Terms & Conditions of Contract
These are the terms that form part of every Volunteer Decks estimate and contract. Please read them carefully.
Last Updated: August 19, 2026
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TN Contractor License No. 85741
Agreement to Terms
These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") are incorporated into and form a binding part of the written estimate, proposal, change order(s), and warranty (collectively, the "Agreement" or "Contract") between Volunteer Decks ("Volunteer Decks," "Company," "we," "us," or "our") and the customer identified in the estimate ("Customer," "you," or "your"). By signing the estimate, by making any payment, or by allowing work to begin, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to these Terms. If any conflict exists between a signed change order and these Terms, the most recent signed change order controls for the items it addresses.
1. The Agreement, Estimates & Acceptance
Documents. The Agreement consists of the signed estimate/proposal, these Terms, the Volunteer Decks Workmanship Warranty, any signed change orders, and any manufacturer warranties referenced herein. Together they represent the entire agreement and supersede all prior discussions, quotes, emails, texts, and representations, whether oral or written.
Validity of Proposal. Unless stated otherwise in writing, this proposal may be withdrawn by Volunteer Decks if it is not accepted within thirty (30) days of the estimate date. Pricing is based on current material and labor costs and may be revised if acceptance is delayed.
Preliminary & Remote Estimates. Any estimate prepared remotely, online, or from Customer-provided measurements or photographs is strictly preliminary. All final pricing and scope are subject to a physical, on-site measurement and inspection by a Volunteer Decks representative. If actual site conditions or dimensions differ from the information originally provided, Volunteer Decks reserves the right to issue a revised estimate or to cancel the Agreement without penalty and refund any deposit for work not yet performed.
2. Scope of Work & Materials
Scope. Volunteer Decks will furnish the labor, materials, supervision, and equipment described in the signed estimate. Work not expressly listed in the estimate is excluded and, if requested, will be priced by written change order.
Material Substitutions. If a specified decking board, railing, fastener, screen mesh, color, or other product is discontinued, back-ordered, or subject to severe shipping delay, Volunteer Decks may propose an equivalent or upgraded substitute by change order. Customer is not responsible for material shortages and has no claim or right to any surplus or remnant materials remaining after the Project is complete; all such surplus remains the property of Volunteer Decks.
Material Price Escalation. Pricing is based on material costs as of the date of the estimate. If Volunteer Decks' cost for decking, lumber, railing, fasteners, or other primary materials increases by more than ten percent (10%) between the date the Agreement is signed and the commencement of the Work, Volunteer Decks will document the increase and present a written change order reflecting it. The increase is added to the contract price upon the Customer's written approval; if the Customer declines, Volunteer Decks may adjust the materials or scope or cancel the affected portion of the Work without penalty.
Customer-Supplied Materials. Materials furnished by the Customer are installed at the Customer's risk and are excluded from the Volunteer Decks Workmanship Warranty. Volunteer Decks is not responsible for the performance, fit, code-compliance, availability, or defects of Customer-supplied materials, or for delays caused by them.
Means, Methods & Field Adjustments. Volunteer Decks controls the construction means, methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures. During construction, Volunteer Decks may make reasonable field adjustments to materials, dimensions, framing members, fasteners, hardware, layout, and structural details at its discretion — for example, substituting a 2x10 for a 2x12 joist, adjusting joist or post spacing, or revising a connection detail — provided the result meets or exceeds the applicable building code and the structural intent of the Project. Such adjustments are part of the contracted work, are not a reduction in scope, quality, or value, do not require Customer approval, and do not entitle the Customer to a price reduction or constitute a change order.
Moisture Protection of Framing. To protect the framing, Volunteer Decks will seal the top surfaces of the joists, beams, and ledger and protect fastener penetrations using an industry-accepted method of its choosing — a roll-on / liquid-applied waterproofing membrane and/or butyl joist-and-beam flashing tape. The selection between, or combination of, these methods is entirely at Volunteer Decks' discretion; each is a comparable, code-acceptable means of moisture protection, and using one in place of the other is not a change in scope, quality, or price.
3. Project Timelines & Delays
Business Days. All timeframes are based on standard business days (Monday–Friday). Weekends and recognized public holidays are non-working days and do not count toward any estimated duration.
