Conditions of engagement

Last updated 16 October 2026

These conditions, together with your quote, form the contract between you and us for structural inspections, reports, calculations and design. Please read them before you book. They explain what each service includes and excludes, how payment and cancellation work, and your legal rights.

1. About these conditions

1. 1.1Who we are. Laytoe Structures is a trading name of Laytoe Limited, a company registered in England and Wales under company number 10233898. Our registered office is Gable House, 18–24 Turnham Green Terrace, London W4 1QP. You can contact us on 020 3983 5057 or at office@laytoe.co.uk. In these conditions, “we”, “us” and “our” mean Laytoe Limited, and “you” means the person or organisation named in the quote.
2. 1.2The contract. The contract is made up of the quote we send you, which sets out the property, the service, the price and any special terms, and these conditions. If the quote and these conditions conflict, the quote applies.
3. 1.3When the contract starts. The contract is formed when you accept our quote, by email or in writing or by paying our invoice, and we confirm your booking.
4. 1.4Consumers and businesses. You are a consumer if you are an individual acting wholly or mainly outside your trade, business, craft or profession, for example when you buy or own your home. Some clauses apply only to consumers or only to business clients, and say so.
5. 1.5What we tell you before you book. If you are a consumer, the information we give you before you book about the service, its price and these conditions forms part of the contract. Any change to the contract must be agreed by both of us in writing, which includes email.
6. 1.6Changes to these conditions. We may update these conditions from time to time. The version that applies to your service is the one published when you accepted our quote.

2. Our services

1. 2.1Reasonable care and skill. We will carry out the services described in your quote with reasonable care and skill, as the law requires.
2. 2.2Scope. Our services are limited to those described in your quote and in these conditions. We will only carry out additional services if you agree to them in advance, and we will tell you the price first. If we find something on site that presents an immediate risk to safety, we will tell you straight away and advise what to do.
3. 2.3Who carries out the work. Inspections are carried out by our in-house engineers, each of whom holds a master’s degree in structural engineering. If you need the inspection carried out by a chartered structural engineer, ask before you book; we will confirm in writing whether this is available and whether the price changes. Mortgage Structural Inspections are reviewed by MICE or MIStructE qualified engineers.
4. 2.4Sub-consultants. We may use suitably qualified sub-consultants to help deliver the services. We remain responsible to you for the services they carry out on our behalf.
5. 2.5Information you give us. We rely on the information you give us when we prepare a quote and carry out the services, including the type and size of the property, the number of bedrooms, access arrangements and any surveys or valuer’s letters. Please make sure it is accurate and complete. Before the inspection, you must tell us if the property has been empty for a long period, has not been painted or maintained for more than ten years, or is visibly in poor condition, as it may need a longer and more detailed inspection.
6. 2.6Access. You are responsible for arranging safe access to the property and to the areas we need to see at the agreed time, including through an estate agent or tenant where necessary. If access is not available at the agreed time, we will arrange a new date with you. For design visits, clause 4.2 explains what happens if the areas we need to see have not been opened up.
7. 2.7Timescales. We usually send inspection reports within 5 working days of the inspection, or within 48 hours if you have booked fast track. These are normal timescales, not guarantees: at busy times, or when we are waiting for information or access, a report can take longer. If we cannot meet a date we have agreed with you, we will tell you as soon as possible.

