Terms of service.
Plain-language terms for using this site and engaging Cairn & Cedar Landscape Design for projects. Last updated 2026-05-10.
— What these terms cover
Two things this document covers.
These terms cover (1) your use of cairnandcedar.com and (2) high-level engagement with Cairn & Cedar for projects. Specific project terms are governed by individual signed contracts.
Site use.
By using cairnandcedar.com, you agree to use the site for lawful purposes only. You won’t attempt to compromise site security, scrape content for commercial use, or impersonate other users.
Content ownership.
All content on this site (photos, copy, design) is owned by Cairn & Cedar Landscape Design unless otherwise credited. You may reference and link; you may not republish or reuse commercially without permission.
Project engagement.
Project work is governed by individual signed contracts that supersede anything on this site. The site is informational; contracts are binding.
Disclaimers.
Site content is provided ‘as-is’ for informational purposes. Professional decisions (specifically, anything requiring a stamped drawing) should be based on an individual site assessment, not on general site content.
— Project engagement, by the numbers
— Specific terms
Project engagement specifics.
These represent our general approach; the binding terms for any specific project are in your signed contract.
Site visit
Free, no obligation. Two hours, anywhere in Chittenden County. Travel premium may apply outside primary area.
Design phase
Begins after scope-of-work proposal is signed and design deposit (typically 30% of design fee) is paid. Design fees are fixed; design is delivered to scope.
Construction phase
Begins after construction contract is signed. Construction is fixed-price; change orders are signed before any change happens.
Warranty
Two-winter inspection on hardscape and cedar work (we walk the site in spring of years one and two, address frost or settling issues at no charge). Two-year plant warranty on planting plans we install (plants that die from normal causes are replaced at no charge).
Cancellation
Site visit phase: no cost to cancel. Design phase: cancellation refunds the unused portion of design fee, minus a small wind-down fee. Construction phase: governed by specific contract terms; typically you pay for completed work plus reasonable costs to demobilize.
Disputes
We work hard to avoid disputes. If they happen, we’ll mediate in good faith. Vermont law governs all contracts; venue is Chittenden County, Vermont.
— Terms questions
Common questions.
What’s included in the design fee?
Site visit, design development, two formal reviews, construction documents, stamped drawings, permit submission, and four construction-phase site visits. Anything beyond is billed at hourly rates per the contract.
What if I don’t like the design?
Two formal reviews are built into every design contract. We revise based on your feedback. If after the second review you don’t want to proceed, you’ve paid for design and can take the drawings to another contractor (you own the drawings).
What about delays?
We schedule honestly with weather and material lead-time buffers built in. If you cause a delay (slow review, change requests), the timeline extends. If we cause a delay (excluding weather, material delays beyond our control), we’ll discuss compensation case-by-case.
What’s covered by your insurance?
General liability for property damage and bodily injury during our work. Workers’ compensation for our crew. Professional liability for design work. Certificates of insurance available on request.
Can I cancel mid-project?
Yes, per contract terms. Generally: pay for completed work plus reasonable costs to demobilize and clean up. Specific terms in your contract.
What if there’s a defect after warranty expires?
Our two-winter inspection catches most issues. Beyond that, we stand behind our work — though not under formal warranty. Email us and we’ll evaluate; usually we’ll come back and address issues at material cost.