Estimated Dates. All start and completion dates are good-faith estimates only. Volunteer Decks will make every reasonable effort to meet them but is not liable for delays beyond its reasonable control.
Excusable Delay / Force Majeure. Volunteer Decks is not responsible or financially liable for delays or non-performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, frozen or saturated ground, acts of God, fire, flood, pandemic or epidemic, labor shortages, material shortages or supply-chain disruption, price escalation, transportation failures, delayed or failed municipal/county inspections, utility-locate delays, governmental action, or changes or delays caused by the Customer. The schedule will be extended by a period equal to the delay.
4. Payment Terms, Default & Security
Draw Schedule. Unless the signed estimate specifies a different schedule, payments are due in the following draws:
Deposit (30%). A non-refundable deposit of thirty percent (30%) of the contract price is due upon signing to secure the Customer's place on the production schedule and to initiate material procurement. Volunteer Decks is not obligated to order materials or schedule work until the deposit is received.
Progress Payment (40%). A progress payment of forty percent (40%) of the contract price is due upon delivery of the primary materials to the job site and/or commencement of framing, whichever occurs first. Volunteer Decks may invoice this draw upon material delivery.
Final Payment (30%). The remaining thirty percent (30%) is due immediately upon substantial completion of the Project and the final walkthrough. "Substantial completion" means the Project is sufficiently complete to be used for its intended purpose, notwithstanding minor punch-list or cosmetic items. Customer may not withhold or offset final payment on account of minor punch-list items; such items will be addressed promptly under the warranty.
No Setoff or Withholding. Each payment is due in full on its due date. The Customer waives any right to withhold, delay, deduct, set off, or back-charge any payment, except that the Customer may withhold only the specific amount that is the subject of a good-faith dispute the Customer describes in writing and delivers to Volunteer Decks before the payment due date. The Customer must timely pay all amounts not so disputed. A dispute over one item does not justify withholding payment for other completed work, and alleged workmanship issues are governed by the right to cure in Section 17.
Acceptance by Use. Use, occupancy, or enjoyment of the completed work, or any portion of it, by the Customer or the Customer's household, guests, or tenants constitutes acceptance of that work and triggers the final payment, notwithstanding any unsigned walkthrough or any remaining minor punch-list items.
Payment Independent of Financing or Third Parties. The Customer's obligation to pay is absolute and unconditional and is not contingent on any construction loan, lender draw, home-equity advance, mortgage, insurance proceeds, HOA reimbursement, tax credit, rebate, or the sale or refinance of the property. Delay, reduction, or denial by any third party does not excuse or postpone the Customer's payment.
Accepted Payment. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or approved electronic methods. Card payments, where accepted, may be subject to a processing surcharge disclosed in advance.
Late Payments. Any balance unpaid more than fifteen (15) days after it is due will accrue a late charge of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month (18% per annum), or the maximum rate permitted by Tennessee law, whichever is less.
Large-Project Terms (Contracts Over $50,000). For any Project with a total contract price exceeding $50,000: (a) each progress and final invoice is payable within five (5) days of issuance; and (b) any draw not paid when due is subject to a one-time administrative charge of five percent (5%) of the past-due amount as agreed reimbursement of Volunteer Decks' added administrative and collection costs. The parties agree this charge is a reasonable estimate of costs that are difficult to ascertain and is not a penalty. This is in addition to the interest stated above and supplements, and does not replace, the other payment terms in this Section.
Returned Payments. A fee of $30 (or the maximum permitted by law) applies to any check or electronic payment returned for insufficient funds.
Suspension of Work. If any progress or final payment is not made when due, Volunteer Decks may suspend work and remove crews from the job site without penalty and without liability for the resulting delay, and any resulting demobilization/remobilization costs may be billed to the Customer.
Chargebacks & Stop-Payments. For payments made by credit or debit card, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Customer agrees not to initiate a chargeback, dispute, or reversal for work that has been performed, and not to stop payment on any check given for work performed. Any improper chargeback or stop-payment of earned amounts is a breach, and the Customer remains liable for the amount plus the interest, fees, and costs of enforcement described in this Section.
Acceleration. If the Customer fails to pay any amount when due, Volunteer Decks may, in addition to all other remedies, declare the entire remaining contract balance immediately due and payable, suspend or terminate the work, and pursue collection and its lien rights.
