Clear scope, price, timing and written variations reduce disputes and support your consumer-law obligations.
Applies to: UK consumer work; some rules and enforcement routes differ by nation and contract type.
Last checked: 3 October 2026
Key points
• Consumer services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill.
• If time or price is not fixed, consumer law can imply a reasonable time or reasonable charge.
• Do only the work agreed or authorised and record variations clearly.
• Do not try to contract out of statutory consumer rights.
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The basic service obligations
Business Companion summarises the main Consumer Rights Act service obligations: reasonable care and skill, compliance with information given to the consumer, reasonable time where none is fixed and reasonable charge where none is fixed.
Changes during the job
If the customer changes the work, agree the revised scope and price before proceeding where practical. Written variation records reduce arguments about what was authorised.
Keep your paperwork usable
• Describe the work and exclusions clearly.
• State whether the figure is a quote or estimate.
• Record payment terms and timing.
• Confirm customer-requested changes.
• Keep evidence of important approvals and handover documents.
Official sources
Use these official sources for the current detail that applies to your job, contract or location.
BuildPair provides general information and signposting, not legal, structural, electrical, gas or building-control approval. Requirements can change and the right answer depends on the work, contract, location and facts.
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