Answers to the questions we get every week.
Can't find what you're looking for? Call Sam on the number below and he'll talk it through with you.
Deposits, quotes, and what you pay when.
Yes, always. Site visits and written quotes never cost anything. You only pay once you've accepted a quote and the job is about to start - typically 30% as a deposit, balance on completion.
Wherever possible, fixed price. You know up-front what the job will cost and there are no surprises. For unpredictable work - rot repairs, retrofits into old properties - we sometimes quote a realistic range plus a clear day rate for any extras, and we always agree variations in writing before invoicing for them.
Yes - 30% for any job over £500. The deposit secures your slot in the diary and covers bought-in materials. You can pay by card on the quote link we email you (Stripe), or by bank transfer if you prefer.
On completion, once you've walked the job with Sam and you're happy. Card or bank transfer - whichever suits. We don't ask for stage payments on small jobs; larger multi-week projects sometimes have a milestone payment at the halfway mark.
No - Sam is not VAT registered, so SC Joinery does not charge VAT. Quotes and invoices show the total payable.
Start dates, working hours, and tidying up.
Small jobs (door, skirting, radiator cover) usually 1-2 weeks. Medium jobs (wardrobes, alcove units) 3-5 weeks. Larger installs (garden rooms, full staircase replacements, full-house internal door refits) 6-10 weeks, especially in summer when outdoor work gets busy.
Weekdays 7:30am-6pm by default. Saturdays 8am-3pm when the job calls for it. Sundays are generally off - emergencies only. We're always flexible on start times if you're working from home or have school runs.
Absolutely. We put down dust sheets, tape polythene over doorways where we can, and pack tools away at the end of each day. If you've got a dog, just give us a heads-up so we know to keep gates closed.
Every day. Hoovers come on at the end of each shift, rubbish goes in the van, skirting offcuts don't get left behind. At the end of the job we expect to leave the room cleaner than we found it.
Southport and a 15-mile radius - that includes Formby, Ainsdale, Birkdale, Churchtown, Crosby, Ormskirk, Hightown, Banks and Tarleton. For bigger projects (pergolas, full decks, oak-framed garden rooms) we'll travel further afield by arrangement.
Insurance, guarantees and compliance.
£2 million public liability cover, plus tools-in-transit and on-site. We'll send you a copy of the certificate before work starts if you want it for your records.
For general joinery we're not members of a specific trade body - the proof of quality is in the 96+ five-star reviews from local customers and the 12-month workmanship guarantee on every job. We don't fit new replacement windows or double glazing; for those jobs, please contact a specialist window installer. We do restore original timber sash windows (splicing, re-cording, draught-proofing, re-glazing).
12-month workmanship guarantee on everything we fit. Manufacturer warranties apply separately to materials (typically 5-10 years for hardware, 25+ years for frames). If something isn't right within the guarantee period, call us - we'll come back.
Yes - we regularly work on Grade II listed properties across Southport and Birkdale. Restoration work needs sensitivity (matching profiles, period-appropriate materials) and we're experienced at it. If listed building consent is needed, we can help with the application or work alongside your conservation officer.
Yes. We work with a regular plumber (Gas Safe), electrician (NICEIC), plasterer and tiler across Southport, so we can project-manage multi-trade jobs end-to-end. You get one point of contact and one invoice.
Everything else people want to know.
Southport and a 30-minute radius - that takes in Formby, Ainsdale, Birkdale, Churchtown, Crosby, Ormskirk, Hightown, Banks and Tarleton. For larger projects (pergolas, decking, bespoke furniture) I'll happily travel further - I've done jobs in Manchester and Leeds before now.
Yes - always. I come out, measure up, have a chat about what you're trying to achieve, and email you a written quote within 48 hours. There's never a charge for that, and you're under no obligation.
Smaller jobs (doors, skirting, a radiator cover) - usually within 1-2 weeks. Larger projects (wardrobes, pergolas, staircases) - 3-6 weeks depending on the season. Summer books up fastest for outdoor work.
Yes. For jobs over £500, I take a 30% deposit to secure your start date and cover materials. The balance is paid on completion. You can pay the deposit online via the quote link I send you.
Yes - £2 million public liability insurance through Simply Business. Happy to send over the certificate before work starts if you want a copy for your records.
Bank transfer, card (via Stripe on the quote link I send you), or cash for smaller jobs. I don't accept cheques any more.
Yes - 2 years workmanship guarantee on everything I fit. Materials and appliances carry their own manufacturer warranties. If something isn't right, I'll come back and fix it.
Yes - I've been doing this long enough to know how to keep dust down, clear tools at the end of each day, and keep rooms liveable while I work. I also put down dust sheets on carpets and tape polythene over any doorways that open into the work area.
Every service page has its own FAQ section.
Detailed questions on staircases, wardrobes, sash window restoration, decking and more - with real prices and typical timescales.
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