24 FEATURE
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Contracts Once a quotation has been accepted, a formal contract should be issued before any work begins. An accepted quote confirms the price and scope of work, but a signed contract provides a stronger written agreement between the plumber and the client. The contract should include:
1. Contractor details Business name, contact details, address, registration number, VAT number if applicable, and licence or professional registration details if required.
2. Duration of the contract This should take into account any delays that could occur such as variation orders and weather( which can be calculated based on the average rainfall at the time of the contract).
3. Client details Full name, contact number, email address, billing address, and site address where the work will be done.
4. Contract date and reference number The date of the agreement and a unique contract or quotation number.
5. Scope of work A detailed description of the plumbing work to be completed.
6. Work exclusions A clear list of work not included, such as tiling, electrical work, painting, building work, ceiling repairs, cupboards, kitchen tops, waterproofing, or rubble removal.
7. Materials supplied by the plumber A list of materials, fittings, pipes, valves, geysers, waste pipes, traps, and other items included in the price.
8. Materials supplied by the client A list of items the client must supply, such as taps, mixers, sanitaryware, basins, sinks, toilets, tiles, cupboards, vanities or special finishes.
9. Responsibility for client-supplied materials The contract should state that client-supplied items must be correct, complete, undamaged, and available on site when required.
10. Contract price The total agreed price, including labour and materials, and whether VAT is included or excluded.
11. Payment terms Deposit amount, progress payments, final payment, due dates and banking details.
12. Additional work clause Any work outside the original agreement must be clearly marked as additional work, quoted separately, and signed / approved by the client before the plumber starts.
13. Variations and changes How changes to the original work will be recorded, priced and approved. This section should include your handling fee( based on the cost of materials) should the client decide to cancel.
14. Start date and expected completion date The planned start date, estimated completion date, and conditions that may affect the timeline.
15. Delays Terms covering delays caused by weather, supplier shortages, late payments, missing materials, client decisions, other contractors, or hidden defects.
16. Site access The client’ s responsibility to provide safe and reasonable access to the property.
17. Working hours Normal working hours and whether after-hours work will be charged separately. NOTE: Certain institutions, such as body corporates or hospitals, may have strict working hours( such as from 08:00 to 14:00), which must be taken into consideration when calculating working hours.
18. Hidden defects and unforeseen work A clause stating that the plumber is not responsible for hidden defects, old pipework, poor previous workmanship, or problems discovered once walls, floors, ceilings or cupboards are opened.
19. Compliance and standards Confirmation that plumbing work will be carried out according to applicable plumbing standards, regulations and accepted trade practice.
20. Permits and inspections Who is responsible for arranging and paying for permits, inspections, certificates or approvals where required.
21. Warranty or guarantee Details of the workmanship warranty, material warranty and what is excluded from the warranty. This should include any products’ manufacturer warranties, as well as their contact details.
22. Damage and risk Terms explaining responsibility for existing damage, fragile finishes, concealed services and reasonable risks during plumbing work. It is important to have insurance in place for these events, and to stipulate that in the event of damages, you will need to follow the due process of your insurer, which may influence working hours.
23. Safety requirements Site safety rules, access restrictions and responsibilities of both parties. Safety files may be required for certain projects.
24. Rubble removal and cleaning Whether rubble removal, carting away old materials and final cleaning are included or excluded.
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline September 2026 Volume 32 I Number 07