
Outback Creations
About us
Before you call, please see our reviews and check out the pictures on our website! My name is Terry Winters and I have been designing Outdoor Living settings for 24 years. As the owner, I come bid every job and draw up the design myself. Since 1992, Outback Creations has provided custom designs and professional creations within the Metroxplex. Please give me a call if you are looking to extend your living space in your “outback” with designs from Outback Creations Inc.
Business highlights
Services we offer
Custom wood decks, cedar pergolas/arbors, fencing, flagstone, gazebos, outdoor fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and screened in porches. We also offer staining on wood surfaces (such as decks and pergolas)., patio covers, stone retaining walls
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
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It went fine.
There were three crews that performed this work and they all did a great job, were very courteous, and cleaned up the worksite daily.
The carpenters took a while to complete the shed/roof cover but they did a fantastic job and added a lot of custom features to the cover which made the wait very worthwhile. They used 8" posts and cut scrolls on the ends of the beams which really gave the cover a great custom look once it was finished. They also did a good job of tying the cover into our existing roof which had some challenges due to the low roof height and a chimney that they had to work around.
The stone crew was in and out in just a few days and they did an amazing job! They were very efficient and meticulous about placing and shaping the stones and made sure that the finished patio was level and beautiful. They are true professionals!
The fence crew also did a nice job and the fence that they built easily met our expectations.
The owner, Terry Winters was great to work with. He visited the job site pretty much daily and took a lot of time consulting with us to make sure that the final product met our expectations. He handled getting the City permits and passed all inspections with flying colors. He answered all of our calls, texts, and relayed information to his crews immediately. We would definitely work with Terry again and highly recommend Outback Creations!
Terry called and explained that the price had increased to $6,800, as it was necessary to increase the size of the pergola due to the design of our home. A month had elapsed since our initial meeting, and I could not recall all the particulars discussed. Therefore, he left a contract in my mailbox for review. The specifications were incorrect: 6x6 posts, 2x12 beam, and etcetera. When questioned about the inaccuracies, Terry said he must have been in a rush. A day or so later, we met to finalize a contract. I should note that an Angie?s List discount was not available. Prior to signing the contract, I also inquired about his special on Angie?s List: ?$500 for $1,000 Credit Toward a New Outdoor Living Project.? He said the special/discount was meant for more elaborate projects like fireplaces, kitchens, and stone patios. Here is the information as written on Angie?s List:
$500 for $1,000 Credit Toward a New Outdoor Living Project
Here's the Deal:
- $500.00 for $1000.00 credit toward an outdoor entertainment area
- Use towards: arbors, cedar patio covers, awnings, fireplaces, kitchens, wood decks, stone patios, etc (check out our website for
The Real Deal: Dreaming of an arbor, brick grill, seating, or an outdoor fireplace? Get it installed for less with this
refreshing offer!
We decided to move forward with the project irrespective of the aforementioned misgivings. On Tuesday, September 15, 2015, construction of the pergola began and did not conclude until Friday, September 25, 2015. The work should have been completed within 7 business days. Initially, the crew consisted of three individuals. On a few days, however, there were only two, especially
toward the end. During construction, his crew accidentally drilled too far into the brick, piercing the living room wall. One of the lattice panels were installed incorrectly. There were gaps where the wood did not align. The message that follow was sent on 9/23/2015, via Angie?s List and illustrate our concerns:
?I just examined the pergola and the basic structure is okay. However, the lattice panels are not compliant with our contract. For
instance, there is a gap between the two lattice panels. Additionally, the craftsmanship that we wanted is absent. The lattice panels appear hastily constructed to the pergola. One of the two lattice panels is installed incorrectly: The rough side, with the visible nails/clasps, is facing outward. The outer border (outline) of the lattice panels are uneven and do not meet/join skillfully. The lattice panels should mirror one another. This project began Tuesday, September 15, 2015, and remains in progress. If lattice
panels are inappropriate for this pergola, we do not want them forced to fit. The most important feature for us is an aesthetic and symmetrical pergola.?
The following message was sent on 9/24/2015:
?How would this be remedied? We want an aesthetic pergola that adds value to the home and enhances outdoor leisure activities. To ensure that this project improves, I think you should be on sight for quality control. Sections of the lattice panels stain do not resemble the basic structure of the pergola. A few panels are splintered. As discussed earlier, the drill bit drilled a hole in my living room wall.?
In the end, the project was able to be saved. [Sending messages with pictures via Angie?s List was very helpful.) However, I will have to pay a professional to repair the living room wall. The added $380 was to redirect sprinkler pipes. We would not use the company again.
"Don't understand, Pergola and lattice panels are beautiful. Issues on lattice panels where addressed and approved by customer. There was a open end on lattice panel due to design of house and Mrs. [Member Name Removed] was called out to approve design. Customer liked design because it was balanced with other side. Our time was off 3 days due to lumber delivering a day later and sprinklers that had to be moved due post location. I told customer job should take a week but this is only a guesstimate. Again I'm having a hard time understanding due to beauty of construction. This wasn't a perfect job but all issues were taken care of. In 24 years in business this is a first and hopefully the last unhappy customer. Sincerely Terry Winters/owner."
Terry Winters of Outback Creations returned my initial call promptly and came by to give me a bid within a day even though it was the week before July 4th. He was very genuine & professional in his manner. He made some suggestions to the ideas we already had and they were the correct suggestions. His contractors were prompt, courteous, and kept the yard as neat as possible considering the scope of the remodel. We had a few unexpected things pop up (none of them Outback's fault) and they were resolved and taken care of promptly. They actually finished about a week earlier than we had thought and we love our new backyard. I would recommend Outback Creations and Terry Winters for any kind of outside renovation...decks, arbors, fences, etc...they do great work and the lines of communication are always open. Thanks Terry!
We had to have 3 sprinkler heads capped before the job could start. Terry made sure that he was there when the landscaper came to dig up and cap the sprinklers.
The crew of 3 arrived early to begin digging up the new patio area and drilled holes in the foundation of the house to place the rebar to stabilize the new patio. They had to leave when they were finished on the first day because the flagstone was delivered to the house later than expected.
They did arrive early the next morning and every morning after to finish the job. And by early, I mean 8:30 am! I haven't had anyone show up at my house to do any kind of work before 10:00 - if they showed up on time at all. All three of the men were very professional and courteous. I asked them to replace a few of the stones because I didn't like the way it was looking and they took care of it without issue (the concrete was still wet). The patio went in very quickly and my husband and I are very happy with it.
My only complaint would be that my husband and I had to do a bit of cleanup after everything was done. We had pulled fairly large pieces of flagstone out of the grass before we mowed recently. And the dirt that they used to fill some low spots in the yard was full of dead grass, mesh for the concrete and wires that were pulled out of the yard.
I am not counting this against them because I didn't complain to Terry and have them come back to clean this up. I would just advise anyone to walk around the area when the work is complete to be sure that they have removed anything you don't want left in your yard. This was really not a big issue.
Overall, we are very pleased with the results and we would definitely recommend Outback Creations to anyone.
Licensing
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