Personal Stories

Project: Phase 1: Outdoor fireplace, pergola and patio space. Phase 2: Pool and spa, retaining wall and stairs, outdoor lighting

Why: The McCray’s wanted to create an outdoor living space that the whole family could enjoy. They also greatly appreciate their peaceful view of the pond, so they wanted something that complemented the natural beauty they enjoy every day.

Extreme Exteriors services used: Design, construction, retail sales

After completely renovating their home’s interior, Candice and Forrest turned their attention to the outdoor living area. During phase one of construction, the Extreme Exteriors team extended the patio space to accommodate a dining area. A nice seating area by the new outdoor fireplace was also constructed. The McCray’s knew they eventually wanted a pool because they are such outdoor people who love the water. They have access to the pond, but they probably didn’t want to swim in it, unless they planned to paddle alongside the family of beavers that make their home there!

Candice wanted a pool that was beautiful and elegantly simple. Although Extreme Exteriors completed phase one to her liking, Candice spoke with a few other pool builders to see what they could offer. In the end, she was most impressed with the design process Extreme Exteriors offered. She said, “Our pool design was a total collaboration between me, my husband Forrest, and Randy. We told Randy what would go well with our home and he came up with a design. We told him the features that we wanted: a spa, bowls, and a little area that you can take a chair into the pool. Randy came up with the seats underneath the bowls, so if you’re sitting there the water comes from the bowls and runs down your back.”

Candice also worked together closely with project manager Jeremy Scott on details such as the pool’s plaster finish, the columns around the pool, and the design for the wrought-iron gates that will soon be installed.

Candice’s level of involvement has really paid off in terms of her achieving the look that she hoped for. Her advice to anyone who is thinking about working with Extreme Exteriors is, “I would give Extreme Exteriors 100%, totally go with them, and be on the same page. I think it’s important to be involved in the process so that it’s done exactly as you want it. When you’re involved, it’s nice to be able to bounce ideas around. Because sometimes you don’t know what you want and it’s nice to rely on the experts who’ve done it a bunch of times.”

The confidence that Candice and Forrest developed with the Extreme Exteriors team is a huge reason why she would use us again. Their home site is an acre and a half, so they may continue to make changes to it with time. For instance, she’s thinking about adding a seating area with a firepit closer to the pond and installing a small bar area near the dining table.

One little finishing touch Candice may have to add soon is a cute sign that says, “McCray Resort”. Her parents came from South Carolina and couldn’t believe how beautiful everything looked. Her mom started calling it the McCray Resort and it really does fit. The elegance and beauty Candice and Forrest wanted to add to their home is abundantly present. A home should reflect who you are, and the McCray’s really got it right due to their level of involvement from start to finish.

Project: Outdoor kitchen, landscaping, irrigation

Why: A fire destroyed their home, but it didn’t take away the Draper’s love for their property. They rebuilt their home and outdoor living spaces better than before. They enjoy swimming, playing with their dogs, entertaining, and being together outside as often as possible.

Extreme Exteriors Services Used: Design, construction, retail, maintenance

Vicki and Perry Draper have been through a lot in the past two years with a total loss of their home. The fire destroyed everything, thankfully sparing their family from loss of life. They are both so cheerful, you would never know the trial they went through. They are a great example to their two children, Sadie and Samy, of moving on and not looking back.

Their cheerful personalities are reflected in the bright, happy furniture and décor which brings a fun vibe to their outdoor living areas. Within the last year or so, the Drapers have selected bar stools, dining sets, benches, and more so that there’s plenty of seating when they entertain. “There’s so many places to sit, half of our guests don’t even have to get along!” Perry commented with a laugh.

Perry loves to cook for friends and family and worked with the Extreme Exteriors design team on his outdoor kitchen. Perry had an outdoor kitchen before the fire, but it wasn’t as big as it is now. He has plans in the near future to make it even bigger, as he finds that he’s cooking out often enough that it makes sense to expand. “I want it 100 percent independent from the house, with a full-size refrigerator so I can keep all my stuff out there,” Perry said. He’s also thinking of adding a TV and more cabinet space. He’s eagerly waiting to see what the Extreme Exteriors design team comes up with!

Sadie and Samy love their outdoor space just as much as their parents. They have plenty of room to run around with the pet dogs, play on the play equipment, and most of all swim. Perry said the kids swim almost every night year-round. Vicki loves being outside with the kids and dogs too, and finds she’s at her happiest when the kids are swimming, the dogs are running around, and Perry’s cooking dinner. She loves the privacy and the peacefulness of her home.

Beyond the outdoor kitchen, the Extreme Exteriors team was also able to landscape the front and side yards, which needed a lot of help after the fire. The Drapers are pleased with their landscape design and the team’s efforts to bring new life back to their property. Their home is a true reflection of who they are and we are grateful we’ve played a small part in their story.