What was supposed to be a sealed deck has now turned multiple shades of black, gray and white! Any areas that were "sealed" have very obvious spots where the sealant had puddled during application...so much that it sheds like plastic venier when using a pressure washer!!! It also has caused discoloration that is difficult to correct. I wish I could post the pictures I have!
The wood has become so badly stained in areas that the wood will either need to be sanded down or replaced. Many boards will need to be replaced anyway due to excessive warping and a few were obviously cracked during construction and have completely broken apart and will need to be replaced.
Pressure washing is not cleaning all of the stained wood...and we should not be having this issue 7 - 8 months after installation. If the sealing had been done thoroughly and properly, a simple washing of the deck to remove dirt should have been all that was required.
As noted in the original text below, the manufacturing marks on the wood are still VERY obvious and are not fading as we were told.
Mr. Huffman originally quoted a large deck (20' x 24'), a concrete pad (10' x 10') for the hot tub, and the installation of new rear french doors (purchased by us). He also agreed (upon discussion after the contract was signed) to install a new front door (purchased by us) for an additional $100.
The original quote was sent on May 7, 2011 and accepted on May 8,2011.
Initial discussion with Mr. Huffman indicated that he could start within a couple of weeks. We were then informed that he had other projects that he was working and would not be able to start until the first week of June. We accepted that and proceeded with the preparations for the new construction (some removal of old decking, purchasing of new doors, etc). Mr. Huffman also indicated that he would have assistance in getting this project done from his son and the entire project should take approximately 4 weeks (contract states in a timely and professional manner...so no due date was actually stated).
The project started off well enough...professional and good quality work. Mr. Huffman even made several suggestions and was open to additional requests and modifications as the project proceeded. We became concerned when we found out that his son helped him dig the holes for the deck footers but would not be able to continue helping him with the project. We asked if he was going to have additional help and were assurred that he would.
As the first couple of weeks passed, we became concerned in the overall progress being made in the deck construction. Very little in the framing had been completed. We were assurred by Mr. Huffman that this was the most difficult and timely portion of the project. While we were still concerned, we accepted his explanation.
Mr. Huffman soon began the initial decking and the construction appeared to be of good quality...although very little progress was made on a daily basis. As we asked again regarding when he expected the project to be completed, the timeline slipped to mid-July. We had hoped to, at least, be able to have the majority of the deck ready for family and friends for the holiday weekend...but the deck was not nearly complete enough to allow any use.
Again, we expressed concern that he had no assistance in working on this project. As we began inquiring on progress and concerns, we noticed that the quality of work was beginning to suffer. Excuses were suddenly a regular thing. As we questioned some of the issues with the decking (loose boards, boards not attached at all, manufacturing marks on wood, etc), Mr. Huffman started to dismiss our concerns (although he did address most of the loose boards...but not all of them) as things that would be handled as we completed the project.
During a period of rain, Mr. Huffman installed our new front door. When we arrived home to see this, we noted that the door did not seal properly...there was light coming in around the door...the door did not latch properly and was very difficult to lock. When we pointed these things out to Mr. Huffman, he became defensive in that he did not note any issues when he installed the door (how he could have missed all of that, we'll never know) but he would make it right. It took another week after that for him to correct these issues.
Suddenly, we were now approaching the end of July and the deck and concrete pad were still not finished.
About this same time, Mr. Huffman installed our french doors and worked on repairing the damaged wood flooring just inside of the door area. We were told in the beginning that the wood would be of the same type and finish and that his wife could very easily match the wood to the existing wood so that it would not be a noticeable repair/replacement. After installation of that flooring, the wood is of a deeper and darker grain and is VERY evident that it is not a part of the original flooring.
As we began pressing him for a completion date, the quality of work suffered greatly (again...the "help" that he was supposed to have never materialized). Poor construction...more loose or not attached boards...overall poor workmanship. We left a note pointing out these things and we were left a note basically running a series of "woe is me" excuses for the delays. This was the beginning of the end as far as a "professional" approach to this project was concerned.
