Terms of Trade

1. The quote

Our quote sets out the scope of work, the materials and coating system, and the price. It is valid for thirty days from its date.

Our quotes are issued electronically through our job management system. Every quote carries a link to these Terms of Trade as published at elementoneflooring.com.au/terms; the terms are not attached as a document, and the published version current at the date of the quote is the version that applies. You accept these terms by doing any one of the following: accepting the quote online through the Accept function in the quote link, confirming your acceptance of the quote in writing (including by email), or paying the booking deposit. Whichever occurs first forms the contract, and our system records the date of acceptance.

2. Deposit and payment

2.1 Payment schedule. Unless the quote states a different schedule, payment is staged against three events: (a) a booking deposit of ten per cent (10%) of the quoted price, payable on acceptance of the quote; (b) a materials payment of forty per cent (40%) of the quoted price, payable when we notify you that materials for your project are being ordered; and (c) the balance of fifty per cent (50%), payable on completion.

2.2 What each stage does. The booking deposit secures your dates in our schedule. The materials payment funds the timber, adhesives and coatings ordered specifically for your project. The balance is payable when the work described in the quote is complete.

2.3 When each stage is invoiced and due. An invoice issues at each stage. The booking deposit is due within three days of acceptance, and your dates are held once it is received. The materials payment is due within three days of our notice that ordering is proceeding; materials are not ordered until it is received, and any delay in payment moves the schedule accordingly. The completion invoice issues on the day the work is complete and, unless the quote states a different term, is payable on the day of completion.

2.4 Larger and multi-stage projects. For projects quoted above $25,000, or spanning separate stages (for example, installation and finishing scheduled weeks apart), the quote will state a project-specific schedule of progress payments in place of clause 2.1, tied to the same principle: payment follows real events, never runs ahead of them.

2.5 Completion and minor items. Completion means the quoted work is done and the floor is ready for use. A minor item that does not prevent use of the floor (for example, a trim awaiting a back-ordered profile) does not defer the completion invoice; we record the item, complete it promptly at no charge, and it is covered by the warranty in section 7.

2.6 Method. Payment is by bank transfer to the account stated on the invoice, or by card. Where payment is made by card, the card processing surcharge at the rate stated on the invoice is added to the payment, as permitted by law. Please use the invoice number as the payment reference.

2.7 Deposits and the law. Amounts paid are applied only to your project. If we do not proceed for a reason within our control before materials are ordered, the booking deposit is refunded in full.

2.8 Overdue accounts. We do not charge interest on overdue invoices; we follow up personally. Where an invoice remains unpaid after its due date, we may pause scheduled work until payment is received, with the schedule adjusted accordingly, and we may recover the reasonable costs of collecting a seriously overdue account.

3. What we need from you

Clear access to the work area at the agreed times; the area cleared of furniture and belongings unless the quote includes moving them; electrical power and lighting available; pets and children kept clear of the work area; decisions on colours, finishes and stains confirmed before work begins; where the street has limited-time parking, a parking permit arranged for our vehicles for the days we are on site; and, where sanding and finishing are being carried out, the property vacated for coating and for any period we advise it is required, with the floor left unwalked for the times we confirm at handover.

4. Timber, acclimatisation and natural variation

Timber is a natural material. Boards are acclimatised on site where the material and site conditions require it, and the schedule allows for this. Variation in grain, colour and feature between boards, and between samples and delivered material, is inherent to timber and is not a defect. Timber moves with the seasons; minor expansion, contraction and gapping are natural behaviour.

5. Variations

Changes to the scope after acceptance, including works revealed as necessary once existing flooring is lifted or the subfloor is exposed, or once sanding begins and the true condition of the boards beneath the existing coating is revealed, are quoted as variations and proceed on your written approval. Where concealed conditions make the original scope unachievable as quoted, we will stop, explain, and agree the way forward before continuing.

6. Timing and delays

Estimated timing is given in good faith. Coating cure times are set by the product and the weather, not by us, and re-entry and furniture-return times are stated at handover. Delays from concealed conditions, variation approvals, weather affecting curing, or access not being available are added to the schedule.

7. Warranty

We warrant our workmanship for five (5) years from completion of the work, per the Quality and Workmanship Policy, available on request. The warranty covers the quality of our workmanship only: a defect in installation, sanding, finishing, restoration or repair arising from the manner in which the work was performed.

The warranty does not cover: the timber, boards, adhesives or coatings themselves, for which the manufacturer warranties pass through to you at their own terms; the natural characteristics and seasonal movement of timber described in section 4; moisture events after completion, including flooding, leaks, standing liquid or subfloor moisture; wear, denting, scratching or discolouration from use, sunlight, furniture, footwear or pets; damage from cleaning products or methods contrary to the aftercare guidance in section 8; or work altered, repaired or added to by anyone other than us.

To claim, notify us in writing promptly once a defect appears. Warranty service relies on your account being paid in full and on reasonable care of the floor per section 8. Nothing in these terms excludes the consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law or your rights under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic).

8. Care of your floor

Aftercare guidance specific to your coating system is provided at handover. Warranty coverage relies on reasonable care per that guidance.

9. Title and risk

Materials remain our property until paid for in full; risk in the completed work passes at handover.

10. If something goes wrong

Concerns are handled under our Complaints Handling Policy: acknowledgement within two business days, inspection where needed, and our position in writing. Domestic building disputes that cannot be resolved between us may be taken by either party to Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria, the free government service, before any application to VCAT.

11. Photography

We may photograph completed work for our portfolio, website and social media. Images show the floor, never your address, house number or personal belongings, and never identify you. You may decline by telling us at any time, including after handover, and we will not use or will remove the images.

12. Privacy

Your information is handled under our Privacy Policy, available at elementoneflooring.com.au and on request.

13. This website

The content of this website, including its text, photography and branding, belongs to Element One Flooring Pty Ltd and may not be reproduced without permission. The information on the site is general in nature; your quote and these Terms of Trade govern any work we perform. Colours shown on screen are as close as practical to the finished material, but displays vary and timber is a natural product, so photographs and samples are indicative only. Links to external sites are provided for convenience and their content is their own. This website and these terms are governed by the law of Victoria, Australia.