Terms and conditions

These terms apply to all work carried out by THS Concepts Ltd, registered in England and Wales (company number 08395603), 92 Bellhouse Lane, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 4PQ (“THS Concepts”, “we”, “us”). By accepting our quote or instructing us to carry out work, you agree to these terms. If our quote or a written agreement signed by both parties says something different, the quote or written agreement takes priority.

Some terms below apply differently depending on whether you are a business client (instructing us for your trade, business or profession) or a consumer (a private individual instructing us for your own home or personal use). Where that is the case, it is stated.

Please review these terms before work begins. If you have any questions, call us on 020 8935 5160 or email [email protected].

Finance terms

Quotes

All quotes are valid for a maximum of 30 days. After this period, costs may increase or decrease.

Job Instruction

Upon acceptance of our quote and confirmation of our services, you must complete an online form to provide invoice payer details. This form must be submitted before we can confirm your booking and commence work.

If you are not the bill payer, please select the relevant option on the form and submit the correct payer details. Failure to provide this information will result in you being liable for the invoice.

Deposits

On some projects we will ask for a deposit before we confirm your booking or start work. Whether a deposit is needed, and how much, is at our discretion. Typical examples are first-time clients, large or long-running projects, work outside the UK, and jobs where we buy in services or equipment on your behalf. Where a deposit is required, the amount and due date will be shown on your quote or confirmed in writing, and your booking is not confirmed until the deposit has reached our account in cleared funds. The deposit is deducted from your final invoice. If you cancel, the deposit will be put towards any cancellation fee and any costs we have already incurred, and the balance refunded. This does not affect any statutory right to cancel you may have as a consumer.

Job Cancellation Fees

1. Same Day Cancellation Fee: If a survey is cancelled or postponed on the day of the survey, a fee of 35% of the quoted value will apply. For business clients the fee is 35% of the quoted value or £550 + VAT, whichever is greater.
2. Day Before Cancellation Fee: If a survey is cancelled or postponed the day before the scheduled arrival, a fee of 20% of the quoted value will apply. For business clients the fee is 20% of the quoted value or £300 + VAT, whichever is greater.

Your Right to Cancel (Consumers)

If you are a consumer and you accepted our quote by email, phone or online, you have the right to cancel within 14 days of accepting it without giving a reason. To cancel, email [email protected] or write to us at the address above.

If you ask us to carry out the survey within the 14-day cancellation period and then cancel within that period, you will pay a proportionate amount for the work carried out up to the point you tell us you are cancelling. Once the work has been fully carried out at your request, the right to cancel no longer applies. Outside the 14-day period, the cancellation fees above apply.

Invoice Terms

• Commercial Clients: Unless otherwise specified for a particular job type or agreed on a case-by-case basis, payment is due strictly within 30 days of the invoice date, following the delivery of drawings or survey results.
• Non-Commercial Clients: Unless otherwise specified for a particular job type or agreed on a case-by-case basis, payment is due strictly within 14 days of the invoice date, following the delivery of drawings or survey results.

Invoices are issued when draft (watermarked) drawings or survey results are delivered. Payment is due on the terms above whether or not final files have yet been released. Any query about an invoice must be raised in writing within 7 days of the invoice date; after that the invoice is treated as accepted. Any part of an invoice that is not in dispute must be paid on time.

Additional Work and Changes to Scope

Our quote covers only the work described in it. Any additional work, change to the scope, extra site visit or revision requested after the drawings are issued (other than correcting our own errors) is chargeable at our standard rates. We will confirm the cost with you before carrying out any additional work.

VAT Reverse Charge

We are not eligible for the VAT reverse charge, as we fall under the category of “Surveyors,” which is excluded from the scheme. For more information, please review the Government’s guidance.

Overdue Invoices

For business clients, we reserve the right to charge statutory interest and compensation under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 on any invoice not paid by its due date. The current rate is 8% above the Bank of England base rate per annum, plus fixed debt recovery costs as set out in the Act.