The remainder of the decking and the concrete pad was completed but not at the quality of workmanship and so-called "professionalism" as in the"},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/tn/portland/thomas-d-%28tom%29-huffman-sr-reviews-6340850.htm"},"position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"Old Spencer Mill","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"TN","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Jessica S."},"reviewBody":"Throughout the planning and when we met with her, she seemed pleasant enough, besides being a little snappy about the rules of her facility....First of all, when we told her we only wanted to rent the facility for my sister's wedding, she encouraged us to spend an INSANE amount of money (something like 12.75 a plate for just a luncheon type of catering) on using her other services such as catering and such. We told her we would use our own caterers, to which she seems aggravated, and then she began to tell us that if we so much as poured a drink down one of her sinks, we would be charged extra! For ONE drink, she said. Then we wanted to play our own music, but we were only allowed to have music there if we used HER DJ! We were again encouraged strongly by this woman to use her HIGHEST D.J. services package, and when we didn't want to use the 450.00 dollar package, she seemed a little more irritated, but consented to us using the basic D.J. services. Everything else was decided upon and then we were just to wait on the wedding day. My report is to let people know that yes this is a beautiful venue for a wedding, but this woman is impossibly rude. If you want to have a demon on your shoulder the whole time you're at a wedding, do it there. If NOT, then choose someplace else. The night of the wedding, this woman actually ATTENDED, and hovered over every part of the entire wedding. She monitored tables, was rude to several guests, and yelled at the children because they were chasing the peacocks. Some of us parents were handling it, but she yelled at them, and several parents became very angry, and complained to us. The D.J. we paid 300.00 dollars to have play our disks, screwed up the sound system and NONE of our songs were played at all. This issue was ignored and we were NOT reimbursed for the mistake. Then to top it all off over an HOUR before our rental time was up, she began taking up glasses and taking down decorations, and people were still milling around and trying to enjoy the dancing. All in all, the photos were beautiful, but dealing with this horrible woman was just not worth it. If you want to have a great experience with your wedding, do NOT have it there. BIG mistake. We will NEVER use Old Spencer Mill again. *Also, she never produced the deposit check back to us, so that we were able to see she was NOT going to cash it. This kept us reluctant to post any reviews about her because we were afraid she would use it. We have never seen that check again."},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/tn/burns/old-spencer-mill-reviews-2299467.htm"},"position":3}]}
Holiday Decorating reviews from real Angi homeowners in Portland, TN
***UPDATE 7/12/2014*** Well...here we are a bit over 2 years later (3 years from construction) and I am pressure washing the deck again and getting ready to try to treat and reseal the deck. There are still so many issues that were created and remain from the original construction that this...
Staging your home or business!!! Staging your home to sell? Need staging for the holidays? Need to stage a Vrbo or rental property? Or simply just Want a new look? SMC NASHVILLE HAS GOT YOUR BACK!!!! Free consult !!!!
Staging your home or business!!! Staging your home to sell? Need staging for the holidays? Need to stage a Vrbo or rental property? Or simply just Want a new look? SMC NASHVILLE HAS GOT YOUR BACK!!!! Free consult !!!!
Growing up as a child in New Orleans, Louisiana, helping the community was a part of life. I’ve been in the construction industry for over 15 years and I love every part of it! Electrical work is my passion! I use to love wiring up hospitals and buildings with my uncle as a teenager, knowing one day I could have my own company! I would love to take care of all of your electrical needs! I offer fair prices, quality work, and honesty not often found these days. Give me a call for your free estimate!
"They've done a lot of work in the past and it's always a great job."
Hayse G on August 2020
Growing up as a child in New Orleans, Louisiana, helping the community was a part of life. I’ve been in the construction industry for over 15 years and I love every part of it! Electrical work is my passion! I use to love wiring up hospitals and buildings with my uncle as a teenager, knowing one day I could have my own company! I would love to take care of all of your electrical needs! I offer fair prices, quality work, and honesty not often found these days. Give me a call for your free estimate!
"They've done a lot of work in the past and it's always a great job."
Over 5 years of experience in residential and commercial cleaning, preparing the home for premarket sell, move-in/ move-out cleanings, one-time and routine cleanings. Licensed, insured and rated with the BBB. All staff have been properly trained and vetted. We take care of your home the same way we take care of ours nothing but the best!
Over 5 years of experience in residential and commercial cleaning, preparing the home for premarket sell, move-in/ move-out cleanings, one-time and routine cleanings. Licensed, insured and rated with the BBB. All staff have been properly trained and vetted. We take care of your home the same way we take care of ours nothing but the best!
Peaches & Cream Creative Design offers multiple home design services. From interior design, cabinet refinishing, holiday decorating and remodel design consulting, we can make your house feel like home! With our professional interior decorating team, no room is hopeless, and we provide you customized design that fits your style and budget. Our home design will fit YOUR unique design. Why Choose us? * High end quality * Free Estimate * Knowledgeable * on time service *
"I experienced the utmost in professionalism and creativity! They were very responsive to what I envisioned for my place and gave me assistance and support throughout the whole process, including advice when needed. The Peaches and Cream team made themselves available whenever needed and provided needed reassurance when I waffled on some of my decisions. I would unequivocally recommend them to anyone needing interior design services and decorating."
