T&C
Terms and Conditions
StructSpectrum Terms and Conditions
1. Introduction and Scope
Welcome to StructSpectrum Ltd ("StructSpectrum", "we", or "us"). We provide a reliable, professional coordination service to make structural engineering projects simple, smooth, and stress-free for our customers ("you").
We specialize in coordinating structural engineering services through our trusted network of vetted, experienced, and fully insured structural Engineers. Our role is to ensure your project is well-organised, communication is seamless, timelines and deliverables stay on track, and you receive the highest standard of service and support throughout.
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") apply to all services provided by StructSpectrum. Our service includes:
Connecting Customers with qualified structural Engineers.
Coordinating project timelines, communications, and deliverables.
Organising site visits and general project workflow.
Handling payment processing and related administration.
Providing aftercare and ongoing customer support.
Please note: StructSpectrum does not provide structural engineering services directly. All technical work (including structural calculations, drawings, and reports) is carried out by independent Engineers appointed through our service. These Engineers act as independent contractors and are solely responsible for the accuracy, quality, and compliance of their work. While we do not perform technical checks ourselves, we always act in your best interest and remain committed to customer satisfaction at every step.
By confirming a quote and proceeding with our service, you agree to these Terms and acknowledge the independent role of the Engineers in delivering the technical services.
We believe in clear, honest communication. That’s why we are upfront about how our service works. Although we coordinate projects with care and only work with qualified professionals, StructSpectrum cannot guarantee or warrant the outcome or quality of the engineering work itself, beyond what is required under UK consumer law (see Sections 9 and 10 of these Terms). These Terms are designed to help you understand your rights and our responsibilities, whether you're a homeowner planning a renovation or a business undertaking a development project. Where relevant, we’ve highlighted areas that apply differently to consumer and business customers.
If you have any questions about these Terms or our services, we’re always happy to help. You can reach us at info@structspectrum.co.uk.
2. Definitions
For clarity in these Terms, the following definitions apply:
StructSpectrum (or "the Company"): Refers to StructSpectrum Ltd, a project coordination and management service that connects Customers with independent structural Engineers. StructSpectrum organises site visits, manages communications, assists with project delivery, and handles administrative tasks for your structural engineering project.
Customer: The person or business (whether a consumer or a commercial client) who engages StructSpectrum to arrange structural engineering services.
Engineer: An independent structural engineer or engineering firm introduced to the Customer by StructSpectrum. Engineers are not employees or agents of StructSpectrum; they operate independently and are solely responsible for the technical engineering services they provide.
Services: The structural engineering-related services coordinated through StructSpectrum. These may include, but are not limited to:
Site Visit: An on-site visual inspection by an Engineer to assess structural aspects of a property or project. (Note: Site visits are non-invasive and do not include destructive testing unless specifically agreed in writing.)
Structural Calculations: Engineering calculations performed by an Engineer to determine structural requirements (e.g., beam sizing, load calculations) for the project.
Structural Report: A written report prepared by an Engineer detailing structural assessments, findings, or recommendations (for example, evaluating a crack or the condition of a wall/roof).
Drawings: Technical drawings or plans created by an Engineer illustrating the structural design or modifications for the project (e.g., beam layouts, connection details).
Planning Permission Support: Structural input provided by an Engineer to support a planning application (such as structural drawings or statements). This support does not guarantee that planning permission will be granted (that decision rests with the planning authority).
Building Control Support: Documentation, calculations, or guidance provided by an Engineer to help the project achieve Building Regulations approval. This support does not guarantee that approval will be granted (that decision rests with the local building control body).
Other Services: Any other structural or engineering-related services explicitly offered through StructSpectrum or agreed in writing (e.g., structural feasibility consultations or second-opinion reviews). All such services are considered part of the "Services" under these Terms.
Deliverables: The tangible outputs of the Services, which may include structural reports, calculation sheets, drawings, plans, or other documents prepared by the Engineer and delivered to the Customer.
Contract: The agreement between the Customer and StructSpectrum Ltd for the coordination and arrangement of structural engineering services. When a Customer confirms (in writing, e.g. by email or message) that they wish to proceed with a quote provided by StructSpectrum, they are deemed to have accepted these Terms and entered into a contract with StructSpectrum. Under this contract:
StructSpectrum is responsible for appointing a suitable Engineer and coordinating the overall project.
The Engineer (as an independent contractor) is responsible for carrying out the technical engineering work and is solely accountable for its accuracy and compliance.
Consumer: A Customer who is an individual using StructSpectrum’s services wholly or mainly for personal purposes (outside of their business, trade, or profession). Consumers are entitled to certain protections under consumer law, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Business Customer: A Customer (whether an individual or a company) using StructSpectrum’s services for purposes related to their trade, business, craft, or profession. Different or additional legal terms may apply to Business Customers (for example, in relation to liability limits or cancellation rights) as specified in these Terms or under applicable law.
3. Roles and Relationships
3.1 StructSpectrum’s Role and Obligations
StructSpectrum provides a project coordination and management service that connects Customers with experienced, independent structural Engineers. Our goal is to make the process smooth, transparent, and reliable, from the initial enquiry to the final delivery of engineering work.
We carefully vet and select the Engineers in our network by reviewing their qualifications, experience, and, where available, past performance or references. While we do not supervise their day-to-day technical work, we ensure that we only introduce Customers to competent, insured professionals.
Our key responsibilities to you include:
Service Coordination: Matching you with a suitable Engineer based on your project needs, and managing the communication, timeline, and flow of information throughout the project.
Project Oversight: Coordinating key steps such as scheduling site visits, tracking deliverables, and helping to keep the project on schedule.
Payment Handling: Collecting payments from you and disbursing the agreed fee to the Engineer on your behalf. All financial transactions related to the Engineer’s services are handled through StructSpectrum.
Customer Support: Serving as your main point of contact throughout the process. If any issues or misunderstandings arise, we will do our best to assist you and facilitate a resolution (note that we are not a legal arbitrator unless otherwise agreed).
Professional Standards: Exercising reasonable care and skill in providing our coordination services and in selecting the Engineers we work with, as required by UK law.
Important Limitations:
StructSpectrum does not provide structural engineering advice or technical opinions ourselves. All engineering assessments, calculations, and recommendations are delivered by the appointed Engineer.
We cannot guarantee the availability of a particular Engineer or acceptance of every project request. We reserve the right to decline a project if it falls outside our scope or if we cannot resource it appropriately. In such cases, any payment made in advance will be fully refunded.
StructSpectrum Ltd is a UK company, and these Terms are governed by the laws of the UK (England and Wales). We strive to keep our services fair, transparent, and up-to-date. If we make changes to our services or need to update these Terms due to legal requirements, we will update the Terms and notify customers of any significant amendments (see Section 13.1).
3.2 Engineer’s Role and Obligations
When you use StructSpectrum’s services, we will appoint a qualified, independent Engineer to perform the structural engineering work required for your project. The Engineer works under our coordination to deliver the agreed technical services and Deliverables (such as calculations, drawings, or reports).
It’s important to note that the Engineer is not an employee of StructSpectrum. The Engineer operates as an independent contractor. You do not have a direct contract with the Engineer; instead, StructSpectrum contracts with the Engineer on your behalf and coordinates their work for you. StructSpectrum remains your primary point of contact and oversees the process, but the Engineer is solely responsible for the technical aspects of their services.
The Engineer’s obligations and status are as follows:
Conduct of Work: The Engineer is responsible for conducting any necessary site visits, performing structural assessments and calculations, preparing reports/drawings, and ensuring all technical work is completed with appropriate care, skill, and in accordance with current regulations and standards.
Independent Contractor: The Engineer is not an employee, agent, or partner of StructSpectrum. They operate as an independent professional or business. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment relationship, partnership, joint venture, or agency between the Engineer and StructSpectrum. (This means StructSpectrum is not automatically liable for the Engineer’s actions or omissions in providing the engineering services.)