For consumers, we may charge interest on overdue invoices at 4% per annum above the Bank of England base rate, from the due date until payment, together with our reasonable costs of recovering the debt.

Issuing Drawings to Commercial Clients

1. First-Time Commercial Clients: Upon completion of drawings, watermarked PDF files will be emailed along with an invoice for the works. Final PDF and DWG (CAD) files will be provided once the invoice is paid.
2. Existing Commercial Clients: If no previous invoices are overdue by more than 14 days, final PDF and DWG (CAD) files will be provided at the point of completion. If previous invoices are overdue by more than 14 days, watermarked PDF files will be issued along with an invoice for the works. Final files will be issued once the account is up to date.

Issuing Drawings to Non-Commercial Clients

Upon completion of drawings, watermarked PDF files will be emailed along with an invoice for the works. Final PDF and DWG (CAD) files will be provided once the invoice is paid.

Ownership

THS Concepts retains ownership of any drawings, CAD files, and data until the invoice is settled in full. See Copyright and Use of Our Work below.

Refunds

If you are not satisfied with our drawing or survey work, notify us in writing within 30 days of receiving the drawings. We reserve the right to rectify any issues either by revisiting the site or amending the drawings. No refunds will be issued after the 30-day period. If you are a consumer, this does not affect your statutory rights.

Standing Time

We price in sufficient time on site for elements such as inductions, discussing drawings, and other general arrangements. If THS Concepts is prevented from working due to unforeseen client delays or stoppages, we charge £55/hour + VAT per Surveyor on site.

General on-site terms

Adverse Weather Conditions

In adverse weather conditions (high winds, heavy rain, snow, or thunderstorms), we reserve the right to reschedule the survey free of charge. Working outdoors in such conditions can be dangerous, damage equipment, and result in inaccuracies.

Animals

We will not survey areas where unsecured large animals are present (e.g., fields with horses, cows, bulls, goats). We will not survey areas with domesticated animals if our Surveyors deem them a risk to personal safety.

Anti-Social Behaviour

THS Concepts reserves the right to leave surveys if we feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or disrespected. Rudeness from clients will not be tolerated. In such cases, you will be liable for the same day cancellation fee, and we may refuse to revisit and complete the work. If we feel our staff are at risk of physical harm or harassment, we will leave the site immediately.

Asbestos

The presence or suspected presence of asbestos must be communicated to THS Concepts. If we withdraw from the site due to asbestos, a same day cancellation charge will apply.

Broken or Steep Ground

Inform us if the ground is particularly steep or broken, which could affect our ability to safely undertake the survey.

Confined Spaces

We will not survey confined spaces without prior discussion. Please notify us of any areas requiring confined space surveying.

Dangerous Structures

We will not survey in dangerous or structurally unsound structures. Our Surveyors will determine if a structure is unsafe. Examples include holes in the floor, dilapidated structures, and burnt-out structures.

Animal Waste & Vermin

No survey work will be undertaken in areas with a large build-up of animal waste or vermin presence until cleared by an approved contractor. A same day cancellation charge will apply if we withdraw from the site due to this issue.

General Survey Access

We do not undertake site clearance. Ensure survey areas are clear of debris, dense vegetation, and obstructions.

Hypodermic Needles/Paraphernalia

We will not survey areas with needles or drugs paraphernalia until cleared by a suitable contractor.

Lighting

Adequate lighting is assumed for our Surveyors to work safely. If larger areas require additional lighting, notify us prior to arrival. Additional costs may apply. A same day cancellation fee may apply if we arrive and find inadequate lighting.

Overgrown Areas

We will survey as much information as possible in densely vegetated areas. However, limited information may be captured without clearance by the client. A same day cancellation charge will apply if we withdraw from the site due to this issue.

Site Working Hours

Surveys are assumed to run uninterrupted during our working hours of 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, unless other hours are agreed in writing before the survey. If we are asked to leave before the end of the agreed hours, the same day cancellation fee may apply.

Theft of Equipment

Clients must ensure our equipment is protected from theft. This includes securing the property from trespassers and safeguarding equipment from unauthorised persons. If we feel our equipment is at high risk of theft, we will leave the site immediately.