Conditional Lien Waivers. Any lien waiver or release signed by Volunteer Decks is conditional and becomes effective only upon Volunteer Decks' actual receipt and final clearance of the corresponding payment. A waiver delivered in anticipation of payment is void if that payment is not made or does not clear.
Credit Authorization. Approval of the estimate may be subject to credit approval. Customer authorizes Volunteer Decks to obtain credit-bureau reports, trade references, and other credit information prior to and during the relationship.
Attorney's Fees & Costs of Enforcement. If Volunteer Decks must pursue collection of any amount owed or otherwise enforce the Agreement, the Customer agrees to pay all costs of enforcement, including reasonable attorney's fees, expert and consultant fees, court and arbitration costs, lien- and bond-related costs, and third-party collection-agency fees, whether or not suit or arbitration is commenced. All such amounts are added to the balance owed and are secured by Volunteer Decks' lien rights.
Title & Security Interest in Materials. Title to all materials remains with Volunteer Decks until paid for in full. Customer grants Volunteer Decks a purchase-money security interest in all materials, fixtures, and improvements furnished until the contract price is paid in full, and authorizes Volunteer Decks to file any documents reasonably necessary to perfect that interest.
Insurance Claims. Where the Project is funded through a Customer insurance claim, all work and payment remain subject to the Customer's insurer's terms and approvals. Customer remains primarily and personally responsible for full payment of the contract price regardless of the timing, amount, or denial of any insurance proceeds. Payment to Volunteer Decks is not contingent upon the Customer's receipt of insurance funds.
Notice to Owner — Lien Rights (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-203)
Volunteer Decks is about to begin improving the real property described in this Agreement according to its terms and conditions. Under Tennessee law there shall be a lien upon the real property and building for the improvements made, in favor of Volunteer Decks, which does the work or furnishes the materials, machinery, or equipment for the improvement of the property, for a duration of one (1) year after the work is finished or the materials are furnished. In the event of non-payment, Volunteer Decks reserves all rights to record and enforce a mechanic's and materialman's lien against the property and to pursue all other remedies available at law or in equity.
Personal Guaranty (business / entity customers). If the Customer is a corporation, LLC, partnership, trust, or other entity, the individual signing personally and unconditionally guarantees full and timely payment of all amounts due and authorizes a personal credit inquiry for that purpose. To be effective, that individual must also sign the estimate/contract in his or her individual capacity as Guarantor, on a separate guarantor signature line on the estimate/contract.
5. Change Orders & Unforeseen / Hidden Conditions
Hidden Damage & Pre-Approval. Estimates do not include repair of hidden or concealed conditions. If wood rot, termite or insect damage, water damage, or structural compromise (for example, rotted rim joists, ledger boards, sheathing, or siding behind the existing structure) is discovered during demolition or construction, Volunteer Decks will promptly notify the Customer, halt work in the affected area, and obtain a written (including electronic) change order authorizing the additional cost before performing or billing the repair. The Customer agrees to respond promptly so the schedule is not delayed; unreasonable delay in authorizing necessary repairs is handled under Sections 3 and 19.
Change Orders. Any change to the scope requested by the Customer, and any unforeseen-condition work exceeding $200, requires a written change order describing the work and additional cost, signed by both parties. Change-order amounts are due as stated on the change order and may require payment before that portion of work proceeds. Change orders may also extend the project schedule.
Change-Order Pricing. Unless the change order states otherwise, change-order work is billed at Volunteer Decks' cost of the additional labor and materials plus a twenty percent (20%) markup, and is due before the change-order work begins.
6. Permits, Codes, Ownership, HOA & Property Lines
Permits & Inspections. Unless the estimate states otherwise, Volunteer Decks will obtain the required municipal/county building permits and coordinate the related code inspections for the contracted scope.
Ownership Certification. Customer certifies that Customer is the legal owner of the project property, or is duly authorized by the owner to enter into this Agreement and to authorize the work, and agrees to pay the full contract price.
HOA, Zoning, Surveys & Setbacks. Customer is solely responsible for obtaining any required homeowners' association (HOA) or architectural-committee approvals, and for confirming property lines, easements, and setback/encroachment requirements, including ordering a survey if needed, before work begins. Volunteer Decks is not liable for fines, stop-work orders, relocation, or teardown resulting from inaccurate property-line information, encroachments, or the Customer's failure to obtain such approvals.