Qualifications: Each Engineer confirms that they are suitably qualified, experienced, and (where applicable) licensed or chartered to carry out the Services. They are expected to adhere to current engineering standards, building codes, and best practices in all work they perform.
Quality and Accuracy: The Engineer is solely responsible for the content, accuracy, and quality of the work they deliver, including any structural calculations, drawings, or reports. They must exercise due skill and diligence, ensure the work is fit for its intended purpose, and confirm that it complies with relevant laws and regulations (for example, Building Regulations).
Compliance: The Engineer must comply with all applicable laws and regulations while delivering their services. This includes, but is not limited to, adhering to Building Regulations, planning permission requirements (when providing structural input for planning), health and safety laws during any site visits, and any professional codes of conduct.
Insurance: The Engineer is required to hold their own professional insurance, including Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability Insurance, to cover their work. We may ask for proof of this insurance, but maintaining it is the Engineer’s responsibility. (StructSpectrum does not insure the Engineer’s work.)
Communication: Engineers are expected to communicate clearly and professionally with you. They should set realistic expectations on timelines, explain any assumptions or limitations in their work, and request in a timely manner any information or access they need from you to complete their services.
Engineer’s Terms: Occasionally, an Engineer may provide a supplementary document outlining their scope, assumptions, or terms for a project. If provided, you will receive this before the work begins. Such documents are meant to clarify the service scope and do not override these StructSpectrum Terms or any non-excludable legal rights you have (especially your rights as a consumer).
Each Engineer we work with is fully insured and independently accountable for their work. If you have any concerns about the Engineer or their deliverables during the project, please inform us and we will assist in addressing the issue
.
3.3 Customer’s Role and Obligations
As a StructSpectrum Customer, you also have an important role in ensuring a successful project. By using our services, you agree to the following:
Provide Accurate Information: You will supply complete and accurate information about your project. This includes relevant details about the property, any known structural issues or past modifications, existing plans, and any constraints that may affect the work. The Engineer’s deliverables will be based on the information and access you provide; if information is inaccurate or incomplete, it can compromise the quality, safety, or suitability of the results.
Timely Cooperation: You will cooperate fully with StructSpectrum and the assigned Engineer. This includes promptly arranging access for site visits, responding to communications or questions, and providing any documents, approvals, or additional information needed to perform the Services. (Delays caused by lack of response, inaccessible sites, or missing information can affect project timelines and outcomes.)
Use of Deliverables: Any Deliverables provided (such as reports, drawings, or calculations) are specific to your project and based on the conditions and information given. You agree not to reuse these documents for other projects or purposes, nor to significantly alter them without consulting a qualified engineer. The Deliverables are tailored to your project’s circumstances; using them beyond their intended scope could be unsafe or inappropriate.
Payment of Fees: You agree to pay for the Services in full and on time, as outlined in the quote and any agreed payment schedule (see Section 6 - Payment Terms). For business Customers, this may involve issuing a purchase order or paying against an invoice. For consumer Customers, payment is typically required upfront or in defined stages via bank transfer. StructSpectrum reserves the right to withhold final Deliverables until all fees due have been paid.
Legal Purpose: You will use StructSpectrum’s services only for lawful and legitimate purposes. Your project must have any necessary planning or regulatory permissions, and you must not request us or the Engineer to do anything unlawful or unsafe (for example, produce a false report or ignore requirements of building regulations or planning law).
Respectful Engagement: You agree to treat StructSpectrum staff and the Engineers with courtesy and respect. We are committed to professional and fair service; in return, we expect Customers to communicate and behave appropriately. We reserve the right to refuse or terminate services in cases of abusive, threatening, or fraudulent behavior.
Consumer vs. Business Acknowledgment: If you are a business or acting on behalf of a business, you confirm that you have the authority to accept these Terms on behalf of that business or organization. If you are a consumer, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old and are engaging our services for personal (non-commercial) purposes. Certain clauses in these Terms apply differently to consumers versus business Customers, as required by law, and we have indicated these where relevant.
4. Description of Services and Limitations
This section describes the types of services that StructSpectrum coordinates and outlines important limitations for each. The exact scope of work for your project will be confirmed in the quote and project plan provided to you.
4.1 Site Visits
If your project requires it, an Engineer will visit your property to visually assess relevant structural elements (for example, examining an existing wall or roof before designing a beam or modification).
Limitations:
Site visits are generally non-invasive. The Engineer will not open up sealed structures, perform destructive testing, or carry out laboratory analyses during a standard site visit unless explicitly agreed otherwise in writing.
The assessment is limited to areas of the property that are visible and accessible. Conditions hidden within walls, floors, or underground will not be inspected and may remain unknown.
The Engineer’s report will outline any assumptions made and note any areas that could not be inspected.
You are responsible for ensuring safe and sufficient access for the site visit. This includes obtaining necessary permissions, providing access to all relevant areas, and ensuring basic safety (for example, if ladders or equipment are needed, or if any hazards exist on site). If the Engineer is unable to complete the inspection due to access or safety issues, additional charges may apply for a return visit once the issues are resolved.
4.2 Structural Calculations
For many projects, an Engineer will provide structural calculations to determine the specifications of structural elements such as beams, columns, or foundations. These calculations adhere to relevant design codes and standards, and they are based on information provided by you and observations from any site visit.
Limitations:
Calculations are only as accurate as the information they are based on. If the inputs or assumptions change or if initial information was incorrect (for example, actual dimensions, material properties, or ground conditions differ from what was assumed), the calculations and designs may need to be revised. You must inform StructSpectrum of any such changes so the Engineer can update the work accordingly.
Deliverables will typically include calculation sheets or a summary of calculations (often included within a structural report) demonstrating compliance with relevant standards. These are technical documents intended for building control approval and for use by your builder or contractor.
4.3 Structural Reports
An Engineer may prepare a structural report, such as a condition report assessing issues like cracks or subsidence, or a feasibility report for proposed structural changes.
Limitations:
A structural report represents the Engineer’s professional assessment at the time of the inspection, based on what was visible and accessible. It is not a guarantee or warranty of future performance. For example, a report might conclude that a wall is stable as observed, but it cannot promise that the wall will never develop issues later due to unforeseen factors.
Reports often include recommendations for remedial work or further monitoring, but it is your decision whether and how to act on these recommendations. Implementing the recommendations may involve additional cost and work by other professionals.
If the report is to be provided to a third party (such as a mortgage lender or insurer), it is your responsibility to ensure beforehand that the Engineer’s qualifications meet that third party’s requirements. (For instance, some institutions require a report by a chartered engineer. We can help clarify the Engineer’s credentials on request.)
4.4 Structural Drawings
Many projects involve structural drawings or sketches prepared by the Engineer, often accompanying calculations. These drawings might show the placement and details of beams, columns, foundations, and any new structural elements or alterations.
Limitations:
Structural drawings are technical in nature and intended to be used by competent builders or fabricators. They illustrate structural components (e.g., beam layout, connection details, base plate design) but typically do not cover non-structural details (such as architectural finishes, electrical layouts, or plumbing).
During construction, the structural drawings must be followed exactly. If any changes are made on site (for example, using different materials, altering dimensions, or repositioning elements), those changes need to be reviewed and approved by the Engineer, and you may need to get a revised approval from building control.
Always ensure you and your contractors are working from the latest revision of any drawing. If building control is involved, provide them with the final drawings and any subsequent revisions so inspections are based on the correct plans.
4.5 Planning Permission Support
In some cases, an Engineer may provide input to support your planning permission application. This can include creating structural drawings or writing statements confirming the feasibility of proposed structural works, to accompany your application to the local authority.
Important:
Obtaining planning permission is a broader process that depends on many factors beyond structural considerations (such as design aesthetics, local zoning rules, and potential objections from neighbours). StructSpectrum and the Engineer can assist by providing necessary technical documents, but we cannot guarantee that planning permission will be granted. The decision rests entirely with your local planning authority.
