Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to Blueprint ("Platform", "we", "us", or "our"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Blueprint platform, website, and services. By accessing or using our Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Blueprint is a marketplace platform connecting customers seeking construction services with verified service providers. We facilitate project management, quote comparisons, secure payments through escrow, and dispute resolution.

Please read these Terms carefully before using our services. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.

2. Definitions

• "Customer" means any user who creates a project request seeking construction services.
• "Provider" means any verified service provider offering construction-related services on the Platform.
• "Project" means any construction work, service request, or related activity initiated by a Customer.
• "Quote" means a formal proposal submitted by a Provider in response to a Customer's project request.
• "Escrow" means the secure holding of Customer funds until project milestones are completed and approved.
• "Platform Fee" means the service fee charged by Blueprint for facilitating transactions (currently 7% of project value).
• "Milestone" means a defined stage or deliverable within a project with an associated payment amount.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Registration

To use certain features of the Platform, you must register for an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Maintain the security of your password and account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach
• Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account

3.2 Account Types

• Customer Accounts: For individuals or businesses seeking construction services
• Provider Accounts: For verified construction service providers, subject to additional verification requirements

3.3 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time for violations of these Terms, fraudulent activity, or other reasons we deem necessary to protect the Platform and its users.

4. Platform Services

4.1 For Customers

• Create and manage project requests
• Receive quotes from verified Providers
• Compare quotes and select Providers
• Make secure payments through escrow
• Track project milestones and progress
• Access dispute resolution services

4.2 For Providers

• Receive project invitations based on expertise
• Submit detailed quotes with milestones
• Manage ongoing projects and deliverables
• Receive payments upon milestone approval
• Build portfolio and receive reviews

4.3 Platform Role

Blueprint acts solely as a marketplace platform connecting Customers and Providers. We do not:

• Employ or directly contract with Providers
• Control or supervise the work performed by Providers
• Guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of services provided
• Assume liability for disputes between Customers and Providers

5. Payments and Escrow

5.1 Escrow System

All project payments are held in escrow to protect both Customers and Providers:

• Customers fund the project upfront after accepting a quote
• Funds are divided across agreed milestones
• Payments are released to Providers only upon Customer approval of completed milestones
• Escrow provides protection against non-payment and incomplete work

5.2 Platform Fees

Blueprint charges a platform fee of 7% of the project value, deducted from payments released to Providers. This fee covers:

• Escrow management and security
• Payment processing
• Dispute resolution services
• Platform maintenance and support

5.3 Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

• M-Pesa: For customers in Kenya
• Stripe: For international customers (credit/debit cards)

5.4 Refunds

Refunds are processed only under the following conditions:

• Project cancellation before work begins (minus administrative fee)
• Provider fails to deliver services as agreed
• Dispute resolution outcome in favor of Customer
• Mutual agreement between Customer and Provider

6. Provider Verification

Providers must undergo verification to access the Platform. Verification includes:

• Identity verification (national ID, business registration)
• License and certification verification (where applicable)
• Background checks (as required by law)
• Portfolio and reference verification

Disclaimer: While we conduct reasonable verification, Blueprint does not guarantee the quality, competence, or reliability of any Provider. Customers are responsible for conducting their own due diligence.

7. Project Management

7.1 Customer Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and complete project requirements
• Respond promptly to Provider communications
• Review and approve/reject milestones within reasonable timeframes
• Provide site access and necessary resources as agreed
• Ensure compliance with local building regulations and permits

7.2 Provider Responsibilities

• Deliver services as specified in accepted quotes
• Complete work according to agreed milestones and timelines
• Maintain appropriate licenses, insurance, and certifications
• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards
• Communicate project progress and issues promptly

8. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute between Customer and Provider:

1. Direct Communication: Parties should first attempt to resolve disputes directly
2. Platform Mediation: Either party may escalate to Blueprint's dispute resolution team
3. Evidence Submission: Both parties must provide relevant documentation and evidence
4. Resolution Decision: Blueprint will review and issue a binding decision within 7-14 business days
5. Escrow Action: Funds will be released according to the resolution decision

Blueprint's dispute resolution decision is final and binding. If unsatisfied, parties may pursue legal remedies through Kenyan courts.

9. Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Circumvent the Platform to avoid fees (e.g., taking transactions off-platform)
• Submit false or misleading information
• Engage in fraudulent activity or money laundering
• Harass, abuse, or threaten other users
• Violate any local, national, or international laws
• Attempt to hack, disrupt, or damage the Platform
• Use the Platform for any purpose other than obtaining or providing construction services
• Submit fake reviews or manipulate ratings

10. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform, including text, graphics, logos, software, and design, is owned by Blueprint or its licensors and protected by copyright and trademark laws.

By uploading content (photos, documents, descriptions) to the Platform, you grant Blueprint a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute such content for Platform operations and marketing purposes.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Blueprint is not liable for the actions, quality of work, or conduct of any Provider or Customer
• We do not guarantee project outcomes, timelines, or quality
• We are not responsible for property damage, injuries, or losses arising from services
• Our total liability is limited to the amount of platform fees paid for the specific project in dispute
• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages

Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold Blueprint harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Platform or violation of these Terms.

12. Data Privacy

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

We comply with the Kenya Data Protection Act 2019 and implement appropriate security measures to protect your data.

13. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

We will notify users of material changes via email or Platform notification.

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Kenya. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Kenya.

15. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us:

• Email: legal@blueprintnint.com
• Phone: [Company Phone Number]
• Address: [Company Physical Address]