Terms of Service

Web Design & Development Services

Last Updated: May 10, 2025

1. Introduction & Services

Let's start on the right foot: Thanks for considering me for your project! These terms help us make sure we're on the same page. If anything here doesn't work for you, please reach out so we can discuss before we begin working together.

Welcome! I'm Tavia Gilbert, a freelance web designer and developer, and this document outlines how we'll work together to bring your digital vision to life. Here's what I can help you with:

  • Website design and development
  • Responsive UI/UX design
  • Website maintenance and updates
  • Custom web application development
  • E-commerce solutions
  • SEO optimization
  • Website performance optimization
  • Content management system implementation

My approach is collaborative and personalized — I believe the best results come from understanding your unique needs and working closely together throughout the process.

2. Project Process

My typical web design and development process includes the following phases:

  1. Discovery: Initial consultation to understand your requirements, goals, target audience, and preferences.
  2. Proposal: Providing a detailed project proposal including scope, timeline, and cost estimate.
  3. Design: Creating wireframes and visual designs for approval.
  4. Development: Building the functional website according to approved designs.
  5. Testing: Quality assurance across devices and browsers.
  6. Deployment: Launching the website on the agreed hosting platform.
  7. Training: Providing instructions on how to use and update your website.

3. Client Responsibilities

For the successful completion of your project, you agree to:

  • Provide timely and clear communication throughout the project
  • Supply necessary content (text, images, videos, etc.) in the requested format and timeline
  • Review and provide feedback on deliverables within the agreed timeframe
  • Make payments according to the agreed schedule
  • Obtain proper licenses for any third-party assets (fonts, images, plugins, etc.) that you request to be used
  • Provide access to necessary accounts (hosting, domain, etc.) when required

4. Payment Terms

To keep our project running smoothly, here's how payments typically work (though we can always discuss alternatives that better fit your situation):

  • 50% non-refundable deposit before project commencement
  • Remaining 50% upon project completion, prior to website launch or file handover
  • Additional work beyond the agreed scope will be billed separately
  • Late payments (more than 14 days overdue) will incur a 5% monthly interest charge

5. Revisions & Change Requests

My project proposals include a specific number of revision rounds for design and development work. Revisions requested beyond this number, or changes to previously approved work, may incur additional charges at my standard hourly rate.

Substantial changes to the project scope may require a revised proposal and timeline. I will notify you if your requested changes fall into this category.

6. Project Timeline & Delays

Project timelines will be outlined in the proposal. While I strive to meet all deadlines, the final timeline depends on prompt client feedback and content delivery. Delays in client responses or content submission may result in project timeline extensions.

If a project remains inactive for more than 30 days due to lack of client response or required materials, I reserve the right to consider the project abandoned. Reactivating the project may incur additional fees.

7. Intellectual Property Rights

Let's be clear about who owns what once our project is complete:

Client Content

The stuff you provide (words, images, logos) stays yours—I'm just borrowing it to build your site.

Final Deliverables

When you've paid in full, the website I create specifically for you becomes yours.

My Tools & Methods

The frameworks and technical methods I use stay with me—think of it as my toolkit that I bring to each project.

Portfolio Rights

I'd love to show off our work together in my portfolio, but if you prefer I don't, just let me know.

8. Website Hosting & Maintenance

Unless specifically included in our agreement, you are responsible for securing and paying for website hosting services. I can recommend suitable hosting providers based on your needs.

After project completion, I offer website maintenance and update services under separate agreements. Websites require regular updates and maintenance to remain secure and functional; this is not automatically included in the initial project scope.

9. Browser & Device Compatibility

I develop websites to work on current versions of major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and to be responsive across devices (desktop, tablet, mobile). Support for legacy browsers or specific device configurations may require additional development time and costs.

10. Termination

Either party may terminate the project with written notice. In case of termination:

  • You will be billed for all work completed up to the termination date
  • The initial deposit is non-refundable
  • If termination occurs after more than 50% project completion, full payment may be required
  • Upon full payment for work completed, you will receive all completed deliverables

11. Limitation of Liability

I put my heart into creating great websites, but there are some things beyond my control. While I'll always do my best to fix any issues that arise, my responsibility is limited to the amount you've paid for the project. Just so we're clear, I can't take responsibility for:

  • Third-party services (hosting downtime, payment processors, etc.)
  • Content errors or inaccuracies provided by you
  • Loss of revenue or business opportunities related to the website
  • Changes made to the website by you or third parties after project completion
  • Security breaches not directly caused by my negligence

12. Privacy & Trust

Your information stays between us. I'll only share details with hosting providers or other services when needed to complete your project, and you'll always know about this beforehand.

13. Legal Basics

Since I'm based in the United Kingdom, our working agreement follows UK laws. This is just a standard note that most freelancers include to keep things clear and simple.

14. Updates to Our Agreement

I occasionally update these terms to reflect changes in how I work. If we're already working together, don't worry—the terms we started with will apply throughout our current project. Any updates will only affect new projects going forward.

15. Let's Talk

Have questions or need clarification? I'm just an email away:

Email: contact@taviagilbert.design

Let's Work Together

When you decide to work with me, it means we're both on board with these guidelines. Along with any project proposal we discuss, this creates the foundation for our creative partnership. I'm excited to bring your vision to life and make this a smooth, enjoyable experience for both of us!