The Engineer’s role in planning support is to demonstrate that your proposed changes are structurally feasible (for example, confirming that removing a wall is possible with an appropriate beam in place). However, even if the engineering is sound, the planning authority might reject the application for unrelated reasons (like heritage concerns or neighborhood impact).
StructSpectrum is not responsible for the outcome of planning applications or any conditions that the council may impose as part of granting permission. These matters are outside our control.
4.6 Building Control Support
A common service provided is support for Building Regulations approval. The Engineer will supply structural calculations, drawings, and any required compliance statements (particularly for Part A: Structure) to help you obtain approval from Building Control.
Limitations:
Building Regulation approval depends not only on a compliant design but also on the construction being carried out correctly on site. If your builders do not follow the Engineer’s design or if unexpected site conditions arise (e.g., weaker soil than assumed), the building control inspector may halt the project or require additional work before approval is granted.
The Engineer will generally assist in answering any structural queries raised by building control officers and, if necessary, provide minor revisions to satisfy regulatory requirements. However, significant changes to the project, additional design work, or multiple rounds of revisions may incur extra fees.
Note: Some aspects of the Building Regulations (such as those dealing with fire safety, insulation, energy efficiency, or ventilation) are outside the scope of structural engineering. You may need other specialists (like architects, fire engineers, or energy consultants) to address those areas. StructSpectrum’s service focuses solely on the structural components of Building Regulations compliance.
4.7 Exclusions
Unless explicitly agreed in writing as an additional service, StructSpectrum’s coordination service does not include:
Handling party wall matters under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Preparing or submitting planning applications or building control applications on your behalf (we only provide supporting structural documents; you or your architect typically handle submissions).
Hiring or managing building contractors or construction trades.
Carrying out or supervising construction work on site.
Acting as a project manager or clerk of works during construction.
Providing ongoing maintenance inspections or post-completion structural monitoring.
If you require services beyond structural engineering coordination (such as full architectural design, building surveying, or on-site project management), we may be able to recommend other professionals. However, any such services would be outside the scope of our engagement and not covered by these Terms.
5. Quotes, Booking Process, and Formation of Contract
5.1 Request and Quote
We begin each project by gathering information about your needs—either through our online form or a direct consultation. Based on the information you provide, StructSpectrum will identify a suitable Engineer from our network and prepare a quote for you.
This quote will outline the proposed scope of services and the fee. It is typically provided via email or message and will usually include details such as:
The type of service(s) required (e.g., site visit, structural calculations, report).
The number or scope of structural elements involved (for example, calculations for two beams, design of a steel frame, etc.).
The format of the deliverables (e.g., a written report, structural drawings, calculation sheets).
The fee for the service (usually a fixed price). If any part of the fee is time-based or subject to conditions, this will be clearly explained.
5.2 Acceptance
As the Customer, you should carefully review the quote. If you have questions or need any changes to the scope, let us know; we can discuss and, if necessary, adjust the quote (in consultation with the Engineer).
Once you confirm in writing (for example, by email or messaging) that you wish to proceed with the quoted services, you are formally accepting the quote. At that point:
A binding contract is formed between you and StructSpectrum, incorporating these Terms and the details of the quote.
StructSpectrum will proceed to schedule and manage the project, and will appoint the Engineer as described.
The Engineer is then responsible for completing the technical work as outlined in the quote (under our coordination).
5.3 Payment (Deposit and Billing)
Upon accepting the quote, we typically require an initial payment (a deposit) equivalent to the cost of any site visit or initial consultation. This payment is usually due upfront, to be made via bank transfer to StructSpectrum’s designated business account. Once the deposit is received, we will confirm your booking and schedule the Engineer’s visit or the start of work.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the remaining balance of the fee is due once the technical work is completed but before the final deliverables (such as the structural report or calculations) are released to you. We will inform you when the work is nearly finished and provide an invoice or payment request for the balance at that time.
All payments are handled securely. We do not store your payment details (bank or card information) without consent, and no interest is earned on funds held on account.
5.4 Commencement of Work
After the necessary initial payment is confirmed (or another payment arrangement is agreed upon), StructSpectrum will officially kick off the project. We will coordinate with the assigned Engineer to:
Schedule any required site visit at a mutually convenient time.
Gather any additional information or documents needed (such as existing plans, structural drawings, or calculations from previous projects, if available).
Begin the engineering assessment or design work as outlined in the quote.
You will be kept informed of the project schedule and any key milestones (like the date of the site visit or the expected completion date for the deliverables).
5.5 Variations to Scope
If, during the course of the project (for example, after the site visit or preliminary analysis), it becomes clear that the scope of work is more complex than initially thought or that additional structural elements need to be addressed, the Engineer (through StructSpectrum) will communicate this to you. For instance, the Engineer might discover that an additional beam or a new foundation design is required.
In such cases, the quote and fee may need to be adjusted. We will discuss any changes in scope and cost with you before proceeding further. No significant extra work will be undertaken without your agreement on the revised scope and any additional fees.
5.6 Cancellation Before Work Begins
If you decide not to proceed with the project after accepting the quote but before any site visit has taken place (or, if no site visit is needed, before the Engineer has started work), you may cancel the project without charge, provided you give us at least 24 hours’ notice prior to any scheduled Engineer visit or work start.
If you cancel after a site visit has been scheduled and the Engineer is already on the way or arrives (with less than 24 hours’ notice), we reserve the right to charge for the missed visit, as the Engineer has allocated time and possibly travel resources for your project.
If you choose not to move forward with the full scope of services after a site visit has been completed (for example, you only wanted the Engineer’s initial opinion and decide not to get the report or calculations), you will only be charged for the site visit portion of the fee. You would not be obligated to pay for the remaining services that you opted not to proceed with.
If any work has already been done with your approval (such as the Engineer performing a site visit or starting calculations) and then you cancel, we will only charge you for the work completed up to that point. Any portion of the fee corresponding to work not done will be refunded.
6. Payment Terms
6.1 Pricing and Currency
All prices for our services are quoted in British Pounds (GBP £). Unless explicitly stated, quoted fees do not include VAT. If VAT is applicable, it will be added at the appropriate rate as required by UK law.
In most cases, the fee quoted is a fixed price for the agreed scope of work. If any part of the pricing is based on an hourly rate or depends on certain conditions (e.g., additional site visits or significant design changes), we will clearly communicate this in the quote before you accept it.
6.2 Deposits and Balance Payments
Typically, upon accepting our quote, you will be asked to pay a deposit which covers the cost of the initial site visit or a portion of the work. This deposit is payable in advance and allows us to schedule the Engineer and commit resources to your project. Payment is usually made via bank transfer to StructSpectrum’s business account (we will provide account details with the invoice or payment instructions).
The remaining balance of the fee is due upon completion of the work, before the final Deliverables (calculations, reports, drawings, etc.) are released to you. In practice:
We will notify you when the Engineer has completed the work (or is about to complete it) and provide you with an invoice or payment request for the outstanding amount.
Once full payment is received, we will promptly send you the Deliverables.
For business Customers with approved accounts, alternative payment schedules (such as payment on invoice within a certain number of days) may be arranged by prior agreement.
All payments should be made through the methods we specify (typically direct bank transfer). We handle payments securely and do not retain your financial information without permission. Any funds collected and held briefly before paying the Engineer are kept in our account solely for the purpose of settling the project; no interest is earned on these funds.
6.3 Disputed Payments
If you are dissatisfied with the service provided or believe there is a significant issue attributable to either StructSpectrum’s coordination or the Engineer’s work, please notify us as soon as possible, providing a clear description of your concerns. We take such feedback seriously and will initiate a fair review of the situation.
As StructSpectrum is the coordinating party (and since you contract with us, not directly with the Engineer), any issues or disputes should be communicated to us. We will work with you and the Engineer to try to resolve the matter amicably and fairly. Our goal is to find a balanced solution; for example, this might include the Engineer revising the work, a partial refund, or another appropriate remedy depending on the circumstances.
