BuildReady Desktop Land Appraisal & Site Visit – Terms and Conditions 

Last updated: April 2025 

These terms apply to the BuildReady Desktop Land Appraisal Service and Site Visit ("the Service") provided by mac & rao ("we", "us", "our") to you ("the client", "you"). Please read this agreement carefully and make sure you understand it. If you do not understand the agreement or do not accept any part of it, please do not use this Service. By booking this service, you agree to the following: 

 

1. Scope of the Service 

1.1 The BuildReady Land Appraisal  

The BuildReasy Land Appraisal provides a high-level desktop review of a plot of land for the purposes of early-stage self-build planning. The service includes a report and a 30 minute consultation based on publicly available data, desk-based research, and information provided by you. 

The report may include: 

  • House Placement 

  • Context and Historical Planning 

  • Site Services  

  • Site Accessibility  

  • Ground Conditions  

  • Next Steps 

Please Note: This is a remote, non-site-based service and does not constitute legal, financial, or planning permission advice. 

 

1.2 Site Visit (if applicable) 

This option includes all elements of the BuildReady Land Appraisal plus a physical visit to the site by an architect.  

Includes: 

  • On-site walkover and observational survey. This would include verifying information from the BuildReady Land Appraisal where possible.  

  • Updated written report with findings from the site visit 

Site visits do not include: 

  • Consultant Surveys including but not limited to Topographical surveys, Ground investigation reports, Drainage Report etc 

  • Invasive or technical investigations 

  • Consultant Input 

  • Please note – we can make introductions to the appropriate consultants if known and required.  

 

2. Limitations of the Service 

Not a Legal or Financial Appraisal: This service is not a replacement for formal legal advice, land surveys, conveyancing, or mortgage valuation. Clients should seek separate advice from qualified solicitors, surveyors, or financial advisors as required. 

Accuracy of Information: The report is based on information available at the time of writing. We cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or future applicability of third-party or public data. 

No Guarantee of Planning Approval: This service does not constitute pre-application advice or guarantee future planning permission. While we offer planning insight, final decisions rest with the local authority. 

If a site visit is carried out:  

Non-Invasive Site Visit: Site visits are observational only. No excavation, testing, or health and safety assessments carried out under CDM Regulations are undertaken. 

 

3. Client Responsibilities 

You agree to: 

  • Provide accurate and timely information about the plot, including location details, ownership status, and any documents available 

  • Respond promptly to requests for further information 

  • Understand that incomplete or delayed information may affect the quality or timeline of the report 

  • Disclose any known restrictions, boundaries, or previous planning applications 

  • Submit all requested documentation prior to your scheduled consultation 

  • Arrange access and permissions for the site visit (if applicable) 

4. Deliverables and Timescales 

We aim to deliver your BuildReady Land Appraisal Report within 3 working days of the consultation appointment.  

Site Visits are scheduled at a mutually beneficial time to both the client and Mac & Rao, and an updated report delivered within 5 working days following the site visit. 

All Reports are delivered in PDF format by email. No printed copies are included. 

 

 

5. Fees and Payment 

  • The fee for the BuildReady Land Appraisal Service is a fixed amount, as stated at the time of booking, and must be paid in full at the time of scheduling your consultation 

  • Site visits, if recommended during the initial consultation, will be invoiced separately and must be paid in full prior to the site visit.  

  • Full quotes for additional services (e.g. Architectural and Timber Kit Services) will be issued upon request. 

 

 

6. Liability 

We provide the Service with reasonable skill and care. However, to the fullest extent permitted by law: 

We are not liable for any direct or indirect loss resulting from the decisions made based on the contents of the report. 

We are not liable for errors in third-party data or changes in statutory policy including but not limited to planning policy and building control regulations or changes to the site including but not limited to ground conditions, vegetation growth, site interventions etc. occurring after the report is delivered. 

Our total liability under these terms shall not exceed the total fee paid by you for the Service. 

 

7. Intellectual Property 

All reports remain the intellectual property of Mac & Rao Ltd. The contents of the report are for your personal use and may not be copied, shared, distributed, published, resold, or used commercially without our consent. 

 

8.  Cooling-Off Period & Right to Cancel 

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations (2013), you have the right to cancel this contract within 14 days without giving any reason. 

However, if you book your appraisal within this 14-day period, you expressly request that we begin work within the 14-day period. This means: 

  • You waive your right to a full refund if work begins before the 14-day period ends. 

  • If you cancel after we’ve started but before completion, you will be refunded minus the value of any work already carried out. 

  • If the service has been completed, no refund is due. 

 

 

9. Cancellation and Refunds 

4.1 BuildReady Land Appraisal Cancellations 

  • You may cancel or reschedule your appointment up to 48 hours before the scheduled consultation for a full refund or credit. 

  • Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the consultation are non-refundable, unless at our discretion. 

4.2 Site Visit Cancellations 

  • You must notify us at least 5 business days in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule. 

  • If cancellation is made with less than 5 business days’ notice, we reserve the right to retain up to 50% of the site visit fee to cover preparation and lost time, plus any non-refundable travel or accommodation costs already incurred. 

10. Force Majeure 

We shall not be liable for delays or failure to deliver services due to events outside our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, extreme weather, strikes, illness, or transportation disruptions. 

 

11. Dispute Resolution 

If a dispute arises, we’ll seek to resolve it informally first. If this fails, disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Scottish courts under the laws of Scotland. 

 

12. Privacy 

Your data will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which outlines how we collect, store, and use your information in the delivery of our services.  

 

13. Changes to These Terms and Conditions 

We reserve the right to change, modify or remove the contents of these Terms and Conditions at any time to reflect changes in our services, pricing, legal requirements, or business operations. Any changes will be published on our website and will take effect immediately upon posting. For ongoing services or bookings already in progress, you agree to be bound by the revised terms. We will notify clients of any significant changes that may affect them. 

 

If you have any questions about these terms, please contact us at: 

hello@macandrao.com 
www.macandrao.com