Universal Service Agreement
This Agreement governs all projects performed by any Selvage Home Services Network brand, including: Exterior Fence Builders (EFBI), It’s About Fences (IABF), Boss Haul Junk Removal (BHJR), Exterior Surface Kleen (ESK), Odds & Ends Home Repairs (OEHR), and JCS Pro Management & Maintenance (JCS PMM).
This Agreement becomes effective when the Customer approves the Quote or signs this Agreement, whichever occurs first. Brand-specific details (company name, address, license, etc.) are defined in the Quote and system records attached to this Agreement.
Table of Contents
- 1. Parties & Scope of Agreement
- 2. Quotes, Pricing & Payments Overview
- 3. Scheduling & Work Timeline
- 4. Property Access Requirements
- 5. Utilities & Underground Hazards
- 6. Material Selection & Substitutions
- 7. Workmanship Warranty
- 8. Damages & Liability Limits
- 9. Change Orders (Extras)
- 10. Cleanup & Job Completion
- 11. HOA / Permits / Code
- 12. Cancellations & Refunds
- 13. Liability, Damage & Hold Harmless
- 14. Warranties – Service-Specific
- 15. Dispute Resolution
- 16. Final Acceptance & Entire Agreement
- 17. Digital Storage & Records
- 18. Data, Privacy & Communication
- 19. Safety, Access & Site Responsibility
- 20. Termination
- 21. Assignment & Subcontracting
- 22. Force Majeure
- 23. Payment Defaults & Collections
- 24. Customer Responsibilities
- 25. Company Responsibilities
- 26. Marketing, Photos & Media
- 27. Severability, Amendments & Waivers
- 28. Governing Law & Venue
- 29. Definitions
- 30. Final Signatures & Acceptance
1. Parties & Scope of Agreement
1.1 Parties
This Agreement (“Agreement”) is between the “Company” (the specific Selvage Home Services brand shown on the Quote) and the “Customer” (the person or entity approving the Quote).
1.2 Brands Covered
This universal Agreement applies to all projects completed by:
- Exterior Fence Builders (EFBI)
- It’s About Fences (IABF)
- Boss Haul Junk Removal (BHJR)
- Exterior Surface Kleen (ESK)
- Odds & Ends Home Repairs (OEHR)
- JCS Pro Management & Maintenance (JCS PMM)
1.3 Scope of Work
The “Project” is defined by the written Quote and any approved Change Orders. Only items listed in writing are included. Any other work is considered additional and requires a Change Order.
1.4 Agreement Structure
This Agreement, together with the Quote, any brand-specific terms, Change Orders, and addendums, forms the complete contract between Customer and Company.
2. Quotes, Pricing & Payments Overview
2.1 Quote Validity
Quotes are valid for a limited time, typically 30 days, unless otherwise stated. Material prices, labor costs, and availability may change after expiration.
2.2 Pricing Basis
Pricing is based on:
- Information available at the time of quote
- Visible conditions on site
- Current material and labor rates
- Standard access and site conditions
Hidden conditions, access issues, or Customer changes may require a Change Order.
2.3 Deposits & Balances
Deposits, progress payments, and final balance amounts are listed in the Quote or invoice. Deposits are typically required before scheduling and material ordering. Final payment is due upon completion of the Project unless otherwise stated.
2.4 Taxes & Fees
Applicable sales tax, local tax, or disposal fees may be added as required by law or by the nature of the Project. The Quote may show an estimated tax amount; final tax is based on the jurisdiction where the work is performed.
2.5 Accepted Payment Methods
Company may accept one or more of the following:
- Cash or check (often preferred)
- Zelle or similar bank transfer
- Card payments (may include a non-cash adjustment percentage)
- Other digital methods as listed on the Quote or invoice
Card payments may include a separate non-cash or processing adjustment, disclosed in the Quote or payment instructions.
3. Scheduling & Work Timeline
3.1 Scheduling After Approval
Work is scheduled after Customer approves the Quote and required deposit is received and cleared. Dates discussed before approval are estimates only.
3.2 Estimated Start Date
The Company will provide an estimated start date or installation window based on workload, material availability, weather, and access. These dates are not guaranteed but will be followed as closely as practical.
3.3 Work Hours
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, work hours are generally:
- Monday through Saturday
- Between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. local time
3.4 Weather Delays & Site Conditions
Outdoor work is affected by weather and ground conditions. Company may delay, pause, or reschedule work for safety or quality reasons without breaching this Agreement.
3.5 Material Availability & Supply Chain
Material shortages, backorders, or supply disruptions may affect scheduling. Company will inform Customer and provide options where possible.