7. Site Access, Utilities & Underground Systems
Access & Utilities. Customer will provide reasonable, unobstructed access to the work area and access to standard electricity and water at no charge to Volunteer Decks.
Public Utilities (811). Volunteer Decks will contact Tennessee 811 to locate public underground utilities before digging, as required by law.
Private Underground Systems. Customer is solely responsible for identifying and clearly marking all private underground systems, including but not limited to septic tanks and fields, propane and gas lines, irrigation/sprinkler lines, private electrical and low-voltage lighting wiring, pool plumbing, drainage lines, and invisible pet fences. Volunteer Decks is not responsible for damage to private underground systems that were not identified and marked by the Customer.
Excavated Soil. Soil or spoil excavated from footings will remain on site and be reasonably spread or piled in the work area. Volunteer Decks is not responsible for hauling away or disposing of excavated soil unless the estimate expressly includes it.
8. Property Protection & Limitations
Exterior of Home. While Volunteer Decks takes reasonable precautions to protect the home's exterior, it is not liable for minor cosmetic repairs to siding, brick, stucco, or trim where the existing structure is removed or where flashing is installed at the ledger connection. Some disturbance at the point of attachment is unavoidable.
Landscaping & Surfaces. Volunteer Decks is not liable for minor, unavoidable damage to landscaping, lawn, plantings, or driveway and walkway surfaces resulting from foot traffic, heavy equipment, material deliveries, or dumpsters.
Interior Vibrations & Personal Items. Customer must remove pictures, mirrors, shelving, and other items from interior walls that may shift or fall due to vibration from demolition, ledger installation, or construction. Volunteer Decks is not liable for such interior damage.
Pets. Pets must be secured indoors or kept well away from the active construction zone at all times.
Cleanup. Volunteer Decks will maintain a reasonably clean job site and will perform a magnetic sweep for nails and fasteners upon completion.
9. Job-Site Safety & Release of Liability
Active Work Zones. For everyone's safety, the Customer, the Customer's family, guests, and pets must keep a safe distance from the active work zone whenever crews are working or operating equipment.
Off-Limits Until Complete. The construction area — including partially completed framing, decking, stairs, railings, and trenches — is strictly off-limits to the Customer and others until the Project is complete and the final walkthrough has been conducted.
Release. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Volunteer Decks assumes no liability for injury to or death of the Customer, family members, guests, or pets, or property damage, arising from unauthorized entry into the active construction zone, contact with tools or equipment, or use of incomplete structures.
Interference / Hostile Conditions. If the Customer repeatedly interrupts the crew, enters the active work zone, or creates an unsafe or hostile environment, Volunteer Decks may halt work until a safe working perimeter is restored, and the schedule will be extended accordingly.
10. Construction Standards, Tolerances & Material Characteristics
Rough Carpentry. Exterior deck and structure building is rough carpentry performed outdoors with dimensional lumber and weather-exposed materials; it is not fine furniture, cabinetry, or interior finish work, and it will not be perfect. Natural and expected characteristics — such as knots, mill and saw marks, minor surface checks or splits, small gaps, exposed or visible fasteners, slight bows, and minor variation in spacing, alignment, level, and plumb — are inherent to this type of construction and are not defects, provided the work is structurally sound and built to code.
Composite Thermal Movement & Gapping. Composite and PVC decking are thermal products that naturally expand and contract with temperature and sun exposure. To protect structural integrity and preserve the manufacturer warranty, Volunteer Decks installs all miter cuts, rips, and butt joints with a minimum 1/8" gap per manufacturer specifications. These gaps are intentional, required, and not a defect.
Color, Grain & Finish Variation. Natural variation in color, grain, and finish occurs in wood and composite products and between production runs and printed samples. Such variation is normal and is not a defect.
Construction Tolerances. Minor, industry-standard variation in level, plumb, spacing, and alignment is inherent to outdoor construction on natural ground. Decks, footings, and structures are not guaranteed to be perfectly level or uniform, and reasonable tolerances are not defects.
Drainage, Grading & Ground Movement. Volunteer Decks does not warrant site drainage, grading, soil conditions, or against ground settlement, frost heave, or movement of the supporting soil, except to the extent caused by Volunteer Decks' own defective workmanship.
