Terms of Use

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to DeckPatioMasters ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your use of our website at deckpatiomasters.com and our related services (collectively, the "Service"). By accessing or using our Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Service. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of any changes.

2. Description of Service

DeckPatioMasters operates as a marketplace platform that connects homeowners seeking deck and patio services with verified contractors. Our Service includes:

• Matching homeowners with qualified contractors based on project requirements
• Facilitating communication between homeowners and contractors
• Providing contractor profiles, reviews, and ratings
• Processing quote requests and project inquiries
• Offering educational content and resources

Important: We are a marketplace platform only. We do not provide construction services directly, nor do we employ contractors. All construction work is performed by independent contractors.

3. User Accounts and Registration

3.1 Account Creation

To access certain features of our Service, you may need to create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and update your account information
• Keep your login credentials secure and confidential
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

3.2 Account Responsibility

You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or engage in fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activities.

4. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

When using our Service, you agree not to:

• Provide false, misleading, or inaccurate information
• Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation
• Use the Service for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users or contractors
• Spam, solicit, or send unsolicited communications
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with or disrupt the Service or servers
• Use automated tools to access or collect data from the Service
• Post or transmit malicious code, viruses, or harmful content
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations

5. Contractor Relationships

5.1 Independent Contractors

All contractors on our platform are independent businesses. We do not:

• Employ contractors or control their work methods
• Guarantee the quality, timeliness, or completion of their work
• Assume responsibility for contractor actions or omissions
• Participate in contract negotiations between users and contractors

5.2 Contractor Verification

While we conduct verification processes for contractors, including license and insurance checks, we cannot guarantee:

• The accuracy of all contractor-provided information
• The quality or outcome of any work performed
• That contractors will maintain their credentials over time
• The resolution of disputes between users and contractors

5.3 Direct Relationships

Any contracts for services are formed directly between you and the contractor. We are not a party to these agreements and have no liability for their performance or breach.

6. Fees and Payments

6.1 Free Service for Homeowners

Our Service is free for homeowners. We do not charge fees for:

• Creating an account or using the platform
• Submitting quote requests
• Communicating with contractors
• Accessing contractor profiles and reviews

6.2 Contractor Fees

Contractors pay fees to participate in our network. These fees are separate from any payments between homeowners and contractors for actual services.

7. Content and Intellectual Property

7.1 Our Content

All content on our Service, including text, graphics, logos, images, software, and design, is owned by us or our licensors and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not:

• Copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission
• Use our trademarks or branding without authorization
• Create derivative works based on our content
• Remove or alter copyright or proprietary notices

7.2 User-Generated Content

When you submit content to our Service (reviews, comments, project details), you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute such content in connection with our Service.

You represent that any content you submit:

• Is accurate and truthful
• Does not violate any third-party rights
• Does not contain illegal or harmful material
• Complies with these Terms and applicable laws

8. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using our Service, you consent to our data practices as described in the Privacy Policy.

9. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

9.1 Service Disclaimers

Our Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind. We disclaim all warranties, including but not limited to:

• Merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
• Non-infringement of third-party rights
• Uninterrupted or error-free operation
• Accuracy or completeness of information
• Security of data transmission

9.2 Contractor Disclaimers

We specifically disclaim any responsibility for:

• The quality, safety, or legality of contractor services
• The accuracy of contractor profiles or credentials
• Disputes between users and contractors
• Property damage or personal injury resulting from contractor work
• Contractor compliance with local laws and regulations

9.3 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, we shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

• Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities
• Property damage or personal injury
• Data loss or corruption
• Cost of substitute services
• Any damages arising from contractor relationships

Our total liability for any claims related to the Service shall not exceed $100.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless DeckPatioMasters, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorney fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your relationships with contractors
• Content you submit to the Service
• Your violation of any third-party rights

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Informal Resolution

Before pursuing formal dispute resolution, we encourage you to contact us at legal@deckpatiomasters.com to seek an informal resolution.

11.2 Binding Arbitration

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Service shall be resolved through binding arbitration rather than in court, except for:

• Small claims court matters
• Intellectual property disputes
• Injunctive relief requests

11.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree that any arbitration or legal proceeding shall be conducted on an individual basis and not as part of a class action, collective action, or representative proceeding.

12. Termination

12.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us or using account deletion features in the Service.

12.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service at any time for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Abuse of the Service or other users
• Non-payment of applicable fees (for contractors)
• Any reason, with or without notice

12.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use the Service ceases immediately. We may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

13. Geographic Limitations

Our Service is intended for users in the United States. We make no representation that the Service is appropriate or available for use in other locations. If you access the Service from outside the United States, you do so at your own risk and are responsible for compliance with local laws.

14. Third-Party Links and Services

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of use of such third parties. Your interactions with third parties are solely between you and the third party.

15. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, labor disputes, or government actions.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be replaced with a valid provision that most closely reflects the original intent.

17. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any legal proceedings shall be conducted in the state or federal courts located in Denver, Colorado.

18. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by:

• Posting updated Terms on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Providing notice through the Service

Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

19. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and DeckPatioMasters regarding the Service and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

20. Contact Information

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