6.4 Refunds
If, after our review (or by mutual agreement), it is determined that StructSpectrum or the Engineer failed to meet our obligations or your reasonable expectations, we will offer an appropriate refund. The amount may be a full refund or a partial refund, depending on the nature of the issue and the extent to which the service fell short.
If we cannot reach an agreement on a dispute, you have the option to pursue alternative dispute resolution methods (see Section 11) or other legal remedies as appropriate. Our aim, however, is to address issues promptly and fairly without the need for escalation.
Approved refunds will be processed by StructSpectrum and issued to the original payment method whenever possible (for example, returned to the same bank account from which you paid).
7. Cancellation and Termination Policy
(This section explains how cancellations and terminations are handled for consumers, business customers, and by StructSpectrum or the Engineer.)
7.1 Consumer Right to Cancel (Cooling-Off Period)
If you are a consumer (an individual using our service for personal purposes), and you have booked our services remotely (for example, via phone, email, or online), you have a legal right to cancel your booking within a certain period.
Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, services like ours often come with a 14-day cooling-off period. However, because our service usually involves scheduling an Engineer’s visit promptly, this cooling-off right applies only up until the point we have committed resources or the Engineer has been dispatched. In practice, you can cancel at no charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled site visit or the agreed start of the work.
If you cancel with at least 24 hours’ notice before the first planned site visit or before work has started, we will refund any money you have paid for that service.
If you agree that we start the service (for example, scheduling an immediate site visit within the 14-day period), then the cooling-off period ends when the service begins.
Important: Last-minute cancellations (for example, on the day of a scheduled site visit, or after the Engineer is already on the way) may incur a fee to cover the Engineer’s time and travel, especially if the cancellation is without a valid reason.
7.2 Cancellation After a Site Visit (Service Already Commenced)
Once the Engineer has conducted a site visit, the service has clearly begun. If you decide after the site visit that you do not wish to proceed further (for instance, you choose not to have the Engineer complete the calculations or report), you will be responsible for the cost of the site visit, since that portion of the service was delivered.
You are not obligated to continue with the rest of the work after the site visit. We will only charge you for the work that has been done (the site inspection and any immediate advice given). The remaining quoted fee for producing calculations or a report would not be charged if you halt the project at this stage.
If you believe the site visit or initial service was not performed properly or to a reasonable standard, please inform us. We will review the issue, and if we find that the service was unsatisfactory, we may choose not to charge you for the site visit or may offer a reduced fee, depending on what is fair in the circumstances.
7.3 Cancellation After Work Has Started
If the Engineer has begun substantial work on your structural calculations or report (but has not yet delivered the final documents) and you then decide to cancel, we will charge for the portion of work completed up to the cancellation point and refund any portion of the fee for work not yet done.
For example, if roughly 50% of the engineering work has been completed and you choose to cancel, we would typically retain or charge 50% of the agreed fee and refund the remaining 50% (assuming you had paid in advance). We will always try to be fair in calculating the amount, based on the work progress and any expenses incurred.
7.4 After Delivery of the Report (Dissatisfaction with Work)
If the Engineer has finished the work and delivered the report, calculations, or drawings, and you are not satisfied with the outcome, you should raise this as a complaint with us (see Section 11 on Dispute Resolution). We will work with you to understand the issue.
If we find that the delivered work did not meet the agreed scope or was clearly below professional standards (for example, containing significant errors or omissions), we will arrange for corrections to be made at no extra cost, or offer an appropriate refund or discount.
If we believe the work was delivered as promised and to a reasonable standard, but you simply expected a different result (for example, the engineering report did not support removing a wall you hoped to remove), then a refund would not typically be due. However, we could discuss options such as a second opinion (which would be at additional cost) if you desire.
In any case, we encourage you to communicate any dissatisfaction, and we will do our best to address it fairly.
7.5 Cancellation Policy for Business Customers
For customers using our service in the course of business (not as individual consumers), the statutory cooling-off rules do not apply. However, we still strive to be fair and flexible:
Before a site visit is booked: You may cancel at any time without charge.
After booking but at least 24 hours before the visit: Cancellation is still free of charge.
Cancellation with short notice (less than 24 hours before a scheduled visit): We reserve the right to charge for the missed appointment, especially if the Engineer cannot be reallocated to other work on short notice.
After the site visit has taken place: You will be charged for the site visit. If you decide not to proceed with further work (calculations/report), no additional fees will be charged for the remaining scope.
After the Engineer has started the report/calculations: If you cancel at this stage, a partial fee will apply commensurate with the amount of work completed.
After final deliverables are provided: The full fee is payable. If there are issues with the deliverables, these will be handled as a quality or warranty matter rather than a cancellation.
These terms for business clients are summarized from our perspective of fairness and may be subject to any separate contract we have with your business.
7.6 Cancellation by the Engineer
In rare cases, an assigned Engineer might be unable to carry out or complete the work (for example, due to illness, emergencies, or unforeseen scheduling conflicts). If this happens:
StructSpectrum will inform you as soon as possible and will try to arrange a suitable replacement Engineer of equivalent qualification and experience to take over the project, at no additional cost to you.
You will have the opportunity to approve the proposed replacement Engineer. If you do not feel comfortable with the replacement, you may decline.
If no suitable replacement is available, or if you choose not to proceed with the replacement offered, we will cancel the project and provide you with a full refund of any amount you have paid for the service.
We take the reliability of our Engineer network seriously. An Engineer who cancels a commitment without a valid reason may face consequences in our network (such as being passed over for future jobs).
7.7 Termination of Service by StructSpectrum
StructSpectrum reserves the right to suspend or terminate our service to you in certain circumstances:
If you commit a serious breach of these Terms or engage in misconduct that, in our view, jeopardizes our staff, our Engineers, or our business operations, we may suspend work on your project or terminate the service.
Examples of such misconduct include: non-payment of fees, fraud or attempted fraud, abusive or threatening behavior towards our team or the Engineer, misuse of the Deliverables (e.g., altering reports to mislead authorities), or requests for us to perform illegal or unsafe actions.
In most cases, we will provide you with a warning notice and a chance to rectify the issue (for example, pay an overdue invoice or correct your behavior) before terminating the contract. However, if the issue is very serious or poses an immediate risk (for instance, evidence of fraud or safety risks), termination may be effective immediately.
If we terminate our service while your project is still underway, we will work to ensure you are not left in a difficult position. We will notify the Engineer and, where possible, attempt to close out any ongoing work in a fair manner. This may involve delivering any partially completed work (with appropriate disclaimers), issuing a refund for work not done, or otherwise helping with an orderly transition.
7.8 Effect of Cancellation or Termination
When a contract between you and StructSpectrum ends early (whether by cancellation or termination), a few things happen:
Fees and Refunds: We will settle the financial side as per the terms above. If a refund is due to you, we will process it promptly. If payment is due for work already completed by the Engineer, we will retain that portion (or invoice you for it, if not yet paid) and ensure the Engineer is compensated, with only the remaining balance (if any) returned to you.
Use of Work: If the service is terminated before completion, you should not use any partial deliverables or work-in-progress provided to you, unless we explicitly agree otherwise and you have paid for that portion. For example, if the Engineer provided a preliminary drawing or calculation and a refund was given, you do not have the right to use that incomplete work elsewhere.
Return of Information: Both you and we agree to return or delete any confidential materials received from the other party as requested (subject to any legal obligations to retain records). For instance, if you provided architectural drawings to the Engineer and the project is cancelled, the Engineer will not continue to use those drawings. Similarly, if the Engineer gave you some documents and a refund, you should not retain or distribute those documents.
Ongoing Clauses: Certain provisions of these Terms will continue to apply even after the contract ends. These include, for example, confidentiality obligations, intellectual property protections, and any limitations of liability or indemnities that are intended to remain in effect.