Quality Standard. Except where a stricter standard is required by applicable building code, the quality and acceptability of the Work — and whether a given condition is a defect — are judged against the then-current edition of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Residential Construction Performance Guidelines.
11. Workmanship Warranty
Volunteer Decks warrants its workmanship only on a deck or outdoor structure that Volunteer Decks builds in its entirety as a complete, new installation (see Scope below). If a covered defect in workmanship arises within the applicable period below, Volunteer Decks will repair it within the original scope at no charge to the Customer:
Scope of Warranty — Full Builds Only. The Workmanship Warranty takes effect only where Volunteer Decks builds the deck or structure in its entirety as a complete, new installation. It does not apply to repairs, partial work, add-ons, board or component replacement, or service performed on an existing structure or on another contractor's work, and it does not cover work later altered or repaired by others. All repair and partial-scope work is performed on an "as-is" basis with no workmanship warranty.
Condition — Payment in Full. The Workmanship Warranty does not take effect, and Volunteer Decks has no obligation to perform any warranty work, until the contract price (including any approved change orders) has been paid in full. Any period during which a balance remains unpaid does not extend the warranty term.
Non-Transferable. This Workmanship Warranty is extended only to the original Customer at the project address and is non-transferable; it does not pass to any subsequent owner of the property.
How to Make a Claim. See Section 17 (Right to Cure). Provide written notice describing the issue and allow Volunteer Decks to inspect and repair before engaging others or commencing any action.
| Covered Work | Workmanship Warranty Period |
|---|---|
| Decks & General Outdoor Structures (composite, PVC & wood-framed decks, porches, stairs, railings, fences, pergolas) | 3 Years from the project completion date |
| Roof Systems (porch covers & roof additions) | 1 Year from the project completion date |
12. Warranty Exclusions & Manufacturer Warranties
General Exclusions. The Workmanship Warranty does not cover normal wear and tear; hail, wind, sun (fading), or storm damage; intentional or accidental damage by any person; misuse, overloading, or lack of maintenance; or acts of God, whether or not an insurance claim results. It does not cover maintenance items such as sealants and stains, which deteriorate over time and should be inspected and maintained regularly. For roof systems, it does not cover leaks caused by ice dams, gutter overflow due to lack of maintenance, or wind-driven rain exceeding manufacturer specifications.
Natural Wood Disclaimer. For projects using natural wood (pressure-treated pine, cedar, framing lumber, etc.), the warranty does not cover the natural characteristics of the material. As wood dries and releases moisture it is prone to shrinking, bowing, warping, twisting, cupping, splitting, and checking (cracking). These are inherent properties of natural wood adjusting to its environment and are not defects in material or workmanship.
Manufacturer / Material Warranties. Defects in the building products themselves (for example, composite or PVC decking, railing systems, fasteners, lighting, screens, shingles, or metal roofing) are not covered by this Workmanship Warranty; they are covered, if at all, by the product manufacturer's own limited warranty (for example, Deckorators, Trex, or TimberTech), which is provided separately and passed through to the Customer. Customer is responsible for registering products with the manufacturer where required to activate coverage. Volunteer Decks' workmanship warranty is in lieu of all other warranties it provides, express or implied.
DISCLAIMER OF OTHER WARRANTIES. EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY IN SECTION 11, AND TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY TENNESSEE LAW, VOLUNTEER DECKS DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, HABITABILITY, GOOD WORKMANSHIP, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS DISCLAIMER IS A MATERIAL PART OF THE AGREEMENT.
13. Required Disclosures
Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978 homes). Federal law (EPA Renovation, Repair & Painting Rule) applies to work that disturbs painted surfaces on housing built before 1978. Where the Rule applies, Volunteer Decks will provide the EPA pamphlet "Renovate Right" and follow lead-safe work practices, and Customer agrees to sign the pre-renovation acknowledgment of receipt. Customer should disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards on the property.
Mold, Moisture & Concealed Substances. Volunteer Decks is not responsible for pre-existing mold, mildew, moisture intrusion, asbestos, or other hazardous or concealed substances encountered at the site. If such conditions are discovered, Volunteer Decks may stop work in the affected area until the condition is remediated by a qualified specialist at the Customer's expense, and the schedule will be extended accordingly.
