CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS ARE SUBJECT TO BINDING ARBITRATION PURSUANT TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA UNIFORM ARBITRATION ACT, S.C. CODE ANN. § 15-48-10, ET SEQ., AS AMENDED

CEA COMPANY LLC TERMS AND CONDITIONS

CEA Company, LLC (hereinafter, “CEA”) offers a wide range of professional services, including, but not limited to, residential and commercial cleaning services, drywall installation and repair, plastering, and painting (the “SERVICES”). CEA is fully insured.

The following TERMS AND CONDITIONS shall apply to any arrangement entered between the Customer (hereinafter, “YOU”) and CEA (collectively, the “PARTIES”) to perform SERVICES, unless hereinafter specified otherwise.

Note: CEA reserves the right to alter or modify the TERMS AND CONDITIONS at any time.

SCOPE OF WORK
CEA will prepare an ESTIMATE for the SERVICES YOU request. The ESTIMATE shall contain notice of these Terms and Conditions. By accepting the ESTIMATE, you accept these Terms and Conditions. The ESTIMATE shall be valid for thirty (30) days. Any changes in the scope of work contained in the ESTIMATE requested by YOU, after the ESTIMATE has been prepared, may affect pricing. Any changes requested by YOU after CEA has commenced the SERVICES shall require written approval, signed by an officer or director of CEA, and may also result in additional charges. Any “last minute” or “emergency” request for SERVICES will result in additional charges. With respect to cleaning services, any special requests (i.e. detailed refrigerator cleaning, self-cleaning of oven, windows, garage, etc.) must be made via email pursuant to Paragraph 17 at least forty-eight (48) hours before your scheduled service and may result in additional charges as well.
CUSTOMER’S OBLIGATIONS
YOU acknowledge that YOU shall be responsible for the following:
1. Making a timely payment for the SERVICES based on whether the scope of work includes cleaning (Para. 7(a)) or painting and drywall services (Para. 8(a)).
2. Making all requests, changes, etc. to the ESTIMATE by contacting us as specified in Paragraph 17. Please do NOT contact any on-site employee of CEA directly.
CEA’S OBLIGATIONS
CEA acknowledges that it shall be responsible for the following:
1. Performing the SERVICES in a professional manner and in accordance with industry standards;
2. Providing all equipment and supplies necessary to perform the SERVICES;
3. Ensuring the protection, confidentiality, and protection of your private information. CEA understands that it is in a unique position where YOU must trust us with access to sensitive information and access to your home or office. CEA commits to act discretely to protect that information, and promises to never sell or share your personal information with any third party; and
4. Performing all other duties it undertakes to provide pursuant to these TERMS and CONDITIONS.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
YOU understand that CEA is neither a manufacturer nor an agent of any manufacturer, and with respect to any product used by CEA in the performance of the SERVICES, CEA MAKES NO PRODUCT WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY CEA, THE ONLY WARRANTIES OFFERED ARE THOSE SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED HEREIN. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED.
NO PARTNERSHIP OR AGENCY
YOU understand that no provision contained herein is intended to or shall create a partnership between the PARTIES or authorize either party to act as an agent for the other, and neither party shall have the to authority to act in the name or behalf of or otherwise bind the other in any way. CEA is an independent contractor and shall perform the SERVICES according to its own discretion and company policies.
CEA COMPANY POLICIES
As an independent contractor, the employees of CEA shall follow company policies while performing the SERVICES. These policies are discussed in further detail in Paragraphs 7-8.
CEA CLEANING DIVISION
The following terms are specific to CEA’s cleaning division and are hereby incorporated by reference into any ESTIMATE for cleaning services:
1. Payment is due at the conclusion of each visit, unless agreed otherwise in writing and signed by an officer or director of CEA. A $25.00 fee will be charged for each NSF check returned by the bank. The preferred method of payment is to be made directly to the office via check, addressed as follows: CEA Company, LLC, 7302 Woodrow St., Irmo, SC 29063.
2. In the event an account requires legal or collection action, YOU agree to pay all costs of collection, including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees, prejudgment interest, court costs, and all other costs incidental to collection.
3. Overdue payments are subject to a late fee of $25.00 after thirty (30) days. In addition, interest will be charged at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum on all overdue accounts accruing monthly. SERVICES shall be immediately suspended once a payment becomes overdue.
4. YOU must keep pets secured at all times. If applicable, YOU must provide the code to any security system or alarm at the work site. YOU shall remove all items that may delay the SERVICES. CEA shall not clean surfaces that are not organized neatly, such as desks that have a large amount of paperwork. Items should be picked up off the floor and counters organized in order to maximize efficiency.
5. YOU shall ensure that your business is accessible to CEA. If your business provides a key for entry, two (2) copies of the key will be made. One will be provided to the cleaning team and the other will be kept in a lockbox as a backup in case of exigent circumstances.
6. CEA provides its own cleaning supplies and equipment, including vacuums, mops, and cleaning solutions. Should YOU choose to supply specific products for CEA to use then YOU agree that it is at your sole risk. In such an event, CEA shall not be liable whatsoever for any damage to any surfaces, including flooring, furniture, fixtures, etc. caused by using the specific products you selected. Please place the cleaning product(s) and your request for specific types of cleaning, e.g., antiques, etc. below “Changes/Additions” on the ESTIMATE. Notwithstanding the foregoing, businesses are responsible for providing paper products, hand soaps, and replacement trash bags.
7. YOU shall have the opportunity in the initial cleaning and walk-through to point out areas of concern so that we may customize the SERVICES to your liking. Any initial issues or concerns are to be addressed as soon as they arise so that we can correct the issue.