No Future Obligations: Once termination or cancellation is effective and any due payments are settled, neither party will have further obligations to the other under the contract (except for the surviving terms noted above). We will not impose any penalties or additional charges solely because you ended the contract early, aside from the legitimate charges for work already done.
Liability for Prior Breaches: Ending the contract does not release either party from liability for things that happened before termination. For example, if an Engineer provided negligent advice that caused damage before the contract was terminated, the appropriate liability and remedies for that negligence still apply even after termination.
In summary, if a project is called off, we aim to handle it in a fair and reasonable way: ensuring everyone is paid for the work they’ve done, refunding any unearned fees, and wrapping up responsibilities properly.
8. Intellectual Property and Confidentiality
8.1 Intellectual Property in Deliverables
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the intellectual property rights (including copyright) in all Deliverables produced by the Engineer (calculations, drawings, reports, etc.) initially belong to the Engineer (or their company) until you have paid for the work in full.
Once you have paid all fees due for the project, you receive a license to use the Deliverables for their intended purposes:
You may submit them to relevant authorities (like local council planning or building control).
You may share them with your contractors or builders to carry out the work.
You may keep copies for your personal records related to the project.
If you hired StructSpectrum on behalf of a third party (for example, you are a contractor arranging engineering for a client), this license extends to that third party, but only for use in the specific project for which the Deliverables were created.
Meanwhile, the Engineer retains certain rights to their work:
They may use the general knowledge, experience, and non-confidential techniques gained from your project in their future work. (For example, the Engineer can apply a standard design detail learned on your project to other projects, as long as it doesn’t reveal your confidential information.)
They may be credited as the author of the work if such attribution is customary (though typically engineering documents aren’t published publicly).
They may use non-identifiable aspects of the project in their professional portfolio or for accreditation purposes (e.g., showing a generic detail or calculation, without any personal or project-identifying information, to demonstrate their expertise), unless you expressly request otherwise.
The Engineer will not reuse or disclose any of your confidential project information or any Deliverables in a way that can identify you or your project without your permission.
Transfer of Ownership (by Agreement): If you require full ownership of the intellectual property in the Deliverables (not just a license), this must be agreed in advance and explicitly in writing. In some commercial projects, for instance, clients negotiate to have all rights in the work
transferred to them. Such an arrangement may involve an additional fee and would mean the Engineer gives up any rights to reuse the work. Unless such an agreement is made, you have a license to use the material, but do not own the copyright outright.
Limitations on Use: The Deliverables are provided for use on your specific project. You agree not to use them for any other project or purpose without obtaining permission. You also agree not to distribute, sell, or make public the Deliverables beyond what is necessary for your project. This is to protect the Engineer from unintended liability and to respect their intellectual property.
Website and Marketing Materials: All content on the StructSpectrum website and in our marketing materials (including text, images, logos, and design elements) is owned by StructSpectrum or our content suppliers and is protected by intellectual property laws. Using our services does not grant you any rights to our website content or branding. You may not use, reproduce, or distribute any content from our site for commercial purposes without our explicit written consent.
8.2 Confidentiality
We treat your personal and project information with the utmost confidentiality:
Customer Information: Any information you provide to StructSpectrum or the Engineer about your project or yourself will be kept confidential. We will not share your documents, details, or data with anyone outside of our organization and the assigned Engineer, except as needed to perform the Services or as required by law. For example, if building regulations require submission of calculations, that is a permitted disclosure. If your project involves particularly sensitive information (e.g., related to a unique design or security concerns), let us know; we can arrange additional confidentiality agreements if necessary.
Engineer’s Information: Similarly, you may not disclose any proprietary or sensitive information the Engineer shares with you about their methods or processes. Generally, the Deliverables can be shared with those who need them for the project (like contractors or officials), but if an Engineer provides any information marked as confidential or for your use only, you should not disclose that to others.
StructSpectrum’s Business Information: You agree not to reveal any confidential information about how StructSpectrum operates that isn’t public knowledge. This includes any business procedures, pricing arrangements, or the details of our agreements with Engineers. You also agree not to attempt to circumvent StructSpectrum by directly contracting our Engineers for side work during your project without our consent.
Exceptions: The duty of confidentiality does not apply to information that:
is already public knowledge (through no breach of these Terms);
was independently developed or obtained by the receiving party without reference to the confidential information;
is required to be disclosed by law or by a court or regulatory authority (in which case the disclosing party should, if legally permitted, inform the other party beforehand).
Duration: The confidentiality obligations start from the time you first engage with StructSpectrum (or an Engineer through us) and continue even after our business relationship ends. Both we and you remain bound to protect each other’s confidential information indefinitely, or at least until the information enters the public domain through proper means.
8.3 Data Protection
StructSpectrum handles personal data in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for full details on how we collect, use, and protect personal data.
In summary:
We collect and use personal data only as needed to provide our services and manage your project (for example, contact details to reach you, or property information for the Engineer to perform their work).
We do not sell your personal data to third parties or use it for purposes unrelated to our services. We also take appropriate technical and organizational measures to keep your data secure.
Any Engineers or third-party service providers we involve are also required to handle your data securely and only for the purposes of your project. For instance, an Engineer will use your contact and property details solely to perform the structural services and not for their own marketing.
If you have any questions or concerns about how your data is being used, or if you need to exercise any of your legal rights regarding your data, please contact us and we will address your concerns promptly.
If you suspect that any confidential information or personal data has been misused or disclosed without authorization, inform us immediately so we can investigate and take appropriate action.
9. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability
We want to be transparent about the extent of our responsibility to you. StructSpectrum’s role is to facilitate your project by connecting you with a qualified Engineer and managing the process, but we do not directly provide engineering advice. This section explains the limits of our liability. Nothing in this section is intended to undermine your statutory rights, especially if you are a consumer.
9.1 General Disclaimers
No Guarantee of Outcomes: We will do our best to ensure you receive high-quality service, but we cannot guarantee specific outcomes of the project. For example, we cannot promise that your planning permission will be granted, that building control will approve the plans without questions, or that a particular design solution will meet all your objectives. Many factors affecting these outcomes (such as planning policies, building control decisions, or on-site construction practices) are outside our control.
Opinions vs. Decisions: Any views or opinions expressed by StructSpectrum or the Engineer about likely outcomes (for instance, an Engineer saying "this design should pass building control" or "I expect the council to approve this") are given in good faith based on experience, but they are not guarantees. Final decisions rest with third parties (like local authorities or inspectors), and we cannot be responsible for those decisions.
Third-Party Services and Materials: If you hire other professionals or contractors (such as builders, architects, or surveyors) or purchase materials or products for your project, we are not responsible for their performance or reliability. We may help coordinate with other parties and even recommend professionals, but we do not take liability for their work or products. It is up to you to ensure any third-party services or materials meet your requirements.
Use of Website Information: Information you obtain from our website, promotional materials, or initial consultations is intended for general guidance. It should not be relied upon as professional advice for making decisions about your project until you formally engage our services and a specific Engineer reviews your situation. The formal advice you receive in the Deliverables (reports, calculations, etc.) will be tailored to your project and supersedes any general information.
9.2 StructSpectrum’s Liability to You
When you purchase services from StructSpectrum, the law gives you certain rights (especially if you are a consumer) and also allows us to set reasonable limits on our liability. Here is how our liability is limited:
Indirect or Consequential Losses: We are not liable for losses that are indirect or consequential. In other words, we will be responsible for losses that are a direct result of something we did wrong, but not for wider problems you might experience as a knock-on effect. For example, if we were late in delivering a report, we would cover any direct extra expense you incurred due to that delay (such as an extra inspection fee). However, we would not be liable for indirect consequences like lost profits on a development or loss of property value. Specifically, we exclude liability for things like:
Loss of profit, revenue, or business.
Loss of anticipated savings.
Loss of opportunity or business goodwill.
Any other indirect economic or financial loss.
