All posts by Kerstin Bodily

Greg, Amanda, and Pierce Keys

Clients: Greg and Amanda Keys

Project: Backyard Landscape, Fencing, Patio, Pool and Spa

Why: To celebrate a second chance at life

Extreme Exteriors Services Used: Design and Construction

“Where do you see yourself five years from now?” Have you ever been asked that during a job interview? Sometimes five years go by and things turn out exactly the way we plan, and sometimes life has many unforeseen twists and turns. For Greg Keys, he never would have imagined that when he told Amanda, “Maybe in five years we’ll build a pool,” that they would be fighting for Amanda’s life.  Amanda started having headaches that gradually increased in frequency and intensity until an MRI revealed a large tumor that needed aggressive cancer treatment. They traveled to M.D. Anderson to seek the best possible care for Amanda. While staying in Houston, absorbing the stress and anxiety of cancer treatment, they would retreat poolside at their hotel to relax and unwind. Greg experienced for himself how soothing a beautiful pool can be and so the idea of putting in his own custom pool became more appealing. As Amanda got better and they returned home the pool now took on a whole new aspect – as a way to celebrate Amanda’s clean bill of health and what Greg described as a second chance at life.

With the decision made to add the pool, Greg and Amanda began to pull together pictures and ideas for the Extreme Exteriors design team. “The design process was great,” Greg said. “They were good about keeping us informed on where we were in the process and they made good suggestions along the way.” Greg mentioned how the designers noticed palm trees in many of the design inspiration pictures that Greg and Amanda shared, which is something that they hadn’t consciously considered as they gathered ideas. They liked how the Extreme Exteriors team noticed details like the palms and included them in the design.  They were also very happy with the suggestion to include an in-floor cleaning system. Amanda likes how it cleans the pool so effectively and that this avoids having a large, unwieldy hose lying on the surface of the pool.

Since the pool’s completion, Greg and Amanda have entertained friends more often because it’s a fun place to be together. The photo is a great example of this – they hired a musician, a caterer, and invited a ton of people over to celebrate the pool’s completion. When they’re not entertaining, Greg said he likes to take a patio chair and a book and sit in the beach entry to relax. He and Amanda also built the pool in mind for exercise as well, and he likes to take advantage of the length of the pool for swimming laps.

Greg and Amanda also love how they can adjust the lights at night, creating different moods and enjoying the look of the lights as they play off the water. They also like the lily pads in front of the spa, which was another design feature that they agreed would like great. Overall, the Keys said they’re very pleased with the result and they are happy with the service they received from the Extreme Exteriors team.  At Extreme Exteriors, we like to say that we help create the background to the story of your life. Greg and Amanda’s story has had its share of struggle and triumph, and we hope that as time goes on, there will be many more joyful occasions to celebrate.

• Client: Toni Isbell
• Project: Outdoor kitchen, fireplace, fire pit, fencing, water feature, and landscaping including raised flowerbeds and sod
• Why: She lives on 25 acres of rugged Texas land and she was ready to create a beautiful sanctuary that she could come home to and enjoy.
• Extreme Exteriors Services Used:  Design, Construction, and Maintenance

Before the Extreme Exteriors team began work, Toni described the backyard as “waist deep in tumbleweeds and sticker burrs.” Toni built a covered patio area about five years ago but she had dreams of transforming her simple patio into a dynamic outdoor living area.

The dream started to come together last fall when she presented company president and designer, Randy Glenn, with an abundance of ideas. That included adding a large outdoor fireplace to the existing patio. Toni is exceptionally knowledgeable and talented, and once considered building everything on her own!  “I have sixteen years in residential construction, so if I had wanted to, I could have done it myself. The time came where I was in a position to just have it done.” As she consulted with Randy, she developed total confidence in Extreme Exteriors’ ability to meet her ideals.

One of the most pleasant features in the new outdoor area is the water fountain, especially this time of year when plants are dormant. Toni thought about having a waterfall cascading into a pond in a back corner of the property, but during the design phase she agreed that a water fountain would be more suitable in the proposed location. Now when she’s inside her home, she can look out and watch the water gently splash from the fountain. An altogether more pleasing view than a pond built further away would have offered. The outdoor fireplace made from Oklahoma flagstone is also clearly visible and even when it’s not in use the seamless visual flow from house to outdoor area provides a striking aesthetic.

Adjacent to the outdoor fireplace is an outdoor kitchen made of Leuders stone, complete with Bull grill, refrigerator, sink, and bar seating. Toni had praise for Randy when describing how he cooperated with her to come up with the right look: “We were able to bounce ideas back and forth until we came up with this design.” She was also very happy that during the entire building process she was listened to and respected. Jake Griffith, the construction manager, always told her when he could be there and he stayed on top of things. This was very reassuring and raised her confidence in the entire team.