Working at Height

Safe access must be provided for surveys on flat roofs or above ground level. Notify us if a ladder is required at least one day prior to arrival. Additional costs may apply.

General

Timescales and Drawing Return Dates

Survey dates, drawing and data return dates, and any other timescales we give (in a quote, by email or verbally) are estimates based on typical survey and drafting times. They are given in good faith but are not guaranteed, do not form part of the contract, and time is not of the essence. Return dates can be affected by site conditions, access, weather, the amount of survey data, changes to the scope, and delays in receiving information from you or third parties. We will let you know if we expect to miss an estimated date. We are not liable for any loss, cost or delay arising from drawings or data being delivered after an estimated date. If a deadline is critical to your project, tell us before you instruct us: a date is only binding if we have confirmed it in writing as a fixed deadline.

If you do not receive drawings or data by the expected date, please let us know, as our email may not have reached you.

We issue CAD-compatible files in DWG format and printable drawings in PDF format via email. Photographs are available as a chargeable optional extra via a third-party online storage provider. Request photographs at the time of instruction.

We can post printed drawings in A4 & A3 sizes upon request. Larger sizes will be printed on A3 sheets and will not be to scale. Notify us if printed copies are required.

THS Concepts cannot advise on any structural aspects of a building. Structural information recorded must be checked by third-party Engineers.

If you suspect an incorrect measurement, inform us before further works take place.

Our drawings and data show the site as it was on the date of the survey, within the accuracy stated for the type of survey. Items that were hidden, inaccessible or obstructed on the day are excluded or shown as assumed.

Limitation of Liability

We carry out our work with the reasonable skill and care expected of a competent surveyor, and hold professional indemnity insurance of £1 million and public liability insurance of £5 million.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, our total liability to you for any claim or series of connected claims arising from our work, whether in contract, negligence or otherwise, is limited to five times the fee paid for the work concerned, up to a maximum of £1 million. We are not liable for any indirect or consequential loss, or for loss of profit, revenue, business or opportunity.

Nothing in these terms limits or excludes our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, for fraud, or for anything else that cannot be limited or excluded by law. If you are a consumer, these limits do not affect your statutory rights.

Copyright and Use of Our Work

THS Concepts owns the copyright in all drawings, models, reports, photographs and data we produce. Once our invoice has been paid in full, you have a licence to use them, and to share them with your design team, contractors and the relevant authorities, for the project they were produced for. They may not be used for other projects or sold on without our written consent. We may use non-confidential images of our work for our own promotion unless you ask us not to.

Reliance by Others

Our work is prepared for the client named on our quote. No other person may rely on it without our written consent, and we accept no liability to anyone else who does. The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 does not apply to our work.

Events Outside Our Control

We are not liable for any delay or failure to perform caused by events outside our reasonable control, including severe weather, site closures, restricted access, illness, strikes, failure of suppliers or utilities, and equipment failure or theft. We will tell you as soon as possible and agree a new date with you.

Governing Law

These terms, and any dispute arising from them or from our work, are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction. If you are a consumer living in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may also bring proceedings in your local courts.

Job-specific terms

3D Laser Scanning

Data Retention: Upon completion of the works, all raw point cloud data will be retained on our server for six months before deletion.

Data Provision: If required, pertinent files related to the data can be provided on a USB stick or through a cloud-based download link.

Ordnance Survey Reference: The data captured will not reference the Ordnance Survey national grid unless previously agreed with the client.

Access and Quotation: Our service quotation assumes unrestricted access to the site during our working hours (09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday) unless other hours are agreed in writing. This quotation does not include site inductions or unforeseen delays unless previously agreed upon.

Client’s Access Responsibility: It is the client’s responsibility to ensure access to all essential areas of the site on the scanning day. Inaccessible areas will not be included in the scan and subsequently will not be part of the deliverables.

Site Preparation: The client must ensure the work area is free from staff, visitors, and equipment where possible. Unavoidable delays and additional work may arise if this is not possible.