Liability Cap: In any event, if we are found liable to you for any reason, our liability is capped at the amount you have paid us for the service in question. For example, if you paid £500 for a structural design package, our maximum liability to you for that package (for all claims combined) would be £500. This cap on liability helps ensure that our potential exposure is proportional to the fee charged for our service.
This cap does not apply to anything we can’t lawfully limit (see below). It primarily applies to contract and negligence claims related to our coordination services.
For consumers: we will not impose a liability cap lower than the amount you paid, as doing so would conflict with consumer law.
No Limitation for Certain Matters: We do not exclude or limit liability for:
Death or personal injury caused by our negligence.
Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.
Any breach of your consumer rights that cannot be excluded by law (such as providing a service without reasonable care and skill).
Any other liability which cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law.
Our Service Commitment: We are responsible for providing our coordination service with reasonable care and skill. If we fail to do so and that causes you loss, you may have a right to compensation or other remedies. The limitations above (such as the liability cap) would apply to such claims, but we first and foremost aim to correct any issues and satisfy our obligations rather than rely on legal limits.
Important: StructSpectrum’s role is to arrange and facilitate the engineering services. We are not the ones performing the engineering calculations or inspections. That is the Engineer’s responsibility (see Section 9.3 below for the Engineer’s liability). While we do everything we can to select qualified professionals and oversee the process, we cannot accept liability for technical errors in the engineering work itself beyond the extent we have already outlined.
9.3 Engineer’s Liability to You
The Engineer who performs the structural work on your project will have a professional duty to you to do that work with care and competence:
Professional Duty: The Engineer is expected to carry out their services with the skill and care that is standard in the structural engineering profession, and in accordance with applicable building regulations and standards.
Engineer’s Responsibility: If the Engineer is negligent or makes an error in their work (for example, a miscalculation or an omission in a report) and you suffer loss as a result, the Engineer may be liable to you for that negligence. Typically, the Engineer’s liability will be covered by their professional indemnity insurance, and any claim for such errors would be directed to the Engineer (or their insurance) rather than to StructSpectrum.
Engineer’s Insurance: Every Engineer we engage is required to have Professional Indemnity Insurance (to cover errors in their work) and Public Liability Insurance (to cover accidents or damage on site, etc.). This means that if something does go wrong due to the Engineer’s work, there is insurance in place that may compensate you for losses, subject to the policy terms.
Limitations in Engineer’s Terms: Some Engineers may include a limitation of liability in their own terms or the notes they provide with the deliverables. For example, an Engineer might cap their liability to a certain amount or state that only you (as the commissioning client) can rely on their report. We ensure that any such limitations are not unlawful or unreasonable:
If you are a consumer, any limitation must comply with the fairness test in the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
If you are a business client, such terms are subject to the reasonableness requirement of the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977.
In practice, these limitations are rarely invoked, but we mention them so you are aware that the Engineer’s liability might have some contractual limits.
No Third-Party Reliance: The work produced by the Engineer is intended for you and your project. Unless otherwise agreed, no third party (e.g., a future purchaser of your property or a neighbor) has the right to rely on the Engineer’s report or calculations. If you anticipate that a third party will need to rely on the documents (for instance, a bank or buyer requiring the report), please let us know in advance. It may be possible for the Engineer to extend a duty of care to that third party through a formal letter of reliance or warranty (which might involve an additional fee and must be agreed to by the Engineer).
9.4 Your Liability and Indemnity
While we work to protect your interests, you also have some responsibilities to protect us and the Engineer:
Information Accuracy: You confirm that the information you provide to us and the Engineer is accurate to the best of your knowledge. If you knowingly supply incorrect information or omit important details, and this leads to problems (like a structural design that is unsafe or unsuitable), you may be held responsible for any resulting damages or costs. For example, if you misrepresent the existing structure’s condition or dimensions and the Engineer’s design fails because of it, you could be liable for the consequences.
Safe Access: If an Engineer is going to your property for a site visit, you must ensure the property is safe for entry and inspection. You should inform the Engineer (or StructSpectrum) in advance of any known dangers (such as unstable structures, presence of asbestos, or hazardous site conditions). If you fail to warn us or the Engineer about a known danger and the Engineer (or any person) is injured or suffers damage as a result, you may be held responsible.
Proper Use of Documents: You agree to use the Deliverables (reports, calculations, drawings) only as intended. You will not modify them on your own or provide them to others as “engineering advice” outside the context of your project. If you use the documents improperly (for example, reusing an Engineer’s calculation for a different project without approval), you agree that neither StructSpectrum nor the Engineer will be liable for any issues that arise, and you may be responsible for any damage caused by such misuse.
Indemnity: To the fullest extent allowed by law, you agree to indemnify (reimburse) StructSpectrum and our employees for any losses, costs, or claims (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:
Your misuse of the Deliverables or services (for instance, altering an engineering report and then a third party relying on it).
Any statement or action by you that causes damage to our reputation or business (for example, if you falsely claim we approved something illegal).
Your breach of these Terms or violation of any laws in connection with the services.
Claims made against us by a third party as a result of your actions or instructions (for example, if a neighbor or contractor sues us due to something you did or asked for that we were not aware of).
Engineer Claims: Similarly, if a third party brings a claim against StructSpectrum due to the Engineer’s work on your project (and it turns out the fault was with the Engineer’s work), you agree that the Engineer (not StructSpectrum) should bear that responsibility. We include this here to clarify that our role is an intermediary; we will, of course, work with you to redirect any such claim to the Engineer and their insurance if it arises.
(Note: The indemnity and liability provisions above are designed mainly to protect us from improper use of our services or documents and from being drawn into disputes that are not our fault. We do not seek to avoid responsibility for our own mistakes.)
9.5 Entire Agreement and Reliance
These Terms, together with our quote and any agreed scope of work in writing, form the entire agreement between you, StructSpectrum, and the Engineer for the services we provide. This means that they supersede any previous discussions, communications, or understandings we might have had about the service.
You acknowledge that in entering into this agreement, you are not relying on any representation, promise, or assurance that isn’t explicitly stated in these Terms or the written quote. For example, if during an initial call someone said "this will definitely be approved by the council," but that promise is not in the written agreement, you should not rely on it as a guaranteed outcome.
This clause does not limit or exclude any liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation. If someone deliberately misled you and that induced you to use our service, then that is a serious matter and your legal rights and remedies are preserved.
9.6 Summary of Liability Terms
To summarize the key points regarding liability and warranties:
StructSpectrum is responsible for providing its coordination services with reasonable care and skill, but we are not responsible for the technical engineering results (that is the Engineer’s responsibility).
We limit our liability to the amount you paid for our service, and we do not cover indirect losses or things beyond our control.
We will never exclude liability for serious matters like personal injury caused by our negligence or fraud.
If you are a consumer, you have specific legal rights and nothing in these Terms is meant to reduce those rights.
If other parties or factors outside our service cause an issue (for example, a builder’s poor workmanship or a council’s decision), that is outside our liability.
You have obligations to provide correct information and use the documents properly; failing to do so could make you responsible for resulting problems or losses.
Every Engineer we work with carries professional insurance; in the unlikely event of a major error in their work, insurance is in place to help cover the issue.
We always aim to act fairly and transparently. If you have any questions about these liability terms, please ask.
10. Consumer Rights and Fair Dealings
If you are a consumer (using our services for personal, non-business purposes), you have certain rights under consumer protection law that we fully support and adhere to. We want you to be aware of these key protections:
Services with Reasonable Care and Skill: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you are entitled to services carried out with reasonable care and skill. This means both StructSpectrum in coordinating the service, and the Engineer in performing the technical work, must do so to a proper standard of professionalism. If either of us fails to meet this standard, you have the right to ask for the work to be redone, or for an appropriate remedy (such as a price reduction) if redoing the work is impractical.