3.6 Customer-Caused Delays
If Customer causes delays (access issues, non-payment, approvals withheld, etc.), the schedule may be moved to the next available opening and additional fees may apply.
3.7 Completion Window
Projects may require one or more visits. Reasonable efforts will be made to complete work within the estimated window, subject to conditions described in this Agreement.
4. Property Access Requirements
Customer must provide safe, unobstructed access to all required work areas, including gates, driveways, side yards, and utility access points. Failure to provide access may result in rescheduling or additional fees.
4.1 Locked Gates, Codes & Entry
Where applicable, Customer must provide gate codes, key access, or security arrangements before the scheduled work date. Lack of access may cause delays or return-trip fees.
4.2 Pets & Animals
Customer is responsible for securing pets and animals away from work areas. Company is not responsible for escaped pets or damage related to pets entering the work zone.
4.3 Vehicles & Personal Property
Customer must remove or protect vehicles, trailers, boats, outdoor furniture, toys, and other personal items from work areas. Company is not responsible for damage to items left in the workspace.
4.4 Yard Preparation
Customer is responsible for basic yard preparation (removal of waste, debris, excessive vegetation). Inadequate preparation may cause delays or require additional cleanup charges.
4.5 Indoor Access (If Required)
For indoor tasks (handyman, property management, certain repairs), Customer or their representative must provide safe access and remove breakable or valuable items from the immediate work area.
4.6 Failure to Provide Access
If Company arrives and cannot begin work due to access issues, the visit may be treated as a billable trip and the Project may be rescheduled at Company’s discretion.
5. Utilities, Underground Hazards & Damage Rules
5.1 Public Utility Marking (811)
Where applicable, the Company or Customer may request public utility marking (811). Public marking typically covers main power, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications, and is approximate, not exact.
5.2 Private Utilities
811 or public marking services usually do not mark private lines, such as:
- Irrigation and sprinkler lines
- Invisible dog fences
- Pool lines
- Septic, French drains, or well lines
- Outdoor lighting and low-voltage wiring
Customer is responsible for identifying and marking all private utilities before work begins.
5.3 Irrigation & Sprinkler Systems
Irrigation and sprinkler systems are commonly unmarked and vary widely. Company is not responsible for accidental damage to these systems unless otherwise stated in writing.
5.4 Underground Obstructions
If Company encounters rock, buried concrete, debris, roots, or other obstructions, a Change Order may be required to modify layout, increase labor, or adjust pricing.
5.5 Limits of Liability
Company is not responsible for damage to unmarked or inaccurately marked utilities, or for private lines not disclosed by Customer. See also Sections 13 and 14.
6. Material Selection & Substitution Policy
6.1 Material Specifications
Materials will align with the type, grade, and general description in the Quote. Equivalent or superior materials may be used when required for availability or performance.
6.2 Natural Variations
Natural materials (such as wood or stone) vary in color, grain, knots, and behavior. These natural variations are not considered defects.
6.3 Manufactured Variations
Manufactured materials (vinyl, chain link, coated metals, composites) may vary slightly between production batches or dye lots. Company cannot guarantee perfect color or finish matching.
6.4 Material Availability & Substitutions
If specified materials are unavailable, discontinued, or significantly delayed, Company will notify Customer and may propose alternative materials. Pricing may be adjusted via Change Order.
6.5 Customer-Supplied Materials
Customer-provided materials are used at Customer’s risk. Company provides no warranty on such materials and is not responsible for delays or failures caused by them.
6.6 No Guarantee of Exact Replacement Match
Future repairs or additions may not match existing materials exactly due to age, weathering, or manufacturer changes.
7. Workmanship Warranty (Universal Rules)
7.1 Workmanship Coverage
Company provides a limited workmanship warranty covering defects directly caused by improper installation for a defined period (commonly 12 months, unless otherwise specified in the Quote or brand-specific terms).
7.2 Warranty Exclusions
Warranty does not cover damage or changes caused by:
- Weather or Acts of God
- Normal material behavior (warp, twist, shrink, crack, fade)
- Soil movement, erosion, or settling
- Pets, children, guests, or third parties
- Vehicles, lawn equipment, or other machinery
- Customer misuse, neglect, or alterations
- Pre-existing structural issues
7.3 Manufacturer Warranties
Some materials may carry separate manufacturer warranties. These are between Customer and manufacturer, though Company may assist with documentation when reasonable.
7.4 Customer Duties After Installation
Customer must maintain the installation, follow care instructions, and promptly report any issues during the warranty period.