Safety Compliance: The client must ensure the work area complies with the Health and Safety at Work Act and other relevant regulations. The client or employer’s representative is responsible for providing necessary temporary or task-specific lighting.

Weather Dependency: All outdoor laser scanning tasks depend on appropriate weather conditions. The decision to proceed with the laser scan on any given day rests solely with THS Concepts.

Building Height Surveys

Purpose: The Building Height Survey aims to provide the client with the height of a building and the number of stories to determine if it is deemed “high risk” per the Building Safety Act 2022.

Scope: The survey and report are based on current government guidelines and the Building Safety Act 2022. Guidelines and regulations may be open to interpretation and evolve over time.

Conservative Approach: In ambiguous areas of government guidelines, we adopt a conservative approach, potentially classifying buildings as “high risk” even if other interpretations are possible.

No Warranty: While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee that classifications will remain unchanged with future modifications to the Building Safety Act or related regulations. Our report represents our best judgment and interpretation of current guidelines.

Limitation of Liability: Our liability is limited as set out in Limitation of Liability above. We are not liable for losses arising from future changes to legislation or guidance, or from a regulator’s or third party’s different interpretation of it.

Indemnification: If you are a business client, you agree to indemnify THS Concepts against claims by third parties arising from your use of the survey and report, or from decisions you make based on our classification, except to the extent the claim is caused by our negligence.

Review of Report: Notify us in writing within 15 days of receiving the report if there are discrepancies or errors. We will review and revise our findings if necessary. No claims will be entertained after this period.

Third-Party Reliance: Our survey and report are for your use only. No third party may rely on the report without our explicit written consent.

Acceptance: Engaging THS Concepts for a Building Height Survey indicates your acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Drone Surveys

Service Provision: THS Concepts agrees to provide aerial photographic drone flight services as per the specifications in the agreed quotation or statement of work.

Safety and Compliance: All drone operations will comply with local aviation laws and regulations. Safety is paramount, and we reserve the right to delay or cancel flights if safety or legal compliance is in question.

Site Access: The client is responsible for ensuring access to the location on the scheduled day and time of the drone flight and ensuring that the area is safe for drone operations.

Weather Dependency: Drone flights depend on weather conditions. In the event of unsuitable weather, we may reschedule the flight.

Data Collection: Upon completion of the drone flight, photographic data will be processed and delivered in the agreed format. We retain the right to store a copy of the data for backup purposes.

Usage Rights: The client has full rights to use the photographs for their specified purpose, but we retain the copyright and may use them for promotional purposes unless explicitly agreed otherwise.

Liability: THS Concepts is not liable for any indirect or consequential losses from using its drone services. Clients should review and ensure the data is fit for its intended purpose.

Indemnity: If you are a business client, you agree to indemnify THS Concepts against third-party claims arising from your use of the aerial photographs, except to the extent the claim is caused by our negligence.

Fees and Payment: Fees will be as specified in the agreed quotation or statement of work. Payment is due in line with our Invoice Terms above unless otherwise specified.

Cancellation: Clients must cancel in writing at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance incur the cancellation fees set out under Job Cancellation Fees above.

Confidentiality: Both parties agree to treat all information related to the Services as confidential and not to disclose it to third parties without prior written consent.

Measured / As Built Surveys

Measured surveys are undertaken to RICS accuracy band E per the RICS document ‘Measured Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utilities, 3rd edition’.

Survey Specification: Refer to our measured survey specification table for included and excluded items. Roof plans and heights are measured as accurately as possible, but some elements may be assumed due to access or visibility.

Access and Assumptions: Areas that cannot be seen (e.g., party wall thickness) will be assumed. We will inform the client if access to any building areas is restricted.

Loft Spaces: Inform us if you cannot provide safe access to loft spaces via a ladder or stair prior to the survey date.

Equipment: Our technical instruments, such as total stations or 3D scanners, should not be disturbed. Notify us if this could be an issue.