Services as Described: Any description of the service we provide (whether in these Terms, on our website, or in our communications with you) forms part of the contract. The service delivered should match the description given. For example, if we told you that a report would include certain analyses or be completed by a certain date, we are bound by that. If the service does not match the description, you can seek a remedy under Section 50 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Fair Pricing and Information: The price we agree on for the service, and any other key terms, will be clearly communicated to you before you decide to proceed. We won’t spring hidden charges on you. Also, we’ll honor any commitments about timing; if we say we’ll deliver a report by a certain week, we plan to do so (and if an unavoidable delay arises, we’ll inform you promptly and discuss your options).
No Unfair Terms: Our Terms are intended to be fair. In the event that any term in this contract is found to be unfair or unenforceable to a consumer, the rest of the contract would still apply, but that specific term would not (and we would, of course, abide by the law in that regard). We do not seek to impose any terms that unlawfully limit your rights.
We strive to be transparent in our dealings. If you ever feel that we are not living up to what was promised, or that something in our Terms might be unfair, please let us know. We take such feedback seriously and will work to address any issues.
10.1 Remedies if Things Go Wrong
In line with your consumer rights:
If a service is not carried out with reasonable care and skill, you’re entitled to ask us to perform the service again correctly, at no extra cost to you. If it’s not possible to re-perform the service (for instance, if the issue can’t be fixed or you’ve lost confidence), you may be entitled to a reduction in the price.
If our service or the Engineer’s work deviates from what was agreed or described, you can request that it be corrected. If correction is not possible or fails to resolve the problem, you’re entitled to a price reduction, which could be up to a full refund in an extreme case.
If a mistake on our part causes you additional expense or loss, you may be able to claim compensation for those losses. We would assess such situations case by case, in line with the limitations of liability in Section 9 and your statutory rights.
10.2 Addressing Complaints and Issues
We are committed to resolving any issues in a friendly and efficient manner (see Section 11 on Dispute Resolution for more details). If you have a complaint, we encourage you to contact us and we will do our utmost to fix the problem to your satisfaction.
UK consumer law encourages businesses to be proactive and fair in resolving complaints. We follow these principles: acknowledging problems, apologizing if we’ve fallen short, fixing what can be fixed, and compensating fairly where appropriate.
Remember, nothing in these Terms is intended to restrict or undermine the rights you have under law. In fact, we’ve designed our policies to align with good customer service and legal obligations. We want you to feel confident in using our service, knowing that you’re protected.
If you need further advice about your rights, organizations like Citizens Advice can provide free guidance. But we hope we’ll never give you cause to need that. Our aim is to make you a happy customer.
11. Dispute Resolution and Complaints
We sincerely hope you never have a reason to complain. However, if issues do arise, this section explains how we will handle them to reach a fair resolution.
11.1 Contact Us First
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service or the Engineer’s work, please contact StructSpectrum directly as soon as possible. You can reach us at info@structspectrum.co.uk or by phone (see our website for the current contact number). Provide us with the details of the issue and any supporting information.
We will:
Acknowledge your complaint promptly (usually within 1–2 business days).
Discuss the matter with you to understand your concerns.
Investigate the issue, which may involve talking to the Engineer or reviewing communications and documents.
Endeavor to resolve the issue to your satisfaction. This could mean correcting an error, clarifying a misunderstanding, or, if appropriate, offering a partial refund or other remedy.
Most issues can be resolved quickly through open and honest communication. We value your feedback and view complaints as an opportunity to improve our service.
11.2 Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation)
If we are unable to resolve a complaint through our internal process, we may suggest using an independent mediator or another form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Mediation is a process where an impartial third party helps facilitate a mutually acceptable resolution.
Key points about mediation:
It is voluntary; both you and we (and the Engineer, if involved) must agree to mediate.
It is confidential and without prejudice (meaning nothing discussed can be used later in court without permission).
It’s usually quicker and less formal than going to court.
We might recommend a mediation service such as the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) or another reputable mediator. Under UK regulations, we are required to inform consumer clients about an appropriate ADR entity when a dispute cannot be settled directly. For example:
We will let you know of a mediation provider (and website) that is competent to deal with the complaint.
We will also tell you whether we are prepared to submit to a mediation process in your case.
Our general approach is to remain open to mediation, as it often helps reach a fair outcome with less cost and time. However, using ADR is not mandatory; it’s an option available if both parties agree it might be helpful.
11.3 Involving Professional Bodies
Many of the Engineers we work with are members of professional institutions such as the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) or the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). These institutions have codes of conduct and may offer arbitration or complaints services for work done by their members.
If your dispute specifically concerns the professional conduct or competence of an Engineer, and if the Engineer is a member of such a body, you may have the option to raise a complaint with that institution. We can inform you of the Engineer’s memberships and guide you on how to contact the institution if needed. This would be a separate route from our process, and it’s up to you whether you wish to pursue it.
11.4 Legal Action
We hope to resolve disputes without legal action, but for completeness:
Jurisdiction: These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. If you are a consumer in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to bring a claim in the courts there. Business customers and consumers in England/Wales agree to the jurisdiction of the English/Welsh courts. If you live outside the UK, you may have the right to bring proceedings in your local courts under certain consumer protection rules. We will respect any such rights where they apply.
Court Options: If a dispute does go to court, the track (Small Claims, Fast Track, Multi-Track) will depend on the complexity and value of the claim. For example, straightforward claims under £10,000 by a consumer might be handled in the Small Claims Court, which is designed to be user-friendly and low-cost.
Who to Sue: Depending on the issue, a claim might be directed at StructSpectrum or the Engineer (or both):
If it’s about our service terms, fees, or our conduct, the claim would be against StructSpectrum.
If it’s about the technical engineering work (e.g., alleged negligence in the calculations or design), generally the claim would be against the Engineer who did that work (remember, the Engineer has their own insurance for such matters).
We will not contest the involvement of the correct party. In some cases, both StructSpectrum and the Engineer might be parties to a case, each with our respective responsibilities as outlined in these Terms.
Time Limits: Legal claims have time limits (limitation periods). For example, in the UK a typical time limit for contractual or negligence claims is six years from the breach or damage (shorter in some cases, like three years for personal injury). This is just to note that if you ever did consider legal action, it should be taken within the applicable time frame.
11.5 Our Commitment During Disputes
If a dispute arises, we remain committed to professionalism throughout the process:
We will continue to treat your matter seriously and courteously, whether we’re communicating with you directly, through a mediator, or via solicitors.
If the dispute involves the Engineer’s work, we will assist in communications. We won’t simply leave you to sort it out with the Engineer on your own. We’ll provide relevant information (e.g., project notes, correspondence) to help resolve the issue, as allowed by privacy laws.
If you decide to pursue a remedy through small claims court or other legal avenues, we will not retaliate or terminate our remaining obligations just because of that. You have a right to seek resolution through the justice system, and we respect that.
Our aim is to solve problems, not escalate them. We value our reputation for being fair and want you to feel that even if something didn’t go perfectly, we tried our best to make it right.
11.6 Costs of Resolving Disputes
Resolving disputes can involve costs, and we want to be clear about how those are handled:
Mediation Costs: If we mutually agree to mediation, the cost of the mediator is typically shared between the parties (often equally). Mediation costs can vary, but we would discuss and agree on the specifics before proceeding. Sometimes, as a gesture of goodwill, StructSpectrum might offer to cover more of the mediator’s fee, especially if it helps reach a quick resolution.
Legal Costs: If a matter goes to court, each party usually bears their own legal costs. In the Small Claims Court in England and Wales, for example, legal costs are very limited and generally not recoverable even by the winning side (to keep it accessible). For higher value claims, a court may order the losing party to pay the winner’s legal costs, but this is at the court’s discretion.
We encourage trying the approaches in 11.1 and 11.2 first (direct communication and perhaps mediation) because they are less costly and often faster. Going to court should be a last resort.
Above all, our philosophy is to find a fair solution efficiently. We truly want you to have a positive experience with StructSpectrum, and that includes how we handle things if they don’t go perfectly.