8. While CEA shall exercise ordinary care in performing the SERVICES, CEA shall not be responsible for damage to any items that are already in poor condition. CEA shall document items (e.g., blinds, ceiling fans, appliances, etc.) in poor condition during the initial inspection and may exercise the discretion to not clean those items in order to avoid causing further damage. CEA cleaners shall immediately report incidents involving property damage or damage to any item of personal property while performing the SERVICES.
9. All cleaners have signed a non-compete agreement with CEA. Therefore, they are prohibited from soliciting business from YOU, whether on their own behalf or on behalf of any third party, during their employment with CEA and for one (1) year following the end of their employment with CEA. If you interfere with this contractual agreement between CEA and its cleaners, you agree to immediately pay CEA the sum of $2000.00 in liquidated damages within thirty (30) days. In the event that you breach this provision, you shall be liable for all costs of collection of the liquidated damages, including prejudgment interest, attorney’s fees, and court costs.
10. CEA cleaners wear uniforms to identify themselves. CEA cleaners generally work in teams of two or more. CEA shall make every effort to keep the same team leader assigned to YOU, but cannot make any guarantee due to illness, vacation, etc.
11. CEA cleaners shall not answer the door or the telephone. CEA cleaners shall lock doors for their safety. CEA cleaners shall not climb higher than a step stool while rendering the SERVICES, work outdoors, move furniture, or lift any objects over twenty (20) pounds. In the event that the PARTIES agree, in writing, for CEA to move furnishings, CEA shall not be responsible for damages as a result of old or faulty manufacturing
12. YOU further understand and agree that CEA does not, unless otherwise agreed in writing: clean inside of a hutch or cabinet; dust any specific computer equipment; wash dishes; provide pet or child-related cleaning services such as emptying diaper pails or litter boxes; or clean behind fixtures such as a stove, fridge, or washer/dryer. Without exception, CEA does not clean body fluids or excretions.
13. YOU agree to indemnify, release, and hold harmless CEA and its employees for any damage to any article or component. CEA expressly disclaims responsibility for damage due to faulty and/or improper installation of any item.
14. The PARTIES agree that if CEA discovers the presence of fleas, mold, or any other environmental hazard, that CEA reserves the right to cease providing SERVICES until YOU remedy the particular environmental hazard to CEA’s satisfaction. YOU further agree that in such event, CEA shall be paid in full for the amount specified in the ESTIMATE.
CEA PAINT AND DRYWALL DIVISION
The following terms are specific to CEA’s cleaning division and are hereby incorporated by reference into any ESTIMATE for paint and drywall services:
1. A deposit of 50% of the total cost of the ESTIMATE is required before work begins. Payment for services may be made in installments as milestones are completed. If such is the case, these payments will be outlined in the ESTIMATE. The remaining balance is due upon completion. CEA accepts payments via cash, checks, bank transfers (1% fee), and credit cards (4.5% fee). Failure to pay the final invoice may result in late fees.
2. In the event an account requires legal or collection action, YOU agree to pay all costs of collection, including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees, prejudgment interest, court costs, and all other costs incidental to collection.
3. YOU agree to provide access to the work site during working hours and ensure that the work site is free of obstacles.
4. YOU agree to provide access to water, electricity, and restroom facilities at the work site.
5. Working with drywall causes dust to accumulate throughout the work area and its surroundings. CEA will make a good faith effort to collect as much of the dust as possible and to leave the work area in a reasonably clean state upon completion of the SERVICES but does not undertake to have the work area or its surroundings professionally cleaned.
6. If the building was constructed before 1980, there may be asbestos in walls, insulation, or other materials. For homes built before 1978, lead paint may also be present. Both substances require special handling and removal by certified professionals. CEA does not offer these services, and the expense shall be borne solely by YOU. To the extent it may become necessary to obtain any permits from the relevant town, municipality, or county, YOU will be responsible for the costs as well.
7. Paint and drywall services in settings with high ceilings or difficult-to-reach areas require special equipment like scaffolding or lifts. In such cases, YOU shall be responsible for making sure that the work area is free of obstructions. Obstructions include, but are not limited to, furniture, fixtures, and other equipment.
8. Paint colors must be sent in writing with the color name and number. Changes must also be made in writing. YOU understand and acknowledge that bare drywall must be primed before painting to prevent the paint from soaking into the area unevenly, which lead to patchy or inconsistent results.
9. YOU shall ensure that that the work area is sufficiently dry. YOU understand and acknowledge that drywall should not be installed in areas with high moisture without the use of moisture-resistant drywall, and that painting on wet or damp drywall can cause poor adhesion, blistering, or mold growth.
10. YOU understand and acknowledge that painting and drywall work should be done when the temperature is between 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme cold or heat prevents proper drying and curing of compounds and paints. YOU further understand and acknowledge that both drywall compound (mud) and paint have specific drying times, which can be affected by temperature and humidity. Rushing the SERVICES can lead to uneven surfaces, cracking, or poor paint adhesion. YOU shall be responsible for ensuring that the work area has sufficient HVAC services and ventilation.
11. CEA warrants its paint and drywall services to be performed in a professional manner and to be of proper workmanship for a period of one (1) year after completion. However, this warranty shall be voided if damage is caused by intervening or superseding causes such as poor maintenance, the negligence of other contractors, or any attempt by YOU to cure the alleged defect.
RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS
YOU agree to hold harmless CEA from and against all damages, liabilities, costs, losses, or expenses arising out of any claim, demand, or action by You or by any third party, except to the extent modified herein.