Measured Survey Specification

Standard Items:

• Decorative: Decorative hatching (roof tiles, brick, etc.) – indicative
• Drainage: Inspection chamber & manhole positions (site plan only), invert levels (within client’s property only) – where openable, pipes (RWPs, SVPs, etc.)
• Fixtures: Fixed furniture (built-in wardrobes, kitchen worktops, etc.), kitchenware (sinks, hobs, etc.) – indicative, sanitaryware (toilets, basins, baths, etc.) – indicative
• Landscaping: Boundary & fence lines (site plan only), low-level garden walls (site plan only), tree positions (>0.2m trunk diameter) – site plan only, vegetation in outline (bushes, shrubs, etc.) – site plan only
• Services: Boiler location, DCU location, electric meter location, gas meter location, water tank location
• Structural: Door positions with swing direction, loft hatch position, overhead beam positions, skylight positions, stair positions with directional arrow, walls and partitions, window positions
• Technical: Ceiling & overhead beam heights, door heights, external surface changes (grass, paving, etc.) – site plan only, floor levels (obvious changes), window sill & head heights

Additional Non-Standard Items: These must be requested if required:

• Decorative: Architraves, covings, dados, decorative mouldings, fireplace detail (mantel, surround, etc.), skirtings, any other decorative feature not included as standard
• Fixtures: Accurate kitchenware (sinks, hobs, etc.), accurate sanitaryware (toilets, basins, baths, etc.)
• Services: Audio & visual (door phones, ceiling speakers, etc.), digital displays & controls (thermostats, etc.), light fittings (ceiling, wall & floor), radiator lengths and positions, sensors & detectors (smoke detectors, motion sensors, etc.), sockets (13amp, 5amp, coaxial, etc.), switches (lights, fused spurs, etc.), vents & extracts (extractor fans, fresh air vents, etc.)
• Technical: Internal surface finishes (carpet, floorboards, etc.)

If you require items not listed, please get in touch to see if we can assist.

Monitoring Surveys

Setup

Monitoring point positions are agreed with the client or their engineer before installation. We are not responsible for positions specified by the client or their engineer that later prove unsuitable.

The client must review the post-installation report and suggest any additional or alternative locations within five working days if adjustments are required.

Local Control Network

A network of nails and targets will be installed at a safe distance from the work area to serve as reference points unless otherwise requested.

The stability and security of these points must not be disturbed to ensure data integrity.

Target / Gauge / Demec Installation

Monitoring locations are affixed to buildings and structures using strong adhesives and fixings.

We take reasonable care when installing and removing them, but fixings and adhesives can leave small marks or holes. Making good after removal (filling, cleaning or redecoration) is the client’s responsibility.

If there are concerns about installation methods, materials, or potential damage, the client must discuss them with THS Concepts before the site visit.

Height Restrictions

Targets can be placed up to 4 metres above ground level.

For higher placements, the client must arrange and provide suitable scaffolding, lifting equipment, or mobile access platforms.

Ongoing Surveys

Monitoring will be conducted at pre-agreed intervals.

Clear, unobstructed access to monitoring targets must be provided; otherwise, additional charges may apply for extra time or rescheduling.

Any required changes to the monitoring schedule must be requested in writing at least five working days before the next scheduled visit.

Target Removal

At the end of monitoring, targets, prisms and sensors are removed on a final visit, charged at the standard visit rate. If you would prefer disposable reflective targets to be left in place, tell us and no removal visit is needed for them.

Please give us notice when monitoring is due to end so the removal visit can be booked. Lost, damaged, or destroyed prisms will be charged at £50 + VAT per prism.

Reporting

Monitoring reports are usually issued within 24 hours of each site visit, and no later than two working days after it.

Reports will include millimetre-accurate positional changes, accompanied by graphs and tables illustrating movement trends.

Any urgent movements or anomalies identified will be flagged for immediate review.

Pricing & Invoicing

Setup Fees: One-time charges apply for initial installation and configuration of monitoring points.

Ongoing Surveys: Charged per-visit, with invoices issued monthly in advance based on the agreed monitoring schedule.