12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Governing Law: These Terms and any agreements we enter into with you are governed by the laws of England and Wales. This means that the interpretation and enforcement of our contract will be based on English/Welsh law.
Jurisdiction for Businesses: If you are a business customer, you and StructSpectrum agree that any disputes or legal proceedings will be heard in the courts of England and Wales exclusively.
Jurisdiction for Consumers: If you are a consumer, you will benefit from certain jurisdictional protections. We as a UK-based service provider would generally be expected to be sued in the UK. You can bring legal proceedings against StructSpectrum in the English or Welsh courts. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may also choose to bring proceedings in your local courts under consumer protection rules. We will not contest the jurisdiction if consumer law grants you the choice.
International Customers: StructSpectrum’s services are primarily intended for the UK market. If you are accessing our services from outside the UK, be aware that we make no representation that our services comply with laws outside the UK. You are responsible for ensuring your use of our service is lawful in your country. Any contract formed with you would still be governed by English law as stated above.
Prevailing Language: These Terms are written in English. If we provide a translation or if you use translation tools, please note that the English version will prevail in case of any differences in interpretation or meaning.
In summary, while we doubt it will ever come to litigation, knowing the governing law and forum can be important. Essentially, English law applies, and UK courts (with some flexibility for consumers) will handle any disputes.
13. Other Important Terms
13.1 Changes to These Terms
We may revise or update these Terms from time to time. Reasons for updates might include changes in the law, changes in our business or services, or improvements/clarifications to our terms. Whenever we make a significant change, we will notify you: for example, by sending an email to our current customers or by placing a prominent notice on our website.
If you have an ongoing project when Terms are updated, the version of the Terms that applied at the time you booked the service will usually remain in force for that project (unless we mutually agree to adopt the new terms or a change in the law requires an update).
For any future projects or new engagements, the latest Terms will apply.
If you do not agree with the changes in the Terms, and you have not yet entered into a new contract with us under those Terms, you are free to choose not to use our services going forward. (Naturally, any changes will aim to be fair and reasonable, as our relationship with our clients is our priority.)
13.2 Assignment (Transfer of Contract)
StructSpectrum may transfer our rights and obligations under our contract with you to another organization. For example, if StructSpectrum is acquired by another company or if we restructure, the new entity would assume our responsibilities to you. If that happens, we will ensure that the transfer does not affect your rights under the contract.
You may not transfer your rights or obligations under your contract with us to anyone else without our prior written consent. The reason is that our service often involves personal coordination and specific arrangements. We might allow a transfer in certain cases (for instance, if you sell your property and the new owner wants to continue the project with us, we could agree to novate the contract to them), but this would need to be discussed and agreed in writing.
Also, note that while the Engineer provides the technical work, there is no need for you to separately assign anything to them – we handle that relationship.
13.3 Third-Party Rights
This contract is between you and StructSpectrum (and involves an Engineer through our coordination). It is not intended to give rights to anyone else to enforce any of its terms.
Under the UK Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, a person who is not a party to a contract might have certain rights to enforce terms of that contract. We explicitly state that, except as mentioned below, no third party has such rights in this case.
Exception – Engineers and Staff: The limitation of liability and indemnity clauses in these Terms (such as those protecting our employees or the Engineers) can be relied upon by those individuals or Engineers as if they were parties to this contract. This means our Engineers and team can invoke certain protections in these Terms (like liability limits) if ever necessary.
Other than the specific exception above, the contract does not confer any rights on anyone except you and StructSpectrum.
13.4 Severability
Each of the clauses and sub-clauses in these Terms operates separately. If any part of this contract is found by a court or other authority to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, that part will be removed or adjusted as minimally necessary, and the rest of the Terms will continue in full force and effect.
For example, if a court said that our liability cap (Section 9.2) was not valid in a certain situation, the rest of the contract would still stand and we’d treat that particular clause as not applying in that situation (while still applying in others to the extent permitted).
13.5 No Waiver
If we do not insist immediately that you do something you are required to do under these Terms, or if we delay in taking action against you if you breach this contract, it does not mean that we waive our rights to enforce the Terms.
For example, if you miss a payment and we do not chase you right away, we still have the right to require payment later, or if you break a term and we don’t immediately take action, we aren’t prevented from doing so after a reasonable period. Any waiver of rights or provisions would have to be in writing and signed by us to be legally effective.
13.6 Relationship of the Parties
StructSpectrum’s role is that of an independent service provider who facilitates a contract between you and an independent Engineer. Nothing in our agreement creates any other relationship between the parties. Specifically:
We (StructSpectrum) are not partners or in a joint venture with you or with the Engineer.
You are not hiring us as an employee, and we are not hiring you – there’s no employment relationship.
Aside from the specific authority you give us to coordinate the project and handle payments, neither party is an agent of the other. This means you cannot enter into contracts or obligations on our behalf, and we cannot do so on yours (except as needed to pay the Engineer as agreed).
The Engineer is also not our employee; they are an independent contractor. We facilitate your contract with them, but we do not control their professional judgment or assume liability for their work beyond what is outlined in these Terms.
13.7 Misrepresentation and Fraud
We stand by all statements we make in these Terms and in our communications with you. If anything ever were misrepresented to you (which we certainly will strive to avoid), the law provides remedies. For example:
If someone on our team made a false statement that induced you to enter this contract, and that statement was made fraudulently or negligently, we could be liable for misrepresentation.
Nothing in this contract is intended to limit liability for any fraudulent statements or deliberate misrepresentations. Those are serious matters, and we acknowledge that you would have legal recourse in such events.
To be clear, we intend to be truthful and transparent. This section is just to assure you that we’re not using the contract to wiggle out of responsibility if we’ve done something fraudulent (which we have no intention of doing).
13.8 Headings and Interpretation
The headings used in these Terms (like the titles of sections and the italicized summaries at the start of some sections) are there to make the document easier to read. They do not have legal effect by themselves.
Also, when interpreting this contract:
Words in the singular include the plural and vice versa, where the context requires.
“Including” means “including without limitation” (so anything after “including” is just an example).
References to any law or regulation include updates or amendments to that law (so if the law changes, our Terms read as referring to the updated law).
These guidelines are simply common rules of interpretation to avoid technical loopholes or confusion.
13.9 Notices
If you need to give us an official notice under these Terms (for example, to cancel the contract, or to raise a formal dispute), it should be done in writing.
You can email us at info@structspectrum.co.uk for formal notices, or send a letter to our registered business address (see our website for the current address).
We will send formal notices to you via the email address or postal address you’ve provided to us.
When we use the term “in writing,” that includes email. If we send you an email to the address you gave us, we will consider it delivered within 24 hours of sending (barring any bounce-back indicating it was undeliverable). If we send a letter by post within the UK, we will consider it delivered 2 business days after posting.
13.10 Acknowledgment of Understanding
By proceeding with our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these Terms. We encourage you to ask any questions if you’re unsure about something. We’ve tried to write these Terms in plain language so they’re clear about what you can expect from us and what we expect from you.
We constantly strive to keep our terms fair and transparent. If you have suggestions or something isn’t clear, we’re open to feedback. Ultimately, we want our Terms to reflect a fair balance and to nurture a positive working relationship with all our Customers.
14. Acknowledgment
By engaging StructSpectrum’s services (for example, by accepting a quote or paying a deposit), you confirm that:
You have read and agree to these Terms and Conditions.
You have the authority to enter into this agreement. If you are acting on behalf of a company or another person, you confirm that you are empowered to agree to these Terms on their behalf.
You understand the respective roles: that StructSpectrum coordinates and facilitates the service, and that the independent Engineer is responsible for the technical work.
We truly appreciate the trust you place in StructSpectrum to assist with your structural project. Our commitment is to make the experience as smooth and professional as possible. If there is any part of these Terms you would like clarified, or if you have any questions at all, please reach out to us at info@structspectrum.co.uk.
Thank you for choosing StructSpectrum. We look forward to helping you make your project a success.