Contractor Licensing & Consumer Notice. All home improvement contractors must be licensed by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, and inquiries about a contractor may be directed to that Board. It is a criminal offense for a person to commit any of the prohibited acts set out in Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-154(b) in connection with a home improvement contract with a residential owner. The contractor for this Project is Volunteer Decks, TN Contractor License No. 85741, physical address 6119 Edmondson Ln, Knoxville, TN 37918, telephone (865) 800-0921.
NOTICE TO OWNER: DO NOT SIGN THIS CONTRACT IF IT IS BLANK. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A COPY OF THE CONTRACT AT THE TIME YOU SIGN. THIS NOTICE TO OWNER MUST ALSO APPEAR DIRECTLY ABOVE THE CUSTOMER'S SIGNATURE LINE ON THE SIGNED ESTIMATE/CONTRACT.
14. Limitation of Liability & Indemnification
Cap on Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the total aggregate liability of Volunteer Decks arising out of or relating to the Agreement or the Project, from all causes, shall not exceed the total contract price actually paid to Volunteer Decks.
No Consequential Damages. In no event shall Volunteer Decks be liable for incidental, consequential, indirect, special, punitive, or exemplary damages, including loss of use, loss of value, lost profits, or inconvenience, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
Indemnification. Customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Volunteer Decks and its owners, employees, and subcontractors from claims, damages, fines, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising from the Customer's breach of the Agreement, inaccurate property-line or ownership information, failure to obtain HOA/permit/survey approvals, failure to mark private underground systems, unauthorized entry into the work zone, or the acts or omissions of the Customer or those under the Customer's control; provided that this indemnity does not extend to liability arising from Volunteer Decks' own sole negligence or willful misconduct.
Carve-Outs. Nothing in this Section limits or releases liability for gross negligence, fraud, or willful or intentional misconduct, or for bodily injury or death, to the extent any such limitation is prohibited by Tennessee law. The limitations in this Section apply only to the extent permitted by law.
15. Insurance
Volunteer Decks carries commercial general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage as required by law, and will provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) on request. Customer is responsible for maintaining the Customer's own property/homeowner's insurance on the dwelling and contents throughout the Project.
Risk of Loss (Work in Progress). Until substantial completion, loss of or damage to the work, materials, or partially completed structure from causes beyond Volunteer Decks' reasonable control — including storm, wind, flood, fire, theft, vandalism, or the acts of third parties — is not the responsibility of Volunteer Decks. Such loss is covered by the Customer's property insurance, and restoration or rebuilding of the damaged work will be performed by Volunteer Decks as additional work by written change order at the Customer's expense. This does not relieve Volunteer Decks of responsibility for loss caused by its own negligence.
16. Subcontractors
Volunteer Decks may engage qualified, licensed subcontractors (for example, electricians, concrete pumpers, or roofers) at its discretion. Volunteer Decks remains the Customer's primary point of contact and project manager for the contracted scope.
17. Right to Cure (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-36-101 et seq.)
Before commencing any arbitration, lawsuit, or other action against Volunteer Decks for an alleged construction defect, Customer must serve Volunteer Decks with written notice describing the claimed defect in reasonable detail and must allow Volunteer Decks the opportunity to inspect the alleged defect within ten (10) business days and to respond within the time provided by Tennessee law, including the right to offer to repair the defect at no cost, to offer a monetary settlement, or to dispute the claim. Customer agrees to provide reasonable access for inspection and repair. This requirement is in addition to, and does not waive, the warranty-claim process in Sections 11–12.
18. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law
Governing Law & Venue. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee, without regard to conflict-of-laws principles. The exclusive venue for any dispute is Knox County, Tennessee.
Mediation then Arbitration. Any dispute arising out of or relating to the Agreement that cannot be resolved informally shall first be submitted to non-binding mediation in Knox County, Tennessee. Any dispute not resolved by mediation shall be resolved by binding arbitration in Knox County, Tennessee, administered under the Construction Industry Rules of the American Arbitration Association (or a mutually agreed arbitrator), and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. This does not limit Volunteer Decks' right to record and enforce a mechanic's lien or to bring a collection action.