Late Payments: THS Concepts reserves the right to suspend site visits and withhold survey data if invoices remain unpaid beyond agreed terms.

Additional Costs: Any additional visits, extra time due to restricted access, or replacement of damaged equipment will be invoiced separately.

Setting Out

Setting Out Points:

Existing setting out points supplied by the client will be used unless otherwise specified in writing. If adjustments or new points are required, these must be agreed upon and arranged prior to our arrival on-site.

Tolerances:

We aim to achieve an accuracy of within 5mm in both plan and height on stable, solid surfaces. For softer or unstable surfaces, tolerances are extended to within 20mm in plan and height. Any adjustments to tolerance expectations must be agreed upon in advance.

Marker Responsibility:

Once our team leaves the site, we are not liable for the protection or maintenance of any setting out markers. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure markers remain undisturbed and protected from external impacts, weather, or other site activities.

Preparation and Data Submission:

To facilitate accurate and timely work, clients must provide all relevant drawings and setting out data at least 24 hours before our scheduled arrival. Late provision of data may delay work and could incur additional charges.

Access and Site Conditions:

The client must ensure that the site is accessible and safe for our team upon arrival. If the site is inaccessible or unsafe, the visit may be cancelled, and a fee may apply.

Revisits and Adjustments:

Should markers be disturbed or require re-establishment due to reasons beyond our control, additional visits can be scheduled at an agreed fee.

Invoicing:

Invoices for site engineering services will be issued monthly. THS Concepts reserves the right to cancel scheduled visits or refuse additional work if previous invoices are overdue. Payment terms must be adhered to, as outlined in the general invoicing policy.

Client Acknowledgement:

By instructing THS Concepts for setting out services, the client acknowledges and agrees to these terms and assumes responsibility for the protection of setting out markers once our team departs from the site.

Topographical / Level Surveys

Inspection Covers: We will attempt to survey all visible inspection/service covers. Lifting and recording invert levels depend on accessibility and condition.

Dense Vegetation: Areas with dense vegetation will be surveyed in outline only. It is recommended to clear such areas for better survey data.

Survey Specification: Unless outlined in our quote or specification sheet, the following items will be surveyed:

• Building outlines (client’s and immediate neighbours) – where visible
• Changes in surfaces (grass, concrete, tarmac, etc.)
• Chimney outlines – where visible
• Chimney heights – where visible
• Drain gulley positions
• Eaves heights (client’s and immediate neighbours) – where visible
• Embankments (top & bottom)
• Fence lines – where visible/accessible
• Finished floor level (ground floor only) – where accessible
• Footpath extents
• Inspection chamber & manhole cover positions (site & public domain)
• Inspection chamber & manhole cover levels (site & public domain)
• Inspection chamber & manhole invert levels (client’s property only) – where openable
• Kerb lines (top & bottom)
• Low-level and retaining walls
• Overhead utility lines
• Pipes (RWPs, SVPs, etc.)
• Planting areas
• Poles (telegraph, power, pylons, etc.)
• Ridge heights (client’s and immediate neighbours) – where visible
• Road channels
• Street fixed furniture (benches, phone boxes, etc.)
• Tree groups (>0.2m trunk diameter)
• Tree spread (>0.2m trunk diameter)
• Tree trunk diameter (>0.2m)
• Tree positions (>0.2m trunk diameter)
• Vegetation outline (bushes & heavy brush)
• Water course height (lakes, rivers, streams, etc.) – where accessible
• Water course outlines (lakes, rivers, streams, etc.) – where accessible

Coordinate System: Survey data will be referenced to the Ordnance Survey (OS) coordinate system OSGB36. A minimum of two permanent control stations will be left outside the site.

Data Privacy: THS Concepts takes client trust seriously and does not pass survey data or personal information to other companies or organisations. See Website and Data below for how we handle personal data.