3. Inspections and reports

1. 3.1What an inspection is. Our inspections are visual and non-intrusive assessments of a property’s structure, limited to the level of inspection in your quote. They are not a RICS Building Survey (Level 3) or any other RICS survey and do not replace one.
2. 3.2Specific Structural Inspection (SSI). A visual inspection of one specific structural issue or crack, in one area of the property, usually after another surveyor has raised a concern. Other rooms and areas are not inspected. Our findings and recommendations are sent to you by email rather than as a formal report, and an SSI is not suitable for legal proceedings or as a full assessment of the property’s condition.
3. 3.3General Structural Inspection (GSI). A visual inspection of the main accessible load-bearing elements, inside and out, including floors, internal and external load-bearing walls, lintels, beams and columns, with an assessment of nearby trees and shrubs under NHBC guidance and of the soil type from British Geological Survey records. The report covers up to five of the most significant structural issues observed. The loft and roof structure, cellar and outbuildings are not included.
4. 3.4Comprehensive General Structural Inspection (CGSI). Everything in a GSI, plus the roof structure, cellar and outbuildings, and a visual assessment of internal alterations, earlier structural changes and whether they appear to comply with Building Regulations. It is not restricted to a set number of issues, but it is not a record of every crack or sign of movement.
5. 3.5Mortgage Structural Inspection (MSI). An inspection of the specific structural points raised by your lender’s valuer, reported in the form lenders normally expect. Other parts of the property are not inspected unless you or your lender ask and we agree. If you need any other report for a mortgage lender, tell us before the inspection. The decision whether to lend is always the lender’s, and we cannot guarantee that a lender will accept a report.
6. 3.6How inspections are priced. GSI and CGSI prices are based on a standard mid-terrace house with two living rooms (a reception room and a dining room), one bathroom and three bedrooms. Rooms beyond the two living rooms count as bedrooms. Each extra bedroom is £100, and time on site beyond a standard visit is £180 per hour. If the property turns out to be materially larger than described, we will tell you the additional charge before we continue. If you do not agree to it, we will stop the inspection, keep the standard site visit fee of £180 and refund the rest of the price.
7. 3.7What an inspection does not cover. Nothing is opened up, lifted or dug unless agreed in writing beforehand. The inspection covers what can reasonably be seen and reached in the time allowed on site, normally about 45 minutes. It does not cover electrics, plumbing, heating, gas, drainage, asbestos, damp, rot, ventilation, air conditioning, fire safety, pests or the condition of roof coverings, which need a specialist inspection. Identifying Japanese knotweed or other invasive plants is excluded.
8. 3.8Trees and ground conditions. Tree species, size and water demand are identified by eye; our engineers are not arboriculturists. Comments on soil and ground conditions are based on published information, including British Geological Survey maps, and no site investigation, trial pits, boreholes or laboratory testing is carried out unless the quote says so. Where this matters to our conclusions, the report will say so and recommend confirmation by a tree specialist or a site investigation.
9. 3.9Our opinion. A report gives our professional opinion based on what could reasonably be seen at the time of the inspection. It is not a guarantee or warranty that the property is free from defects, a valuation, or advice on legal or insurance matters.
10. 3.10Remedial recommendations. Where a report recommends remedial work, the recommendation describes the work in outline. It does not include the detailed design, drawings or calculations needed to carry the work out, unless we have confirmed in writing before the site visit that they are included. If you need them, we can quote for them separately.
11. 3.11Who can rely on a report. A report is prepared for you, for the purpose stated in the quote. You may share it in confidence with your professional advisers and, for a Mortgage Structural Inspection, with your lender. Before sharing it with anyone else, such as a buyer, estate agent or party wall surveyor, or allowing anyone else to rely on it, please ask us; we may provide a copy or confirmation of reliance for an administration fee, which we will tell you first. We do not accept responsibility to anyone else who relies on a report without our written agreement.

4. Calculations, design and wall removal

1. 4.1Wall removal assessments. Prices assume traditional construction with load-bearing masonry walls and timber floor joists. Concrete and other forms of construction are charged at £180 per hour. A written report is not normally included; if you would like one, it is £180.
2. 4.2Opening up. Where we need to see hidden structure, you must arrange for a builder to open up the ceilings or walls before our visit, and you must have the permission of any owner, tenant or freeholder. If this has not been done adequately and we have to return, or wait more than 45 minutes on site, a site visit fee of £180 applies. Investigation can damage finishes; making good, repointing and cleaning afterwards are not included. Further invasive investigation is charged at £180 per hour, only if agreed.
3. 4.3Changes of scope. Work outside the scope of your quote is priced separately and only carried out with your agreement. Changes to the scope during a site visit are charged at £180 per hour.
4. 4.4Revisions. Changes you ask for after the visit, but before we start the calculations, are free. Changes to the design after the calculations have started are charged at £180 per hour. Revisions requested by Building Control within 50 days of us issuing the calculations are free; after that they are charged at £180 per hour. Please submit the calculations to your Building Control body promptly, so any queries are dealt with early.
5. 4.5Assumptions about hidden structure. Where parts of the structure cannot be seen, our design may rely on reasonable assumptions, which we will state. If the work reveals that the structure is different, you or your builder must tell us before further work is done, so that we can check the design.
6. 4.6Design by others. Some elements are normally designed by your contractor or a specialist, including temporary works and propping, bespoke glazing, drainage, steel-to-steel connections and fabrication drawings, steel coatings, proprietary products, reinforced concrete detailing, and geotechnical design such as piles and retaining systems. We will tell you which elements apply to your project. We are not responsible for designs, calculations or installation carried out by your contractor or their specialists.
7. 4.7Exclusions. Unless your quote says otherwise, our design services do not include: drainage design and drainage pumps; sustainable drainage and sewer diversions; demolition method statements and risk assessments; construction traffic management plans; basement impact assessments; below-ground waterproofing or tanking specifications; structural input to landscaping; site investigation and contaminated land; staircases and balustrades; party wall matters; or design after the Building Regulations package has been issued. Where we agree to provide any of these, they are charged at £180 per hour unless quoted otherwise.
8. 4.8Permissions. You are responsible for obtaining planning permission, Building Regulations approval, any freeholder’s consent and any notices under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 before work starts. We are not responsible for work carried out without the necessary approvals.