7.5 Gate Alignment & Adjustments
Gates may require periodic adjustment due to settling and usage. One adjustment within the warranty period may be included; additional adjustments may be billable.
7.6 Warranty Claim Process
Customer must submit a warranty claim with photos and a description. Company will evaluate, and if covered, schedule repair within a reasonable time frame.
8. Damages, Liability Limits & Indemnification
8.1 General Liability Limitation
Company is responsible only for damage directly caused by proven negligence during the Project. Company is not responsible for pre-existing damage, hidden conditions, or third-party actions.
8.2 Landscaping & Surrounding Areas
Incidental disturbance to grass, soil, plants, and surfaces is expected in construction and is not considered damage when kept within reasonable limits.
8.3 Consequential Damages
Company is not liable for indirect or consequential damages such as loss of use, loss of income, business interruption, or similar claims.
8.4 Indemnification
Customer agrees to indemnify and hold Company harmless from claims arising out of Customer’s negligence, failure to disclose information, misuse of the work, or instructions contrary to Company recommendations.
9. Change Orders (Extras & Add-Ons)
9.1 What is a Change Order
Any modification to the original scope—added work, layout changes, hidden condition repairs, upgrades, or extras—must be documented as a Change Order.
9.2 Written or Digital Approval
All Change Orders must be approved in writing (digital or physical) before extra work begins. Verbal agreements alone are not sufficient.
9.3 Pricing & Timeline Effects
Change Orders may affect price and schedule. Customer must approve the updated pricing before work proceeds.
9.4 Customer-Requested Extras
Extras such as additional gates, extended fences, extra hauling, expanded washing, or added repairs are billed via Change Order.
10. Cleanup & Job Completion
10.1 Cleanup Standard
Company will perform reasonable cleanup of the work area, removing installation debris and organizing materials. Deep cleaning, landscaping restoration, or pressure washing of unrelated areas are not included unless written in the Quote.
10.2 Completion Definition
The Project is considered complete when the listed work is substantially performed, functional, and reasonable cleanup has been done. Minor cosmetic issues or planned touch-ups do not delay completion.
10.3 Punch List (If Applicable)
For larger jobs, a punch list may be used. Items must be reported within a short period (for example, 3 days) after completion, unless otherwise stated.
10.4 Final Payment Trigger
Completion, as defined above, triggers the requirement for final payment and starts any applicable warranty period.
11. HOA, Permits & Code Compliance
11.1 HOA Approval
Unless explicitly stated, Customer is responsible for obtaining HOA approval and providing all required documentation. Company is not liable for HOA delays, denials, or fines.
11.2 Permits
Permit responsibilities are defined in the Quote. If Customer is responsible for permits and fails to obtain them, Company may pause or terminate work, and Customer remains responsible for costs incurred.
11.3 Inspections
Required inspections may affect scheduling. Company is not responsible for delays caused by inspectors or regulatory agencies.
11.4 Pre-Existing Code Issues
Company is not responsible for pre-existing code violations or structural problems not related to the Project scope.
12. Cancellations & Refunds
12.1 Customer Cancellation
Customer may cancel before work starts, subject to deposit and cancellation rules. Once work begins, Customer is responsible for the full contract value unless otherwise agreed in writing.
12.2 Deposit Policy
Deposits are generally non-refundable, especially after materials are ordered or labor has been scheduled, except where specific state law requires otherwise.
12.3 Special-Order Materials
Special-order or custom materials are non-refundable once ordered.
12.4 Company-Initiated Cancellation
Company may cancel for safety, non-payment, regulatory issues, or breach by Customer. Customer is responsible for all work and materials up to the point of cancellation.
13. Liability, Damage & Hold Harmless
Company’s liability is strictly limited to the cost of the specific portion of work causing a proven issue, and only where Company is found negligent. Customer agrees to hold Company harmless from claims arising from Customer’s actions, third-party actions, undisclosed conditions, or misuse of the Project.
13.1 Property Boundaries
Customer is responsible for verifying property lines. Company installs where Customer instructs and is not responsible for boundary disputes.
13.2 No Consequential Damages
Company is not liable for lost revenue, lost use, or similar claims.
14. Warranties – Service-Specific Details
14.1 Fence-Related Work
Wood fences: no warranty on natural warping, twisting, shrinking, cracking, or color changes. Vinyl, aluminum, and chain-link materials may have manufacturer warranties separate from Company’s labor warranty.
14.2 Gates
Gates may require adjustment over time due to ground movement and usage. Limited adjustments may be included under labor warranty, as defined by brand policy.