Due to the nature of the SERVICES offered by CEA, accidents infrequently happen. In the event that employees of CEA cause property damage or damage to any item of personal property while performing the SERVICES, YOU will be promptly notified. CEA reserves the right to repair or replace items which are damaged or broken.
GOVERNING LAW
The formation, construction, performance, and enforcement of any provision contained herein shall be in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of South Carolina, without regard to conflict of laws principles.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
Any proceeding of any kind arising out of a dispute between YOU and CEA shall take place in Lexington County, South Carolina, and the courts of Lexington County, South Carolina shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any such action. YOU agree that said forum is convenient and has jurisdiction to hear and decide any such action.
MISCELLANEOUS
Notwithstanding Paragraph 3(b), if the SERVICES for which YOU hire CEA include residential or commercial cleaning, CEA shall not provide paper products or replacement trash bags.
ATTORNEY’S FEES
YOU agree to pay all attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses of litigation should CEA be required to enforce any provision of these TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
TERMINATION
CEA reserves the right to terminate the SERVICES if YOU fail to comply with these TERMS AND CONDITIONS in any material way. In the event of termination, YOU shall be responsible for all costs incurred up to that point.
HEADINGS
The headings in these TERMS AND CONDITIONS are for convenience or reference only and are not part of the substance hereof.
FORCE MAJEURE
Any delays in the performance of any obligation of CEA under these TERMS AND CONDITIONS shall be excused to the extent that such delays are caused by wars, national emergencies, natural disasters, strikes, labor disputes, utility failures, governmental regulations, riots, adverse weather, pandemics, and other similar causes not within the control of CEA, and any time periods required for performance shall be extended accordingly.