Now that everything is complete, Toni’s already hosted a few large events, such as gathering for Thanksgiving and for her brother’s 50^th birthday party.  When guests come, there’s an abundance of options for sitting out and relaxing by the fire. Friends can pull up a cozy chair next to the fireplace, or they can chat comfortably around the fire pit. “We had over 50 people here for my brother’s birthday,” Toni said. “People were enjoying the patio and kids were roasting s’mores at the fire pit. My nephew was playing his guitar and my fiancée Martin was on the drums — everyone was jamming!”

Toni also really enjoys the raised flower beds. She’s looking forward to spring when plants such as desert willows and crape myrtles will bloom. She will also add more flowers in preparation for her daughter’s June wedding. She knows her beautiful home, with its remarkable outdoor features, will provide the perfect setting for this special event. Toni looks forward to more memorable events ahead with her grandson and other friends and family.  We feel honored that Toni chose Extreme Exteriors to build her spacious and beautiful outdoor living area. We know that she will enjoy it for many years to come!

• Clients: Adam and Deann Munoz
• Project: Front and Backyard Landscaping, Irrigation System, Patio with Custom Built Firepit, Pool with Sunken Kitchen, Swim-Up Bar, and Grotto Seating Area
• Why: Adam and Deann wanted a custom pool and backyard with plenty of visual interest to fit their custom built home
• Extreme Exteriors Services Used: Design and Construction

Imagine that you’re barbecuing dinner, carefully checking to make sure your steaks don’t get overcooked, but you’re always glancing over your shoulder and wondering what everyone is talking and laughing about.   You definitely know you’re missing out on the fun and you may very well be ruining your food at the same time!

When Adam Munoz stopped by Extreme Exteriors and saw photos of a pool we had made with a sunken outdoor kitchen, he knew he had a solution. At Adam’s previous home, he was cooking and running back and forth between the pool and the grill. Now he can talk, grill, and serve up tasty concoctions to any swim-up bar guests.

Deann and Adam’s outdoor space was a blank canvas, and the Extreme Exteriors design team was able to come up with a plan that showcased the pool and provided plenty of room for the kids and dogs to play. The pool is built for fun, from a beach entry with bubblers, to the swim-up bar, to the grotto seating behind the waterfall. The pool looks great from any angle, but Adam is especially happy that they can see it well from the moment they step through the front door of their home. The backyard was finished off in a worry-free way, with a complete irrigation system, easy to care for plants, and a wood-burning firepit.  The front yard irrigation system was also installed and the borders were planted with beautiful trees, shrubs, and grasses.

When it came to working with Extreme Exteriors, it was experience that counted for them. Adam and Deann had worked with a different pool builder at their previous home and were disappointed with how long they took to build the pool and how they didn’t leave things cleaned up. Adam was also concerned about how other pool builders sometimes say, “Yeah, we can do that,” when talking about a pool feature, but they don’t really know how to build it. “We felt comfortable going with someone who has experience, “Adam said, “Randy gave us a lot of good ideas and I liked how he presented us with visual examples of how it would look.”

As much as Adam, Deann, and their kids use and enjoy their backyard they always hope their guests feel equally at home. “We want everyone to feel that they’re included in the party — whether they’re hanging out in the pool, eating at the bar, or relaxing by the firepit.”  The Munoz family’s great hospitality is now matched with an equally great outdoor living space.

• Clients: Cary Corthron and Lota Zoth Family Property
• Projects: Custom Pool, Irrigation, Firepit, Patio, Fencing, Putting Green, Pergolas
• Why: To enhance their naturally beautiful landscape, creating a place of serenity that is enjoyable to family and guests alike
• Extreme Exteriors Services Used: Design and Construction, Retail, Maintenance, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living

In 2000, a family decision was made to buy property and build a home suitable for two families. The home was designed to suit Lota’s sister Ruth Ann, and Ruth Ann and Lota’s aging mother, Lovelle.  Ruth Ann and her husband Tom took care of Lovelle full-time until she passed away in September of 2007. In the months preceding her passing, Lota and Cary spent time there with her and realized how much they liked the location. After discussing it, they decided to move from Maryland and live there full-time. This works because Lota frequently travels for meetings between the east coast and the west coast, so Texas was a good in-between.

Lota’s sister always wanted a pool, and as a way to say thank-you for the love and care that Ruth Ann gave to their mother, they began researching ideas for a beautiful pool. They were able to meet with company president Randy Glenn and were quickly impressed with the unique pools that he had completed in the past. The design he drew up was a continuation of that unique vision, with a custom hot tub, a rock waterfall with fiber optic lighting, a beach entry, and a sunning area. They loved the design and work was commenced in the fall of 2007. The pool was surrounded with stained concrete, which extended into a patio area and outdoor kitchen. The patio was recently resurfaced with Soci tile pavers, after a few hard winters had damaged the surface layer of the concrete. Even though they could have simply resurfaced the concrete, Lota mentioned how Randy has come to know what they like and so when he recommended the new Soci travertine pavers, she agreed they would make a great addition.

Between the time that the pool was completed in 2008 and the pavers were added in 2015, many more changes have been made to enhance the look and livability of their outdoor space.  Cary asked Randy to add a seven-hole putting green for Lota’s birthday one year. What a great surprise it was for her when she came home from traveling and found a brand-new fun feature to enjoy. They recently added a large pergola over the putting green so that they can use it more often during the summer.

