Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions of Service

Ficus Studio Pty Ltd | ABN 39 660 506 730

1. Agreement & Acceptance

These Terms and Conditions apply to the supply of custom cabinetry, joinery, and related products (“Goods”) and services (“Services”) by Ficus Studio Pty Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”) to the client (“you”). By paying a deposit to Ficus Studio, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Terms. No physical signature is required.

2. Payment Structure & Milestones

The following milestone payments apply to all projects:

  • 10% Booking Deposit: Required to initiate site measurement, administration, and CAD designs. (Non-refundable).

  • 40% Production Payment: Payable upon CAD approval. This covers procurement of custom materials and manufacturing. (Non-refundable).

  • 40% Delivery/Installation Payment: Due upon arrival of Goods on-site or commencement of installation.

  • 10% Final Completion: Due immediately upon functional completion.

Functional Completion is defined as the Goods being installed and operable, excluding minor cosmetic adjustments or “punch-list” items. Invoices are payable within 7 days of issue.

2A. Variations (Changes After CAD Approval)

Any changes requested after CAD approval are considered Variations and must be agreed in writing. Variations may affect price and lead times. The Company is not responsible for delays caused by Variations or unavailable information (e.g., appliances not onsite).

3. Non-Refundable Components (Genuine Pre-Estimate of Loss)

The Booking Deposit and Production Payment are non-refundable as they represent a genuine pre-estimate of the Company’s loss. They cover design labour, site preparation, and the procurement of custom materials that are manufactured to your specific dimensions and cannot be repurposed or returned.

4. Ownership & Risk

Ownership of all Goods remains with us until the full balance is paid. Until paid in full, you hold the Goods as a bailee, and they must not be altered or disposed of. Risk in the Goods passes to you upon delivery to the site. If payment defaults occur, we may, with reasonable notice, enter the premises to recover Goods to the extent permitted by law.

5. Site Preparation & Removal of Existing Structures

  • Removal Care: Ficus Studio takes extreme care when removing existing cabinetry; however, the removal of glued or fixed builder-grade shelving often exposes unfinished surfaces or causes minor damage to underlying plaster and paint.

  • Plaster & Paint: We will perform reasonable patching of screw holes and minor blemishes caused by removal. Final finishing (sanding, priming, and painting) remains your responsibility.

  • Waste Removal: Unless a Tip/Disposal Fee is itemised on your quote, all waste materials will be stacked safely on-site for your disposal (e.g., via Council Hard Waste).

5A. Site Access & Delays

You must provide safe and reasonable access to the installation area on the scheduled date. If installation is delayed due to incomplete works by others, restricted access, unsafe conditions, or last-minute date changes, the Company may charge a reasonable call-out or delay fee.

6. Hidden Services & Reasonable Care

We employ trade-standard precautions and reasonable care before drilling into walls. However, internal services (pipes, electrical, data) are not always detectable. To the extent permitted by law, Ficus Studio is not liable for damage to hidden services that could not reasonably be identified. You must advise us of any known hidden services prior to installation.

7. Trade Exclusions (Plumbing / Electrical / Gas)

We provide cabinetry and joinery only. We do not perform plumbing, electrical, or gas fitting (including disconnecting/reconnecting services or installing appliances). You must arrange licensed trades at your own cost.

8. Warranty & Aftercare

  • Workmanship: We provide a 2-year workmanship warranty on installation labor.

  • Hardware: Components are covered by manufacturer warranties; we will assist with reasonable claims.

  • Australian Consumer Law: Our warranties operate in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, which cannot be excluded. This warranty does not cover building movement, wear and tear, or moisture/heat damage.

9. Late Payments & Recovery

Invoices unpaid after 7 days may incur a $150 late fee. You agree to indemnify us for reasonable debt recovery costs, including legal fees on an indemnity basis should they be required to recover outstanding funds.

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. Both parties submit to the jurisdiction of Victorian courts and tribunals (including VCAT).