Jewel M on June 2025
Peaches & Cream Creative Design offers multiple home design services. From interior design, cabinet refinishing, holiday decorating and remodel design consulting, we can make your house feel like home! With our professional interior decorating team, no room is hopeless, and we provide you customized design that fits your style and budget. Our home design will fit YOUR unique design. Why Choose us? * High end quality * Free Estimate * Knowledgeable * on time service *
"I experienced the utmost in professionalism and creativity! They were very responsive to what I envisioned for my place and gave me assistance and support throughout the whole process, including advice when needed. The Peaches and Cream team made themselves available whenever needed and provided needed reassurance when I waffled on some of my decisions. I would unequivocally recommend them to anyone needing interior design services and decorating."
Vinyl Creations for all occasions, weddings, birthdays, babies and more. We offer decorative tiles, and custom designed coasters. We personalize many different items with your favorite sports team, quotes, and designs. You choose item, color and font and we create for you a custom product. Our monogram shop offers specialty t-shirts for men, women and children. Ask about our drink tumblers and personalized Christmas Ornaments.
Vinyl Creations for all occasions, weddings, birthdays, babies and more. We offer decorative tiles, and custom designed coasters. We personalize many different items with your favorite sports team, quotes, and designs. You choose item, color and font and we create for you a custom product. Our monogram shop offers specialty t-shirts for men, women and children. Ask about our drink tumblers and personalized Christmas Ornaments.
Avon celebrates over 125 years in business... If you think about it, A V O N has been around all of your life! It's got to be good! When a company can last for 125+ years, you know that it has to be doing something right! It was one of the few companies to thrive during the recession and now has more than 300 million customers in over 100 countries around the world. Avon empowers women in so many ways and I'm so proud to be part of their history.' The organisation's selling power does remain staggering. - approximately 89 lipsticks 25 mascaras and 100 skin care products are ordered every second! It's hard to believe the company started as a simple line of just five floral fragrances. The brand was set up in 1886 by David H. McConnell, who created the California Perfume Company - a pioneering business that he soon rebranded as Avon following a trip to UK town Stratford-Upon-Avon. Moving with the times, Avon doesn't live in the past and continues to invest millions in developing over 1,000 new products every year and continuously improving existing ones. As part of the brand’s reinvention, which has seen it tap into a younger generation, it has secured partnerships with celebrity ambassadors including Reese Witherspoon, Fergie, Ashley Greene and Yasmin le Bon. High-end products at extremely affordable prices. A V O N can speak for itself when it comes to quality and reputation
Avon celebrates over 125 years in business... If you think about it, A V O N has been around all of your life! It's got to be good! When a company can last for 125+ years, you know that it has to be doing something right! It was one of the few companies to thrive during the recession and now has more than 300 million customers in over 100 countries around the world. Avon empowers women in so many ways and I'm so proud to be part of their history.' The organisation's selling power does remain staggering. - approximately 89 lipsticks 25 mascaras and 100 skin care products are ordered every second! It's hard to believe the company started as a simple line of just five floral fragrances. The brand was set up in 1886 by David H. McConnell, who created the California Perfume Company - a pioneering business that he soon rebranded as Avon following a trip to UK town Stratford-Upon-Avon. Moving with the times, Avon doesn't live in the past and continues to invest millions in developing over 1,000 new products every year and continuously improving existing ones. As part of the brand’s reinvention, which has seen it tap into a younger generation, it has secured partnerships with celebrity ambassadors including Reese Witherspoon, Fergie, Ashley Greene and Yasmin le Bon. High-end products at extremely affordable prices. A V O N can speak for itself when it comes to quality and reputation
Welcome to YESCO Sign and Lighting Repair, Nashville’s best source for sign services! We can handle just about any type of sign or lighting repair, maintenance, or servicing. We also service all of the major areas surrounding Nashville, including Franklin, Brentwood, Hendersonville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, etc.
Welcome to YESCO Sign and Lighting Repair, Nashville’s best source for sign services! We can handle just about any type of sign or lighting repair, maintenance, or servicing. We also service all of the major areas surrounding Nashville, including Franklin, Brentwood, Hendersonville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, etc.
We are a Partnership providing specialty cleaning and services based mainly in the Sewanee Mountain area. We prefer to receive payment when services are rendered.
We are a Partnership providing specialty cleaning and services based mainly in the Sewanee Mountain area. We prefer to receive payment when services are rendered.
