Here in Scotland "conclusion of the contract" refers to the point at which the parties have agreed terms, so the contract is then in place for certain works to be done.
"Completion of the contract" refers to the point at which the terms have been fulfilled.
It is ludicrous to have to have a written contract for very minor works such as adding a socket, or changing a light switch, but if you don't you still need the cooling-off bumf...that's the law.
Of course, there never was any requirement for written contracts for most work, but it was preferred for the avoidance of doubt, and to refer to in the event of dispute. The really stupid bit is that even if you agree with a customer that you are, say, going to supply and install an outside light, and no-one disputes that, and it's not in writing...to be fully correct, you still need the cooling-off paperwork.
On a lighter note, how many cases can any of us remember where the customer tried to get out of paying by relying on the lack of cooling-off paperwork?
Maybe you ought to serve those papers on every job, but in the real world, you won't. I think it would be a fair rule of thumb to serve them on any job where you are having a written quotation/estimate/contract, and don't bother for wee jobs where, at worst, you can stand the loss. Remember, if you do a job, don't get paid, and sue the customer, then if that takes place outwith the 14 day period and the customer hasn't invoked the cooling-off legislation, you are entitled to be paid regardless of your failure on the paperwork.
Oh...Trading Standards? They are brilliant...NOT!