Utility Surveys

Asset Plans: It is THS Concepts policy that we have all relevant asset plans prior to commencing buried utility mapping surveys. These can either be provided to us by the client, or alternatively (and preferably) commissioned to us to purchase and collate. We use these to guide us at the time of our survey visit, and to top-up the drawing with information for items which may not have been detectable. For any services shown on our drawings which have been taken from asset plans and not detected, we clearly indicate them using the appropriate ‘quality level’ as well as a note that they are ‘from records’. If we do not obtain asset plans prior to our scheduled survey date, we may need to postpone our visit. Please note that whilst we allow sufficient time to purchase and receive these, there can sometimes be delays which are outside our control.

Client Responsibilities: The Client shall provide clear access and make known any potential hazards or site-specific requirements which may affect the safety or accuracy of the survey. The Client acknowledges that the accuracy of the survey depends partly on the completeness and accuracy of the information provided by the Client.

Data Collection: The data presented on our drawings is collected using a combination of the following: consultation of utility asset information, visual survey and inspection of manholes and chambers, electromagnetic location techniques & ground penetrating radar.

The Surveyor(s) will make reasonable efforts to locate and map underground utilities based on the information available and the limitations of the technology used. However, we do not guarantee the detection or accuracy of all utilities, as certain factors (e.g., depth, soil conditions, obstructions) may affect the results.

Survey Methodology: Every reasonable effort will be made to open manhole and inspection chamber covers, especially within the survey area. However, some covers are stuck in place or damaged in which case we may not be able to lift them. In this instance we will identify these on the drawing with UTL (unable to lift).

For manholes in the public realm, especially those on highways, it is unlikely we will open them without pre-arranged highway management in place.

Any part of the survey area which we deem impractical to access or hazardous will be omitted. This includes but is not limited to areas of dense vegetation (both undergrowth and long grass when using GPR), land which is not owned by the client (and which would be considered trespass to access), areas of high standing water etc.

Ground Marking: As we detect and determine buried services, we will mark the ground with the relevant details for us to survey them later. Typically, this is done using coloured temporary ground-marking spray paint with the colour used specific to the service detected (eg yellow for gas, blue for water). Unless we are notified otherwise prior to the date of the survey, we will use the aforementioned on all hard and soft surfaces. If the client would prefer an alternative marking system, this needs to be clearly explained to THS Concepts no later than the day before the scheduled survey. Alternatives include flags for soft ground and chalk for hard surfaces.

Data Presentation: Unless otherwise stated, all buried utilities shown on our drawings have been surveyed using approved detection instrumentation and the connections between inspection chambers, if unable to be detected, are generally assumed to be direct unless there are indications to the contrary. The detection confidence for each utility segment is depicted in line with the PAS128 scheme. Information described as QL-C or QL-D cannot be guaranteed as it is based on historic utility records which can be inaccurate and incomplete.

The utility routes depicted may reflect the routes of multiple cables or pipes. It is not always possible to differentiate between buried construction features, utilities and other subsurface linear features. Therefore it is possible that some features shown are not utility related, and due to the limitations of electromagnetic techniques all utility identifications should be treated with caution and verified prior to use during design/building works.

All buried utilities depicted on our drawings as ‘From Records’ or ‘Assumed Route (AR)’ cannot be verified by THS Concepts and must be investigated further using trial holes to ascertain their exact location.

Accuracy of Data: If the location or depth of utilities and features is of particular importance to a project then it is recommended that discussions are held with THS Concepts regarding any possible limitations or anomalies.

In most instances we obtain data and illustrate survey findings in accordance with the requirements of PAS128, and in doing so each item identified is presented with a ‘quality level’. For more information on the survey and presentation processes of PAS128 it is recommended that you read the guidance here.

Not all buried pipes, cables and ducts can be detected and mapped in consideration of their depth, location, material type, geology and proximity to other utilities. Even an appropriate and professionally executed survey may not be able to achieve a 100% detection rate. Where an area of utilities is likely to affect client project requirements, it is strongly recommended that a PAS128 Quality Level A verification survey is carried out.

No utility mapping survey can be considered a 100% accurate depiction of the sub-surface environment, and the use of our drawings does not remove the requirement for the use of safe digging techniques at all times, in line with the requirements of HSG47 and current CDM regulations.