We say "I do" to all of your to-dos! Wifey is a multifaceted personal assistant agency run by a group of savvy moms. So, when it comes to your needs, we know a thing or two about a thing or two. You think there's no 25th hour in the day, but when you're on Wifey time, think again. You have two hands now, but when there's a Wifey around, you'll have all the extra hands you need. That's because we're there for you like family. Whatever you need help with—childcare, cleaning, cooking, errands, organizing the house or your life, pet-sitting—we'll say, “I do,” with a moment’s notice. Wifeys love parties, too! Event planning, catering, bartending—whatever soiree you want to host, we’ll help from set-up to clean-up. Remember, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health—Wifey will be by your side. A start up company currently covering LA, Ventura and Orange counties, Bay area, and the South with big moves to expand in the near future. With representatives on board we have the ability to grow and cater to your City and State too! You don't need to be celebrity status to qualify, but you will sure be treated as Royalty. In a bind? Need extra hands? Want to spend more quality time with family, friends and loved ones? Let us come to you! We will even clean your kitchen and pick up the groceries before we prepare your meal, allowing you to spend your time enjoying yourself and the people around you. We understand life's demands and hectic schedules first hand. You cater to your job, now let us cater to you! There isn't anything we can't handle - Wifey makes what seems impossible- possible! Even with a moment's notice as we are available 24/7 including Holidays (when everyone needs an extra set of hands). Requesting one of our services is as easy as ordering off a to-go menu! That's right, creatively mix and match any of our affordable services to suit your personal and business needs for anytime of day, any day of the week! We're your one stop shop! Count on Wifey to help simplify your life so you can enjoy living. We're on standby!
We say "I do" to all of your to-dos! Wifey is a multifaceted personal assistant agency run by a group of savvy moms. So, when it comes to your needs, we know a thing or two about a thing or two. You think there's no 25th hour in the day, but when you're on Wifey time, think again. You have two hands now, but when there's a Wifey around, you'll have all the extra hands you need. That's because we're there for you like family. Whatever you need help with—childcare, cleaning, cooking, errands, organizing the house or your life, pet-sitting—we'll say, “I do,” with a moment’s notice. Wifeys love parties, too! Event planning, catering, bartending—whatever soiree you want to host, we’ll help from set-up to clean-up. Remember, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health—Wifey will be by your side. A start up company currently covering LA, Ventura and Orange counties, Bay area, and the South with big moves to expand in the near future. With representatives on board we have the ability to grow and cater to your City and State too! You don't need to be celebrity status to qualify, but you will sure be treated as Royalty. In a bind? Need extra hands? Want to spend more quality time with family, friends and loved ones? Let us come to you! We will even clean your kitchen and pick up the groceries before we prepare your meal, allowing you to spend your time enjoying yourself and the people around you. We understand life's demands and hectic schedules first hand. You cater to your job, now let us cater to you! There isn't anything we can't handle - Wifey makes what seems impossible- possible! Even with a moment's notice as we are available 24/7 including Holidays (when everyone needs an extra set of hands). Requesting one of our services is as easy as ordering off a to-go menu! That's right, creatively mix and match any of our affordable services to suit your personal and business needs for anytime of day, any day of the week! We're your one stop shop! Count on Wifey to help simplify your life so you can enjoy living. We're on standby!
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Holiday Decorating questions, answered by experts
An affordable Christmas light bulb testing and replacement tool can make the job easier. But you can most likely make all necessary repairs yourself using common toolbox items if you’d rather avoid purchasing another gadget.
Cold weather can cause older incandescent Christmas lights to fail by causing cracks in the finish or the glass itself. Modern LED lights are affected in the opposite way and perform even better as the temperature drops.
On average, holiday decoration services cost around $800, but prices can range from around $300 to to $2,500 or more, depending on the extent of the work and home size. Simple interior holiday decoration can cost closer to $300 while hiring a decorating pro to hang exterior lights and exterior decorations alongside the interior work will total around $800. For large decorations or extensive design and decoration services, you can expect to pay $2,500. Note that these prices only include labor, not the decorations.
While DIY Christmas light hanging is possible, there are a few reasons why outsourcing this project is in your best interest. First and foremost, your safety is essential. People who are physically unable to hang outdoor lights should consider hiring a pro for this job. Also, homes that pose a safety hazard, like multiple stories, should have a professional tackle the lighting project.
Additionally, hiring a professional holiday lighting expert is a great idea when you won't be able to maintain your holiday lights throughout the season, as many pros include repairs as part of their rates and packages.
Aside from a professional light installation company, there are a few other pros who may be able to help you hang Christmas lights. Along with specialty holiday decorators, a handyperson near you can also hang Christmas lights (and can fix that pesky drippy sink while they’re at it). Either way, not all of these pros will offer the service, so be sure to call ahead and get multiple quotes before you hire.
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The Portland, TN homeowners’ guide to holiday decorating services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Christmas light installation costs depend mostly on your home’s square footage, but our expert guide breaks down all the factors that influence what you’ll pay.
If you're dreaming of rocking around your—professionally decorated—tree this season, this is how much a Christmas tree decorating service will cost you.
It’s time to deck your halls. From choosing the right roof clips to step-by-step instructions, learn how to hang Christmas lights on a roof in this guide.
Assuming you’re comfortable being on an extension ladder, hanging Christmas lights on your roof peak may be simpler than you’d expect. Here’s how to do it.
Learn how to hang Christmas lights on gutters with or without your home's gutter guards in place and with or without a ladder. Follow our guide to learn more.