CEA specifically reserves the right to postpone the SERVICES in events of severe weather if CEA, in its sole discretion, determines that it is not safe to travel and transport equipment and supplies to the work site. CEA shall notify YOU and will attempt to reschedule via email. However, in no event will CEA be liable to YOU in any way if it should exercise any of the rights provided in this Paragraph.
CONTACT
Email (info@cea-company.com) is the preferred method of communication. If there is an emergency, you may call or text us at 803-237-9691. Your feedback, good and bad, is essential for us to serve you better, correct problems, and provide additional training to our employees so that we may serve you better.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
In the event of any dispute arising out of the SERVICES and/or these TERMS AND CONDITIONS, the PARTIES agree to attempt to resolve the matter informally. If informal negotiations fail, the dispute shall be settled, except as may otherwise be provided herein, by binding arbitration in accordance with the South Carolina Uniform Arbitration Act, S.C. Code Ann. § 15-48-10, et seq. To the extent that the South Carolina Court-Annexed Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) Rules can be applied to binding arbitration, the parties and arbitrator shall be guided by the processes of said ADR Rules. Any PARTY may demand arbitration of any claim by serving the other with a written demand for arbitration, which shall include a statement setting forth the nature of the dispute; if applicable, the amount in controversy; the remedy sought and the grounds therefore; and the hearing locale requested. The fees and expenses of the arbitrator shall be borne equally by the PARTIES. The PARTIES agree to participate in discovery, and for the arbitrator to grant summary judgment if appropriate, in accordance with the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. The arbitrator shall be an attorney or retired judge. Any and all gateway and/or threshold matters, including but not limited to the existence, applicability, interpretation, and scope of this arbitration provision, the arbitrability of the claim or dispute, and whether this arbitration provision is valid and enforceable, are expressly delegated to and reserved for the arbitrator to decide. The PARTIES understand and agree that no gateway and/or threshold matters shall be reserved for adjudication by the Court. The arbitrator shall apply and be bound by governing local, state or federal law when making an award, and shall award only those damages or other relief allowed by such governing law. The arbitrator shall prepare a written decision stating reasoned findings of fact and conclusions of law. The arbitrator shall have the authority to award fees, costs, injunctive or equitable relief in accordance with this arbitration provision and applicable law. Unless otherwise ordered by the arbitrator in accordance with the applicable law or provided otherwise by this Agreement, the PARTIES shall be responsible for the payment of their own attorney’s fees. The arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding. A PARTY may seek entry of a judgment on the award in any court of competent jurisdiction. If any part of this arbitration provision shall be deemed or found unenforceable for any reason, the remainder shall remain enforceable.
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
YOU authorize CEA to take photographs and videos before and after the SERVICES for marketing purposes, and to post the same on CEA’s social media accounts. CEA shall exercise discretion and take affirmative steps to protect your privacy such that nothing appears in the photographs or videos which would identify YOU or other members of your household (e.g., family photographs). YOU further authorize CEA to reproduce any review you leave in connection with its marketing efforts on its social media accounts.
ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE
YOU hereby agree that all documents related to the SERVICES provided by CEA, including, but not limited to, the ESTIMATE furnished by CEA, may be transmitted and executed electronically. It is hereby understood and agreed that an electronic signature will be deemed an original.
SMS COMMUNICATION
By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages (SMS) from CEA. You may unsubscribe at any time by reply STOP. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.