Terms of Service

1. Agreement Overview

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of Drive Empire's website and services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Drive Empire is a company registered in England and Wales, with our registered address at 45 Cromwell Road, Manchester M15 6BH, United Kingdom.

2. Services Provided

2.1 Smart Lighting Services

We provide the following services:

• Smart LED lighting system design and installation
• Wi-Fi controlled lighting solutions
• Home automation system integration
• Commercial lighting control systems
• Maintenance and support services
• Consultation and advisory services

2.2 Service Standards

All electrical work is performed by NICEIC approved contractors and Part P certified electricians in compliance with UK building regulations and electrical safety standards.

3. Quotations and Contracts

3.1 Free Quotations

We provide free initial consultations and quotations. Quotations are valid for 30 days unless otherwise specified.

3.2 Contract Formation

A contract is formed when:

• You accept our written quotation
• A deposit payment is made (where applicable)
• We provide written confirmation of acceptance

3.3 Changes to Work

Any changes to the agreed scope of work must be confirmed in writing and may result in additional charges.

4. Pricing and Payment

4.1 Pricing

All prices are quoted in British Pounds (GBP) and include VAT where applicable. Prices may vary based on:

• Complexity of installation
• Property accessibility
• Additional requirements discovered during survey
• Changes in material costs

4.2 Payment Terms

• Small projects (under £1,000): Payment due upon completion
• Medium projects (£1,000-£5,000): 50% deposit, balance on completion
• Large projects (over £5,000): Payment schedule agreed in contract
• Payment due within 14 days of invoice unless otherwise agreed

4.3 Late Payment

Late payment charges may apply at 8% above Bank of England base rate per annum for commercial customers, or as permitted by law for residential customers.

5. Installation and Completion

5.1 Access Requirements

You must provide:

• Safe and reasonable access to work areas
• Electrical supply for power tools
• Secure storage for materials (if required)
• Parking facilities where possible

5.2 Completion Timeline

Installation timelines are estimates based on normal working conditions. Delays may occur due to:

• Unforeseen technical issues
• Weather conditions
• Material delivery delays
• Changes to scope of work

6. Warranties and Guarantees

6.1 Workmanship Warranty

We provide a 12-month warranty on all installation work, covering defects in workmanship and materials supplied by us.

6.2 Product Warranties

Smart lighting products come with manufacturer warranties (typically 2-5 years). We will assist with warranty claims during this period.

6.3 Warranty Exclusions

Warranties do not cover:

• Damage due to misuse or negligence
• Normal wear and tear
• Damage by third parties
• Modifications not performed by us
• Force majeure events

7. Limitation of Liability

7.1 Liability Cap

Our total liability for any claim is limited to the total amount paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

7.2 Excluded Damages

We are not liable for:

• Indirect or consequential losses
• Loss of profits or business
• Data loss or corruption
• Temporary inconvenience during installation

7.3 Insurance

We maintain comprehensive public liability insurance (£2 million) and professional indemnity insurance.

8. Health and Safety

8.1 Our Responsibilities

• Comply with all relevant health and safety regulations
• Use appropriate safety equipment and procedures
• Maintain clean and safe work areas
• Provide safety briefings where necessary

8.2 Your Responsibilities

• Inform us of any known hazards on the property
• Ensure pets and children are kept away from work areas
• Provide safe access routes
• Report any safety concerns immediately

9. Cancellation and Refunds

9.1 Consumer Rights

For residential customers, you have a 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

9.2 Cancellation by Customer

If you cancel after work has commenced:

• You are liable for work completed and materials ordered
• A reasonable charge may apply for time and expenses incurred
• Installed equipment remains your property

9.3 Cancellation by Us

We may cancel if:

• Payment terms are not met
• Safe working conditions cannot be maintained
• You breach these terms
• Work becomes impossible due to circumstances beyond our control

10. Intellectual Property

All design work, documentation, and custom configurations remain our intellectual property until full payment is received.

11. Data Protection

We process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK data protection laws. By using our services, you consent to such processing.

12. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures due to events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government actions, or supply chain disruptions.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Informal Resolution

We encourage direct communication to resolve any issues. Contact us at [email protected] or +44 161 294 9504.

13.2 Formal Complaints

Written complaints will be acknowledged within 48 hours and investigated within 14 days.

13.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution

For unresolved disputes, we support mediation through relevant trade bodies or independent mediation services.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by English law. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of English courts.

15. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms periodically. Significant changes will be communicated via email or website notice. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

17. Contact Information

18. Professional Memberships

We are proud members of:

• NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)
• JIB (Joint Industry Board for the Electrical Contracting Industry)
• ECA (Electrical Contractors' Association)