Jury-Trial Waiver. To the extent any matter proceeds in court, both parties knowingly and voluntarily waive any right to a jury trial.
Time to Bring Claims. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any claim against Volunteer Decks must be commenced within one (1) year after substantial completion or it is permanently barred.
Prevailing Party. In any dispute, the prevailing party is entitled to recover its reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
19. Cancellation & Termination
Customer's 3-Day Right to Cancel. If this Agreement was solicited at the Customer's residence, the Customer may cancel without penalty until midnight of the third (3rd) business day after signing, as set out in the "Buyer's Right to Cancel" notice below.
Late Cancellation. If the Customer cancels after the three-day period, Volunteer Decks may retain the deposit to cover administrative costs, scheduling losses, and material deposits. If materials have been ordered, fabricated, or delivered, the Customer is responsible for the full cost of all custom or non-returnable materials, plus restocking and return-shipping fees for returnable items, and for work performed to date.
Termination by Volunteer Decks. Volunteer Decks may suspend or terminate the Agreement upon Customer non-payment, breach, unsafe site conditions, a hostile work environment, or discovery of conditions that make safe or lawful completion impractical. Upon termination, the Customer remains responsible for all work performed and materials supplied to date, plus any custom-material and demobilization costs. Where the termination results from the Customer's default (such as non-payment, breach, or denial of access), Volunteer Decks may additionally recover its lost profit and unabsorbed overhead on the unperformed Work, as if the Project had been completed, together with the costs of enforcement described in Section 4.
Buyer's Right to Cancel. You, the Customer, may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation, at any time prior to midnight of the third (3rd) business day after the date this Agreement is signed, if this Agreement was solicited at your residence. To cancel, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this notice, or any other written notice of cancellation, to Volunteer Decks, PO Box 12376, Knoxville, TN 37912 not later than midnight of the third business day following the date of this Agreement. If you cancel, any payments made by you under this Agreement will be returned within ten (10) days following Volunteer Decks' receipt of your cancellation notice. This notice must also appear on the signed estimate/contract, directly above the Customer's signature line.
20. Promotional Use & Yard Signage
Volunteer Decks may photograph and video the Project before, during, and after construction and may use those images for marketing, social media, website, and portfolio purposes without identifying the specific street address. Volunteer Decks may also display a reasonable company yard sign during the Project and for a short period after completion. Customer may opt out of promotional image use by written notice.
21. General Provisions
Independent Contractor. Volunteer Decks performs as an independent contractor and controls the means and methods of the work.
Entire Agreement; Amendments. The Agreement is the entire agreement of the parties and may be modified only by a written change order or amendment signed by both parties. No oral statements or promises are binding.
Severability. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force, and the unenforceable provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.
No Waiver. A party's failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver of its right to enforce it later.
Assignment. Customer may not assign the Agreement without Volunteer Decks' written consent. Volunteer Decks may assign payment rights.
Notices. Notices must be in writing and sent to the addresses in the Agreement by hand delivery, email with confirmation, or a method providing proof of delivery.
Survival. Provisions concerning payment, liens, limitation of liability, indemnification, warranty, dispute resolution, and right to cure survive completion or termination.
Electronic Signatures & Counterparts. The Agreement may be signed electronically and in counterparts, each of which is an original and all of which form one agreement.
22. Incorporation into the Agreement
These Terms & Conditions, together with the Volunteer Decks Workmanship Warranty and any signed change orders, are incorporated into and made a part of the estimate/contract signed by the Customer. The Customer's signature on that estimate/contract — and any payment made or authorization to begin work — constitutes the Customer's acceptance of these Terms & Conditions in full; no separate signature on this document is required. By signing the estimate/contract, the Customer acknowledges receiving a copy of these Terms (including the Notice to Owner and the Buyer's Right to Cancel above) and, where applicable to a pre-1978 home, the EPA "Renovate Right" pamphlet, and agrees that any changes involving extra cost will be made only by written change order.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us:
Volunteer Decks LLC
PO Box 12376, Knoxville, TN 37912
Email: info@voldecks.com
Phone: (865) 800-0921
TN Contractor License No. 85741
Service Area: Knoxville, TN & Surrounding Areas
Volunteer Decks © 2026. These Terms & Conditions are provided as a business document and do not constitute legal advice.
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