Terms and Conditions

Creative Home Engineering (CHE) is committed to our customer’s 100% satisfaction.  Our secret passage systems are meticulously designed, engineered and tested to meet the highest standards of workmanship and durability possible given the unique constraints and demands of each individual project. The below noted Terms and Conditions may be modified and unique to each customer’s project.

Terms and Conditions:

Scope:  The scope of this contract is limited to this document and all its Modifications.  Any additional work, change orders, or Modifications may have an additional charge and may require a Modification agreement.

Modifications: Changes of a material nature (i.e. Modifications) to this contract shall require authorized signatures by the parties to this contract.

Payment Terms: The first 25% of the total cost of this contract is required as a deposit and must be received before this contract becomes effective.  The next 25% may be paid after CHE provides a design package that meets the client’s full approval, but prior to the start of manufacture.  The client is under no obligation to accept the original design and may request additional design revisions to be made at no charge. (Though adding certain features to the design may result in additional manufacturing cost that could necessitate a change order.)  The client may also choose not to pursue the project further without penalty.  The final 50% of the contract price is due after the client has had the opportunity to inspect the finished project at the CHE facility (or at the client’s request after CHE has provided photographic evidence of the project’s completion), but prior to delivery of the secret passage system.  The balance payment shall not be delayed for any reason unless stipulated in this contract. 

Sales Tax:  The client certifies that this project is either located outside the state of Arizona, or is purchased by a prime contractor making the sale exempt from sales tax.  Any and all applicable taxes are the sole responsibility of the purchaser.

Guarantee:  Creative Home Engineering stands behind its workmanship and designs through a 100% guarantee of materials and labor for 2 full years from the date of delivery.  The Creative Home Engineering guarantee covers the cost of materials and servicing by its technicians due to defects in design or construction.  Travel and accommodations for on-site repairs are not covered under the terms of the warrantee.    This contract, and any Modifications, shall be the governing document in any disputes.  Should any disputes remain unsatisfied, all parties to this contract agree to mediation and arbitration in and according to the laws of the State of Arizona.

Proprietary Design:  Drawings and designs not included in the scope of this contract remain the property of CHE and are proprietary.  Dissemination of proprietary components of CHE secret passage systems is prohibited.  Patent and Copyright laws apply where applicable.

Shipping and Handling: Freight costs are not covered in this contract and remain the responsibility of the customer.  Additional shipping costs for air freight, pre-delivery notification, lift gate, residential delivery ,duties, customs expenses, or other additional services are not part of the contracted price and remain the responsibility of the customer.   Should a secret passage system be delivered damaged or in a condition other than that contracted, the receiving party agrees to immediately notify Creative Home Engineering by telephone, retain photographic evidence of the arrival condition, and retain the packaging until the shipping company inspects the damage.

Installation:  Unless otherwise stated in this document, installation is not included within the scope of this proposal.  Although most projects are designed to be installed by local craftsmen, the installation of a CHE secret passage system by an unlicensed contractor or technician of inadequate training and skill may cause damage to the secret passage system.  Creative Home Engineering does not guarantee the workmanship of installers it does not contract or supervise. Due to the nature of the precise engineering associated with each secret passage system, environmental conditions, (e.g. uneven flooring) that were undisclosed to CHE remain the responsibility of the customer and may affect the operation of the system.  Creative Home Engineering will attempt to ensure that all necessary instruction, direction and advice necessary will be provided at no cost to the end user to help guarantee the successful installation of the contracted items.   

In cases where the installation is included in the contract: The client agrees to pay actual installation expenses which may be greater than the estimated cost if unforeseen challenges arise during the installation process.  Unless otherwise stated in this contract, installation does not include drywall work or wall paint.  Actual installation expenses are figured at $65/man-hour for technicians and $175/man-hour for engineers (including travel time) plus reimbursement for all travel, accommodations and ancillary installations costs.  Final balance payment is due at the time of installation.  A $100/day late payment payment will be assessed for failure to pay the final balance amount upon completion of the installation.

Storage:  In the event that the client requires the completed project to be stored by Creative Home Engineering prior to delivery, a storage fee of $200/month may apply for a typical project.

Safety Disclaimer:  Secret passageway doors are machines and should be used only in accordance with instructions and should be maintained properly.  Failure to abide by instructions or operate responsibly could result in serious injury or death.  As with any door, the user should keep fingers and other body parts away from hinges and door edges.  Children should be supervised when operating a secret passageway.

Unlawful Dissemination:  This document is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential, privileged, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any review, disclosure, copying, distribution, or other use of any of the information contained in this document is strictly prohibited.

Confidentiality:  Creative Home Engineering maintains strict confidentiality of all its records.  CHE will never release or sell any information regarding any client or project to any third party without express consent. 

Photography:  Creative Home Engineering reserves the right to photograph every one of its projects prior to installation, as well as during and after installation whenever that installation is performed by CHE.  CHE maintains exclusive ownership of any such photographs and reserves the right to use them for marketing, portfolio, and other purposes so long as any and all client information is kept strictly confidential.

Photographic Rebate:  For select projects Creative Home Engineering chooses to offer a rebate in exchange for professional-quality photographs to be used for advertising purposes. The rebate will be applied at the time that the photographs are delivered.  Photographs must include 2 sets of 3 photographs each, with each set to include 3 photos taken from the  same vantage point: one with the door in the open position, one in the slightly ajar position, and one in the closed position.  One of the sets should be zoomed in on the door and the other should show the door in the context of the overall room.  The photographs should be taken after all construction is complete with the area cleaned, rooms completely furnished and any shelves occupied.

Creative Home Engineering values the opportunity to develop, design, engineer, and build unique and innovative secret passage systems.  We thank you for this opportunity and look forward to your complete satisfaction.