and an explanation;
Do not initiate any repairs without our written approval. We reserve the right to assess and rectify damage directly;
We aim to resolve issues within 5 business days of your complaint.
Workmanship Warranty
Unless otherwise specified in writing, DCW Services provides a standard workmanship warranty of 12 months from the date of service completion.
This warranty covers defects in the quality of our work only and does not extend to:Wear and tear, misuse, or conditions beyond our control (e.g., weather, structural movement);
Materials supplied by third parties or installed as-is;
Situations where you, another party, or external forces alter or damage the work post-completion.
Warranty claims must be made in writing with supporting photos. If valid, we will return to repair or resolve the issue at no extra cost.
Limitation of Liability
Our liability is limited to the total value of the service performed. We are not responsible for:
Consequential or indirect losses;
Damage caused by pre-existing faults, third-party negligence, or failure to follow our instructions;
Conditions not disclosed by you.
Claims must be made within 30 days of the service date or the date you became aware of the issue.
Your Responsibilities
You must:
Provide correct and complete information for quotes and bookings;
Ensure your property is safe for work to be carried out;
Notify us of specific concerns like fragile surfaces, weak joinery, electrical hazards, or recently treated areas;
Provide or request movement of heavy items if needed (e.g., spa pools, large planters – $60 movement fee applies);
Disconnect water tanks or similar equipment if required before service.
Failure to do so releases us from liability.
Client Conduct
We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue service if, during the course of communication or work, the client or their representative:
Is abusive, aggressive, or threatening in any manner;
Creates unsafe working conditions or interferes with staff performance;
Attempts to manipulate or coerce outcomes outside agreed scope or terms.
In such cases, any deposits paid will be forfeited and the client may still be invoiced for time or materials already committed.
Professional Conduct & Escalation Protocol
We expect all communication between DCW Services and the client (or their representatives) to remain professional and respectful. In the event of a dispute, concern, or dissatisfaction with service delivery, the client agrees to first raise the issue in writing, allowing us a reasonable timeframe (up to 5 business days) to investigate and respond. Aggressive, accusatory, or unreasonable conduct may result in service withdrawal or refusal to engage further, without prejudice to our rights under these Terms.
Indemnity
You agree to indemnify DCW Services against any claims, costs, damages, or liabilities (including legal and collection fees) resulting from:
Your breach of these Terms;
Damage or injury caused by your failure to meet your obligations;
Any third-party claims arising from work performed at your request.
Promotions & Special Offers
Promotions may be subject to specific eligibility criteria (e.g., residential only, within service zones). Any discounts or fixed-price offers must be:
Booked within the promotion period;
Paid on time to remain valid;
Non-transferable and not combinable with other offers.
See specific promo pages for full terms.
Consumer Guarantees & Business Use
If services are acquired for business purposes, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 does not apply. All implied warranties are excluded to the extent permitted by law.
Privacy & Communication
We comply with the Privacy Act 2020. By booking services, you consent to receive service-related communications. You may opt out of marketing emails at any time. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further information.
Debt Collection and Legal Enforcement
In cases of overdue invoices:
A 2% late fee per month will accrue automatically;
We reserve the right to refer your account to a collection agency or legal firm;
All legal fees, court filing fees, interest, and debt collection charges will be passed on to you;
We may file a case in the Disputes Tribunal or District Court, or use a private debt collection agency.
Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007
You consent to us sending you commercial emails from time to time unless you inform us otherwise by letter or email. The email address for unsubscribing to commercial emails is info@dcwservices.co.nz
Hiring Equipment
In the event that we hire out equipment for residential or commercial use, we expect the following to be adhered to:
Equipment may be hired for:
Half Day
Full Day
Weekly
Monthly; or
Otherwise agreed upon in writing by DCW Services.
We agree to:
Allow the customer to hire the equipment for the agreed upon hire period.
Provide the equipment in clean condition and good working order.
Collect the equipment at the end of the hire period.
You agree to:
Return the equipment to DCW Services in the same clean condition and good working order.
Operate the equipment safely, strictly in accordance with the law, only for the intended use, and in accordance with any manufacturer's instructions.
Indemnify DCW Services for injury and/or damage to the extent caused or contributed by the customer to property or persons in relation to the equipment and its use.
Remain responsible for the care and use of the equipment from the time you hire until we collect the equipment.
You MUST NOT:
Lose or part with the equipment in possession.
Tamper with, repair or damage the equipment.
In the event of damage, loss or theft:
The customer is responsible for all or part of any damages or costs incurred.
In the event of equipment damage, loss, or theft during the hire period, the customer agrees to compensate DCW Services for the repair or replacement value as reasonably assessed.
Force Majeure
DCW Services is not liable for delays or non-performance due to events beyond our reasonable control. This includes, but is not limited to: extreme weather, pandemics, supplier shortages, labour disruptions, transport delays, vehicle breakdowns, illness or injury of key personnel, or governmental restrictions. We will communicate any delays as soon as reasonably practicable and work to reschedule affected services where possible.
Delays Caused by Third-Party Suppliers
DCW Services is not liable for delays caused by third-party suppliers, including material backorders, manufacturer shipping delays, or courier failures. We will notify you of any known disruptions and reschedule work where practical, but such delays do not constitute grounds for cancellation or refund unless explicitly agreed.
General
You agree that these Terms and any quote we provide to you:
You agree that time is of the essence in respect of your obligations to us.
We will not be prevented from enforcing any of our rights under this agreement because on an earlier occasion we did not enforce those rights.
All notices to be given pursuant to this agreement will be given in accordance with sections 185 to 189 of the Personal Properties Securities Act 1999.
While you are not entitled to assign your rights under these Terms we may.
You agree that we may issue any proceedings in respect of these Terms in any court that suits us. The law that governs these terms is New Zealand law.
Any provision of these Terms that is held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason shall be severed from and shall not affect the remaining provisions of these terms.
You agree that these Terms and any estimate or quote we provide to you constitutes the entire understanding between us and that there have been no representations made by or on behalf of us that have been relied upon by you that are not contained in terms.
Changes to Terms and Conditions
You can review the most current version of the Terms and Conditions at any time at this page.
We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to update, change or replace any part of these Terms and Conditions by posting updates and changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check our website periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to our website or the Service following the posting of any changes to these Terms and Conditions constitutes acceptance of those changes.Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand. Any disputes may be resolved through New Zealand courts or tribunals. Invalid provisions will be severed without affecting the rest of the Terms.
Nothing in these Terms limits any rights you may have under New Zealand law that cannot be excluded. However, to the fullest extent permitted by law, DCW Services limits its liability to the amount paid by the client for the specific service in question.
Contact Us
For questions, disputes, or general support:
📧 info@dcwservices.co.nz
📞 021 290 0049
Last updated: 15 July 2025