Website Design & Development – Terms & Conditions
Welcome
These terms and conditions are here to ensure clients and I are on the same page from the start of a project – they protect your interests as much as mine and help us avoid any confusion down the line. Please take a moment to read through these points. If anything isn't clear or you have questions, I'm always happy to discuss them before we begin.
1. Project Start
Work begins only once the following are in place:
A signed contract or written agreement
A clear and agreed-upon brief
A confirmed project fee
An initial payment (minimum 40–50% unless otherwise agreed)
2. Scope & Changes
The project fee covers the design and build outlined in the agreed brief. Copywriting is not included unless specifically agreed in writing. Any additional pages, features, functionality, content support, or revisions beyond the agreed package will be quoted separately before work proceeds.
3. Client Responsibilities
The client is responsible for providing all written content, images, assets, and information needed for the site, unless copywriting or content creation has been explicitly included as part of the project. All materials should be provided in a timely manner. Delays in receiving content or decisions may delay the project timeline.
4. Payments
Invoices must be paid within 14 days unless otherwise stated. Work pauses automatically if payments fall overdue. The final site will only be transferred, launched, or handed over once all fees are paid in full.
5. Timeline
Any proposed timeline depends on the client supplying content and feedback as agreed. Delays on the client side may shift delivery dates.
6. Cancellations
If the client cancels the project after work has begun, the initial payment is non-refundable. Additional completed work will be invoiced accordingly.
7. Platform & Technical Notes
Websites are built using modern platforms (e.g., Squarespace, Cargo, WordPress) and set up for responsive behaviour within those systems' capabilities. Sites are tested across major modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) and common device sizes during development. However, browser differences, third-party changes, or platform limitations may affect appearance or performance. Extensive stress testing, performance optimization beyond standard best practices, or testing across legacy browsers requires additional time and will be quoted separately if needed.
8. Maintenance & Aftercare
Ongoing maintenance, updates, future changes, or training are not included unless a monthly or hourly arrangement is agreed separately.
9. Intellectual Property
All design files, layouts, and related materials remain my property until the project is paid for in full. Once final payment is received, all rights to the delivered website design and assets are transferred to the client. Preliminary drafts, unused concepts, and working files remain mine.
10. Communication & Professional Boundaries
Communication and decision-making take place during agreed working hours and through agreed channels.