Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the HL Construction Group website (https://hlconstructiongrouptn.com) and, together with any signed project contract or written quote, the residential construction services provided by HL Construction Group ("we," "us," "our") in Knoxville, Tennessee and the surrounding East Tennessee region. By using this website or engaging our services, you agree to these Terms. Where a signed project contract conflicts with these Terms, the signed contract controls.

2. Services

HL Construction Group provides residential construction services including backyard improvements, hardscapes, decking, land clearing, and excavator services. All services are subject to a written quote or contract describing the specific scope, materials, schedule, and price for your project. Website content is general information, not a binding offer for any specific project.

3. Licensing

HL Construction Group operates as a licensed and insured residential contractor in Tennessee and performs work in compliance with applicable Tennessee contractor licensing requirements. License documentation is available upon request. [CONFIRM: license number and classification for display]

4. Estimates and Quotes

Free consultations produce written quotes that are valid for thirty (30) days unless otherwise stated. Quotes are based on conditions observable at the time of the site visit. Concealed conditions, including subsurface rock, buried debris, unmarked private utilities, or structural conditions not visible at inspection, may require a written change order with adjusted pricing, which will be presented for your approval before the affected work proceeds.

5. Payment

Payment terms are stated in each project contract. Typical projects require a deposit at signing, progress payments at defined milestones for larger projects, and final payment upon substantial completion. Invoices are due upon receipt unless otherwise stated. Unpaid balances more than fifteen (15) days past due may accrue interest at the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by Tennessee law, and we may suspend work on accounts in default. Tennessee law provides contractors lien rights on improved property for unpaid work.

6. Workmanship Warranty

HL Construction Group warrants its workmanship against defects in installation for the period stated in your project contract, beginning at substantial completion. During the warranty period we will repair, at no charge, defects in our workmanship reported promptly in writing. Manufactured products (such as composite decking, pavers, and hardware) carry their manufacturers' warranties, which we pass through to you.

This warranty excludes:

• Normal wear, weathering, and cosmetic changes from sun and moisture exposure
• Natural material behavior, including wood checking, grain raise, and color change; minor concrete shrinkage cracking; and efflorescence on masonry
• Damage from misuse, neglect, vehicle loads on non-vehicular surfaces, or modifications by others
• Damage from acts of nature, including flood, wind, ice, falling trees, and ground movement
• Plant regrowth after land clearing, and erosion caused by weather events or altered water flow from work performed by others
• Failure to perform owner maintenance described at project handoff (e.g., sealing, cleaning, drainage upkeep)

7. Client Responsibilities

You agree to:

• Provide accurate property information and disclose known conditions (property lines, easements, private utilities, septic systems, irrigation lines)
• Provide reasonable site access for crews and equipment during scheduled work
• Secure pets and keep children away from active work areas
• Obtain HOA or architectural review approvals where required, unless our contract states we will handle them
• Make timely decisions on selections and approvals so the schedule holds

8. Cancellation

You may cancel a signed contract within three (3) business days of signing for a full refund of any deposit. After that period, cancellation before work begins forfeits documented costs already incurred (special-order materials, permits, engineering). Cancellation after work begins requires payment for all work performed and materials ordered through the date of cancellation. We may cancel or suspend for non-payment, denied site access, or safety conditions, with written notice.

9. Intellectual Property

All website content, including text, images, design, and code, is the property of HL Construction Group and may not be reproduced without permission. Project designs, drawings, and plans we prepare remain our property until final payment, at which point you receive a license to use them for the completed project. We may photograph completed projects for our portfolio and marketing; if you prefer your project not be used, tell us in writing and we will honor it.

10. Disclaimers

Except for the express workmanship warranty above, services and website content are provided 'as is' without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, to the fullest extent permitted by Tennessee law. Website content, including pricing guides and articles, is general information and not a substitute for a site-specific quote or professional advice.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, HL Construction Group's total liability arising from or related to any project or use of this website shall not exceed the total amount you paid us for the project giving rise to the claim. In no event shall we be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including lost profits or diminution in property value, even if advised of the possibility. Nothing in these Terms limits liability that cannot be limited under Tennessee law, including liability for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless HL Construction Group from claims, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from your breach of these Terms, your failure to disclose known property conditions, or the acts of your other contractors or guests at the project site. We agree to indemnify you against third-party claims arising directly from our negligent performance of the work.

13. Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for delay or failure to perform caused by events beyond reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, labor or material shortages, supplier failures, epidemics, utility outages, or government action. Schedules extend by the duration of the delay, and we will communicate promptly when force majeure events affect your project.

14. Governing Law and Venue

These Terms and any dispute arising from our services or website are governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Exclusive venue for any legal action shall be the state courts located in Knox County, Tennessee, and each party consents to the jurisdiction of those courts.

15. Mandatory Mediation Before Litigation

Before either party files any lawsuit arising from these Terms or any project, the parties agree to first attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute through mediation with a mutually agreed neutral mediator in Knox County, Tennessee, for a period of sixty (60) days from written notice of the dispute. Mediation costs are shared equally. If the dispute is not resolved within the 60-day period, either party may proceed to court as provided in Section 14. Nothing in this section prevents either party from seeking emergency injunctive relief or filing within a statute-of-limitations deadline, provided mediation follows promptly.

16. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time; the 'Last updated' date reflects the latest revision. Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance. Signed project contracts are governed by the Terms in effect at signing.

17. Contact

HL Construction Group, Knoxville, Tennessee. Phone: (865) 599-1507. Email: Hunter@hlconstructiongrouptn.com.