14.3 Pressure Washing
Pressure washing results are temporary and affected by environment, weather, and surface condition. Warranty does not cover stain return, mildew regrowth, or surface changes over time.
14.4 Handyman & Repair Work
Warranty applies to Company labor only, not to pre-existing conditions, hidden problems, or customer-supplied materials.
14.5 Junk Removal
Junk removal has no material warranty. Warranty is limited to removal of listed items and basic cleanup as described in the Quote.
14.6 Warranty Voiding Conditions
Warranty may be voided if Customer or third parties alter the work, misuse the installation, fail to maintain, or damage the Project.
15. Dispute Resolution
15.1 Good Faith Resolution
Both parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes through discussion, review of documentation, and reasonable cooperation before formal action.
15.2 Required Notice
Before filing a complaint, claim, or chargeback, Customer must provide written notice of the concern and allow Company an opportunity to inspect and correct, if applicable.
15.3 Mediation & Arbitration
If disputes are not resolved informally, the parties agree to mediation, and if necessary, binding arbitration in the county where the work was performed, except where small claims court is used within its limits.
15.4 No Class Actions
Claims must be brought individually, not as a class or group action.
16. Final Acceptance & Entire Agreement
By approving the Quote or signing this Agreement, Customer confirms they have read and understand all terms, including scope, pricing, warranty, cancellation, and dispute resolution.
This Agreement (including Quote, brand-specific terms, Change Orders, and addendums) constitutes the entire understanding between Customer and Company and supersedes prior discussions or marketing.
17. Digital Storage, Documentation & Records
Company operates a paperless system. Quotes, invoices, Change Orders, photos, messages, and related records are stored electronically and treated as official business records.
Customer may request digital copies of their documents within a reasonable time frame.
18. Data, Privacy & Communication Consent
By providing contact information, Customer consents to receive project-related communications by text, email, and phone, including quotes, invoices, scheduling, updates, and payment links.
Customer may opt out of non-essential messages, but essential transactional messages may be required for scheduling and completion.
Company does not sell Customer data and uses secure third-party tools where necessary.
19. Safety, Access & Site Responsibility
Customer must maintain a safe environment, keep pets and children away from work areas, and avoid interfering with workers. Company may pause work if conditions are unsafe.
Customer is responsible for removing or protecting their items in and around work zones.
20. Termination
Customer may terminate before work begins, subject to cancellation terms. Company may terminate for non-payment, safety issues, access problems, misrepresentation, or other material breach. Customer remains responsible for labor and materials already incurred.
21. Assignment, Subcontracting & Third-Party Involvement
Company may assign work to other SHS brands, subcontractors, or partners while maintaining responsibility for workmanship. Customer may not assign this Agreement without Company’s written consent.
22. Force Majeure (Events Beyond Company Control)
Company is not liable for delays or impacts caused by severe weather, natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, illness outbreaks, civil unrest, or similar events beyond its control.
23. Payment Defaults, Collections & Legal Recovery
Non-payment, chargebacks, or returned payments constitute default. Company may stop work, suspend warranties, add fees, and pursue collection, liens, or legal remedies as allowed by law.
24. Customer Responsibilities
Customer must provide accurate information, access, preparation, permissions, and timely payments, and must follow safety, maintenance, and communication expectations outlined throughout this Agreement.
25. Company Responsibilities
Company will perform work professionally, communicate reasonably, respect property, provide clear scope, and honor valid warranty and dispute procedures as defined in this Agreement.
26. Marketing, Photos & Limited Media Rights
Company may take photos for documentation, records, and quality control. These documentation photos do not require extra permission. Separate written consent is required before photos are used in marketing.
27. Severability, Amendments & Waivers
If any part of this Agreement is found invalid, the remainder stays in force. Changes must be in writing and approved by Company management. Failure to enforce a term immediately does not waive future enforcement.
28. Governing Law & Venue
This Agreement is governed by the law of the state where the work is performed. Venue for disputes is the county where the property is located, subject to the dispute resolution terms in Section 15.
29. Definitions
Terms such as “Company,” “Customer,” “Project,” “Quote,” “Agreement,” “Change Order,” “Completion,” “Warranty,” “Materials,” “Force Majeure,” and “Access” are used throughout this Agreement with their standard meanings as described in the Agreement text.
30. Final Signatures & Acceptance
By signing below (physically or digitally), both parties agree to all terms in Sections 1 through 29, and confirm that this Agreement and the attached Quote form the complete understanding for this Project.