Lota and Cary also needed a way to contain their furry friends so they wouldn’t jump in the pool, so a separate enclosure was created for their dogs. The Extreme Exteriors team added an irrigation system and a back patio where someone can sit in an Adirondack chair and throw balls for the dogs to chase.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this property has nothing to do with Extreme Exteriors at all. Behind the pool is what Lota describes as a natural amphitheater of rock that forms a visually interesting backdrop to the entire backyard. This backdrop, although amazing, did pose its own challenges as rainwater draining off of it would quickly end up as standing water in the backyard. Lota said it’s been a very positive experience with how the Extreme Exteriors team has been able to troubleshoot the water problems and come up with multiple ways to carry water towards the front driveway, where it can flow into a drain grate. She said that the system of sump pumps, trenches, and creation of a berm to solve the water issues showed a maturity in thought and execution that makes her incredibly pleased.

Lota recognizes that the challenging landscape surrounding their home is also what makes it unique and beautiful. The enhancements to the landscape that she and her husband have chosen to undertake have made it a place where she feels calm, relaxed and serene. And in a busy, hectic world, not much more could be better than to feel that way every time you come home.

• Clients: Steve and Joy Ellinger
• Project: Backyard Landscape, Outdoor Lighting, and Outdoor Living
• Why: Their outdoor living area gives them another option for personal relaxation and for entertaining guests
• Extreme Exterior Services Used: Design, Construction, Lighting

As an experienced and respected architect, Steve Ellinger had a clear vision for his outdoor living area. He was looking for a team of people that could take his vision and make it a reality. “Every building I design, I want it built the best way possible. I was looking for a contractor who shows that same commitment; and I wanted to work with someone with the best business ethics and professionalism.” Thankfully Steve was able to find that in Extreme Exteriors. Steve’s son had worked for Randy Glenn, company president, and he knew the type of person Randy is. With his son’s personal experience and Steve’s knowledge of other projects that Randy had completed, he was comfortable moving ahead.  “Randy was able to execute my design in a manner that was very well done. He shared the vision and was very responsive.”

Steve and Randy were able to collaborate on a backyard design that helped define a large space. Steve and Joy’s property extends out for two acres, so they wanted to limit the view by creating a curved wall
and placing contemporary looking potted plants nearby. He wanted an overall look and feel that matched the modern design of his home. “If you have clean design, it will always look good,” he said.

Steve’s favorite aspect of the design is the fire table,
not only for its own appeal, but also how it contrasts with the water fountain. “The fire and water are totally contradictory, but complement each other at the same time.” The Extreme Exteriors team consulted Steve on the type of fire table he was looking for and was able to order it from a company in Los Angeles. Steve was pleased that Extreme Exteriors had the resourcefulness to find the right pieces to “complete the picture.” The Ellingers are looking forward to a second phase to the design and Steve wouldn’t consider using anybody else.  “My design was very different than what I’ve seen Extreme Exteriors do and I cannot compliment you enough.”

Clients: Kirk and Suzie Boyd

Project: Front and Backyard Landscape, Water Feature, Firepit, Pergolas

Why: Desire to have another complete outdoor living area to enjoy the beautiful views

Extreme Exteriors Services Used: Design and Construction, Outdoor Lighting

Like many Texans, Kirk and Suzie Boyd like to take advantage of the pleasant weather that we’re blessed with most of the year. They had this in mind when choosing their home site, which gives them a great view of the neighborhood’s greenbelt.  When it was time to start planning their outdoor living areas, Extreme Exteriors was recommended by their homebuilder.

Suzie and Kirk initially met with Randy Glenn, company president, and expressed their desires to include a water feature and a firepit in the design. Because the Boyd’s had a new home built, they were also interested in a landscape plan for the front and back yards.  “Randy jumped right on it,” Kirk said. “And as changes were made to the initial design, the designers immediately got back to me.” The Boyd’s wanted to xeriscape large areas of the front and backyard, choosing some sod to complement the look. A variety of plants including Mexican feather grass, vitex, and golden esperanza were added to create plenty of visual interest.

One challenge that arose during construction was the placement of one of the pergolas. The pergola pictured here is actually the second one built. The first pergola went further out over the water feature and Kirk and Suzie were very happy with how it looked. Unfortunately, city planners took issue with its proximity to property lines and it had to be taken down.  This second one was built at a slightly modified location. Kirk was happy with the way that the Extreme Exteriors team was able to manage this unforeseen challenge. “When there were issues with the pergola, everything was just taken care of. If I had a question, someone answered it in a friendly way.”

The Boyd’s now have a unique and beautiful outdoor living space. Kirk expressed how he’s happy with everything that Extreme Exteriors created, and hopes that anyone who’s thinking of enhancing their outdoors will take us into consideration.  We’re so pleased that Kirk and Suzie trusted us to help make their new home look absolutely amazing; and we hope they’ll create many happy memories as they enjoy their new outdoor living areas.