5. Price and payment

1. 5.1The price. Prices on our website are a guide only and are shown without VAT. If VAT applies to your booking, we add it at the current rate and show it in your quote, so the price in your quote is the total you pay for the services it describes. We will not add to it unless you agree to additional services or one of the additional charges below applies.
2. 5.2Additional charges. Where they apply, these are: each bedroom beyond a standard three-bedroom house, £100; extra time on site, £180 per hour; a return visit, or waiting more than 45 minutes on site, because the areas we asked to be opened up were not ready, £180; a written report for a wall removal assessment, £180; non-traditional construction, invasive investigation or a change of scope on a design visit, £180 per hour; fast track reports and weekend inspections, as shown in your quote; and extra copies of a report or confirmation of reliance, an administration fee we will tell you first. VAT is added to these charges where it applies.
3. 5.3When to pay for inspections. The price covers one site visit and one report or calculation package. It must be paid in full at least 24 hours before the site visit, using the secure payment link we send you. Your booking is confirmed when payment is received. If payment has not been received by then, we may cancel the booking.
4. 5.4Design projects. For larger design projects, the quote may set out stage payments, for example when calculations are issued and during construction. Invoices are payable by the due date shown on them.
5. 5.5Questions about an invoice. Please raise any query about an invoice within 14 days, so that we can resolve it quickly. This does not affect your legal rights.
6. 5.6Late payment. If an invoice is not paid on time, we may suspend work after telling you. If you are a business client, we may also charge interest and compensation under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

6. Cancellation and refunds

1. 6.1Your right to cancel within 14 days. If you are a consumer and the contract was made by phone, email or online, or away from our office, you have the right to cancel it within 14 days of the day it was made, without giving any reason.
2. 6.2If you want us to start within the 14 days. If you ask us to carry out the inspection or start the work within the 14-day period, we will ask you to confirm this when you book, and to acknowledge that you will lose the right to cancel once the service has been fully provided. If you then cancel within the 14 days, you will need to pay for the services provided up to the time you tell us. Once the service has been fully provided at your request, you will no longer have the right to cancel.
3. 6.3How to cancel. Tell us clearly by email to office@laytoe.co.uk or by post to the address in clause 1.1. You can use the model cancellation form below, but you do not have to.
4. 6.4Refunds. We will make any refund due within 14 days of the day you tell us you are cancelling, using the same payment method you used, unless we agree otherwise.
5. 6.5Cancelling a booked inspection after the 14 days. If you cancel at least 48 hours before the inspection, we will refund the price in full. If you cancel less than 48 hours before the inspection, we may keep the standard site visit fee of £180, because the engineer’s time has been reserved for you, and we will refund the rest.
6. 6.6After the inspection. Once the inspection has taken place, the price is not refundable, except as set out in clause 3.6. This does not affect your legal rights if a service was not provided with reasonable care and skill.
7. 6.7If we cancel. If we cannot carry out an inspection on the agreed date, for example because of illness or events outside our control, we will offer you a new date or a full refund of anything you have paid for services not yet provided.

7. Our liability

1. 7.1What we are responsible for. If we fail to comply with the contract, we are responsible for loss or damage you suffer that is a foreseeable result of our breach or of our failure to use reasonable care and skill.
2. 7.2What we do not exclude. Nothing in these conditions limits or excludes our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or for anything else that cannot legally be limited or excluded, including your rights as a consumer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
3. 7.3Matters outside the scope. We are not responsible for defects that were hidden, inaccessible or outside the agreed scope of the inspection, or for loss caused by differences in tree species or ground conditions that the further confirmation we recommended would have revealed, where you chose not to obtain it.
4. 7.4Consumers. If you are a consumer, we provide our services for domestic and private use. We are not liable for any loss of profit, loss of business or business interruption.
5. 7.5Business clients. If you are a business client, we are not liable for loss of profit, loss of business, loss of anticipated savings or any indirect or consequential loss, except where this cannot be excluded by law.
6. 7.6Limit for business clients. If you are a business client, our total liability to you arising under or in connection with the contract, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty or otherwise, is limited to £1,000,000. This limit does not apply to the liability described in clause 7.2.
7. 7.7Insurance. We hold professional indemnity insurance with a limit of indemnity of £1,000,000. Details of our insurer and the cover are available on request.
8. 7.8Events outside our control. We are not responsible for delay or failure caused by events outside our reasonable control. If this happens, we will tell you as soon as possible and do what we reasonably can to reduce the effect.

8. Your information

1. 8.1We use your personal information to provide the services, to contact you about them and to meet our legal obligations, in line with UK data protection law. Photographs taken during an inspection are used in your report. Our privacy notice explains how we handle your information and your rights.

9. Complaints

1. 9.1If you are unhappy with any part of our service, please contact us at office@laytoe.co.uk or on 020 3983 5057. We will look into your complaint and reply as soon as we can.

10. General

1. 10.1Notices. Notices under the contract can be given by email to the addresses we each use for the booking, or by post to the addresses in the quote and clause 1.1.
2. 10.2Third parties. The contract is between you and us. No one else has any right to enforce its terms under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
3. 10.3Transfer. You may not transfer your rights under the contract to anyone else without our written agreement, which we will not withhold unreasonably.
4. 10.4If a clause is invalid. If a court finds part of these conditions invalid, the rest will continue to apply.
5. 10.5Delays in enforcing. If we do not enforce a right straight away, we can still enforce it later.
6. 10.6Governing law. These conditions are governed by the law of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction. If you are a consumer living in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can also bring proceedings in the courts of the country where you live.