Refund Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2024

At Cascade General Contracting, we are committed to transparency and fairness in all our business practices. This Refund Policy outlines our payment terms, cancellation policies, and customer protections for all our services.

Important Note

This is not a traditional "refund policy" as our services are custom construction projects. Instead, this document outlines our payment terms, cancellation policies, and what happens if you need to cancel or modify your project.

Initial Consultation

Our initial consultation is completely free and carries no obligation. There are no charges or refunds associated with this service.

Estimates and Quotes

We provide detailed written quotes at no cost. These quotes are valid for 30 days and can be revised if your requirements change. No payment is required at the quote stage.

Contract Signing and Deposit

Required Deposit

A 30% deposit is required to secure your project start date and initiate the planning process. This deposit is non-refundable once contracts are signed and work begins, as it covers:

• Design and planning costs
• Permit application fees
• Material reservation and ordering
• Project scheduling and coordination

Deposit Refund Scenarios

The deposit may be partially or fully refunded in the following circumstances:

Before Permit Submission

If you cancel your project before we submit any permit applications:

• Full deposit refund minus 5% administrative processing fee
• Must provide written cancellation notice
• Refund processed within 10 business days

After Permit Submission

If you cancel your project after we have submitted permit applications:

• Deposit forfeiture (no refund)
• Additional permit fees must be paid by client
• Permit fees are non-refundable

Project Cancellation by Client

Before Construction Begins

If you cancel after contracts are signed but before construction starts:

• Deposit is forfeited
• Permit fees are charged to client
• Any additional costs incurred are charged to client
• Written cancellation notice required

After Construction Begins

If you cancel after construction work has started:

• Deposit is forfeited
• All completed work must be paid for at contract rates
• Additional 20% cancellation fee on completed work
• Cost of materials ordered and not returned
• Cost of any subcontractor work completed
• Permit fees and other administrative costs

Project Cancellation by Cascade General Contracting

We reserve the right to cancel any project if:

• Client fails to make payments as agreed in the contract
• Client interferes with our ability to complete the project
• Unsafe or inaccessible work conditions exist
• Client violates any terms of the agreement
• Force majeure events make completion impossible

If We Cancel Your Project

In the event we cancel your project, you will receive:

• Full refund of all payments made
• Reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses
• Written explanation of cancellation reason
• Assistance finding alternative contractors (if requested)

Change Orders and Modifications

Any changes to the original scope of work must be documented in a written change order. Change orders may affect the project cost and timeline.

Client-Requested Changes

If you request changes that increase the project scope:

• Additional costs will be quoted before work begins
• Payment for additional work is required before completion
• Timeline may be extended based on scope changes

Client-Requested Scope Reduction

If you request to reduce the project scope:

• We will provide credit for unused materials (if returnable)
• Administrative fee of 10% on reduced amount
• Some costs may not be reducible (permits, design work)
• Written change order required

Payment Disputes

If you have a concern about any invoice or payment request:

Dispute Resolution Process

1. Immediate Notification: Contact us within 5 business days of invoice date
2. Good Faith Review: We will review the concern and provide written response within 10 business days
3. Negotiation: Both parties will work in good faith to resolve the dispute
4. Mediation: If unresolved, both parties agree to mediation before legal action

Non-Payment Consequences

Failure to pay undisputed amounts may result in:

• Project work suspension
• Interest charges of 1.5% per month on overdue amounts
• Additional administrative fees
• Legal action for collection (client responsible for all costs)

Warranty Claims and Repairs

Our 2-year workmanship warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

Warranty Repair Process

1. Report Issue: Contact us in writing with detailed description
2. Assessment: We will inspect and determine if issue is covered under warranty
3. Repair Schedule: Warranty repairs will be scheduled within 30 days
4. Completion: Repairs completed at no cost to client

Non-Warranty Repairs

For issues not covered under warranty:

• We will provide repair quote at standard rates
• Client may choose to use our services or another contractor
• No refunds or credits for non-warranty issues

Force Majeure and Delays

We are not responsible for delays or cancellations due to circumstances beyond our control:

• Natural disasters (floods, fires, earthquakes)
• Pandemics or health emergencies
• Material supply chain disruptions
• Permit office delays or closures
• Labor strikes or shortages
• Government restrictions or mandates

Force Majeure Response

In the event of force majeure:

• We will notify you promptly of any impacts
• Timeline will be adjusted as needed
• Deposit remains non-refundable (covers planning and preparation costs)
• We will work with you to find alternative solutions when possible

Client Bankruptcy or Financial Hardship

If you experience financial difficulties:

• Please contact us immediately to discuss options
• We may be able to pause work and resume later
• Partial refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Documentation of financial hardship may be required
• No assurances of refunds in bankruptcy situations

Dispute Resolution

We are committed to resolving any disputes in good faith. Our dispute resolution process includes:

Step 1: Direct Communication

Contact our office manager or owner directly to discuss concerns.

Step 2: Written Response

We will provide a written response within 10 business days.

Step 3: Mediation

If direct resolution is not possible, both parties agree to attempt mediation. Costs will be shared equally.

Step 4: Legal Action

Any legal action must be filed in Lane County, Oregon. Client is responsible for all legal costs unless otherwise determined by the court.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this refund policy or need to discuss a specific situation, please contact us:

Policy Changes

We reserve the right to modify this refund policy at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to our website and will apply to new projects initiated after the effective date. Existing contracts will be governed by the policy in effect at the time of contract signing.

Related Documents

This refund policy works in conjunction with our other policies and agreements:

• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Individual project contracts and agreements
• Change order agreements