PAS128: In order for a buried utilities survey to be compliant with the PAS128 specification, two forms of detection should be utilised, typically electromagnetic location (using a generator and detector) in combination with ground penetrating radar (GPR). We typically only use GPR where we deem it beneficial unless specifically requested by the client. However, regardless of techniques used, we always present the survey data to PAS128 standards on our drawings. If you specifically need the entirety of the survey to be compliant with the requirements of PAS128, please inform us at the time of quoting.

Liability & Indemnity: We shall not be liable for any consequential, indirect, or incidental damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, business interruption, or damage to property resulting from the use of the survey data.

THS Concepts cannot be considered liable for damages arising from the use of survey results for purposes other than the intended use, as well as reliance on or misuse of the data by the Client or any third-party.

Website and data

GDPR & Data Protection

THS Concepts is committed to handling all personal and project data responsibly and in full compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This section covers how we handle data collected in connection with a client commission. For information on how we handle website visitor data, please refer to our Privacy Policy. 

Data Controller

THS Concepts is the data controller for all personal data collected in connection with our services. Directors Tom Ayre and Chris Horton are the designated data contacts. To view, amend, or delete any personal data we hold, please contact us at [email protected] and we will respond within 30 days. 

Data We Collect

In connection with a commission, THS Concepts may collect and process the following categories of data: client contact details (name, email address, telephone number, and company name); site and project information provided by the client; invoice payer details submitted via our instruction form; and survey data, drawings, and associated files relating to the site. We also collect personal information as part of registration to download our free CAD blocks, our blog subscription service, and when you submit a quick quote, detailed quote, or general enquiry via our website. 

How We Use Your Data

Personal data is collected for the purpose of delivering contracted survey services, managing invoicing and payment, and maintaining a record of the commission. The legal basis for processing is the performance of a contract (UK GDPR Article 6(1)(b)) and, where applicable, our legitimate interests in operating the business (UK GDPR Article 6(1)(f)). Where you have registered for CAD block downloads or our blog subscription, we use your information only to provide the service you signed up for. We do not use client data for marketing purposes without explicit consent and we do not rent or trade email lists with other organisations or businesses. 

Data Sharing

THS Concepts does not sell or rent client data to third parties. Data will not be shared with external parties except where necessary to deliver the services, for example, communicating with architects or contractors on the client’s behalf as directed by the client, or where required by law. Any such communication is on a one-to-one basis and no confidential information is passed on. Survey Data & Drawings Survey drawings, CAD files, and associated data are retained on THS Concepts’ secure private servers and will not be shared with or disclosed to any third party without the client’s prior written consent. 

Data Retention

Raw survey data, field notes, and point cloud data (where applicable) will be retained on our servers for a minimum of six months following completion of a commission, after which they may be deleted without further notice. Client contact and invoice records are retained for six years in line with standard accounting requirements, after which they are securely deleted. CAD block and blog subscription data is retained for as long as you remain registered; you may unsubscribe or request deletion at any time. 

Data Security

All client and project data is stored on THS Concepts’ secure private servers. Access is restricted to authorised THS Concepts staff only. We do not store financial data such as card details or bank account numbers beyond what is required to process a specific transaction. 

Cookies

Our website uses Google Tag Manager to run Google Analytics, which tells us how visitors use the site, and Google Ads conversion tracking, which tells us which adverts lead to enquiries. These cookies are only set if you click Accept on our cookie banner; if you click Reject, they are not set. You can change your choice at any time using the Cookie settings link at the bottom of every page. We do not use this information to identify individual visitors. For more detail, see our Privacy Policy. 

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to access, rectify, restrict processing of, or request deletion of personal data we hold about you. You also have the right to object to processing and to data portability where applicable. To exercise any of these rights, please email [email protected]. If you are unsatisfied with how we handle your data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.

This policy was last reviewed on 10/08/2026. We review our policy periodically. Please email [email protected] for more information.

These terms were last updated on 6 October 2026.