Clearwater Outdoor Design

Initial interactions with Kyle were professional and courteous. Construction started on time and initial schedule was kept after the first progress payment was made. They use sub contractors to perform the work and after they began layout of the pool is when the problems began. They removed two sections of our fence to allow for the equipment to go through and dig the whole. Little regard was given to our yard and area around where the pool was going to be placed. The first evening after the hole was dug they temp installed our fence and after a slight wind it was blown over and damaged the attaching panel. This was a big safety risk as we had a six foot deep hole in the yard and in an area where children were prevalent I spent a good part of my evening securing the fence. It only became worse as the project went on.
After the pool progressed further contact became less and less. I had to initiate contact before I was called back. They did not order enough tile to complete the project so it caused a delay. After they finished the work we were very happy with the pool look and for the most part the condition. After initial run checks we discovered one hot tub jet not working and a sharp object jutting out from the wall in the deep end. We identified this to Kyle and was promised it would be fixed. They came back to teach us pool school (which did not occur) and fixed the spa jet but to date (3/19/2014) the sharp object is still there. The fence sections they repaired need to be replaced in less than a year, where the original fence constructed with the house is still in good shape. We were told that Clearwater had branched into home construction which it became evident the priority was no longer us at the end of the contract.
My opinion is the level of care received after signing the contract was not commensurate with our investment. They gave us a good deal after meeting them at the home show and continually reminded us of that fact throughout construction.

Construction began in June 2013 with completion in August. We had a 12,000 gallon pool installed, which had to be raised approximately 7ft out of the ground to match the level of our existing patio. Everything went perfectly. The design was exceptional and the quality of the work was outstanding. We did have a leak issue upon completion, which was not Clearwater's fault. Our irrigation contractor nicked a plumbing line causing a slow leak. Both Kyle Clark and Kyle Abbott were extremely professional and onsite almost on a daily basis. They were informative and constantly gave me updates when asked. We have decided to heat our pool this spring and will definitely contact Mr. Clark to complete our job for us.

On February 14th met with Kyle from Clearwater and discussed what we wanted to do with out backyard area.  A few weeks later, they produced a plan based on our suggestions and their impression of the area to be worked on.   We decided on Travertine tile decking and additional landscaping.  We discussed potential collateral damage that might occur to current landscaping and sprinkler system.Preparation for work:  

• DO:  get detailed contract to include all specifications include sealants, colors, types of landscaping plants, etc.
• DO: discuss potential problem with subcontractors and who is liable for repairs.  Identify an individual to go to with problems.
• DO:  Carefully discuss collateral damage to sprinkler systems, yard, etc. and who is responsible for repairs
• DO:  make sure financial arrangements are clearly spelled out and in writing.  When is each portion of payment due? 
• DON'T:  go by word of mouth or verbal promises...reduce everything to writing on a project this big.  It will make you both more comfortable.
• GOOD POINTS:  Worked quickly, quietly, efficiently.  Excellent work crew and craftsmen!
• During Construction:
• Beautiful deck area, but much more damage to sprinkler system and lawn than expected, resulting in additional expenditure of approximately $2000.00.
• Subcontractors:  Centex Materials left  several very large oil stains on the street where their vehicles parked.  We have asked for removal of the stain and to date have promises but no resolution.  Few attempts were made to "degrease" using our water resources.  We noticed the stains as they were happening and notified the contractor who said they "would take care of it".  We are still not sure how stains like this can be removed, or if they can.
• Comments:  Toward end of job, communication was not as good as at first, although the finished product is excellent.  The Centex problem overshadowed some of the better points of working with Clearwater and created some mild discord.  
• Family and friends are impressed with the design and construction of the deck.  It is unique in design and character and fits into the area perfectly.  2 months into the use of the deck we can honestly say that it was worth the money.  The construction has enhanced our property, we enjoy the outdoors more and find the care easy.  People have asked us about the design and the contractor.  We have learned a lot through this process and our intent is to pass  on what we have learned to minimize uncomfortable issues coming up and increase enjoyment of both the finished product and the process.  Would we recommend Clearwater to others seeking a major construction project?  with some reservations.  
• less than 4 months after the deck has been installed, we need to have it properly sealed and cleaned.  The cost of doing the project ranges from $1,500-2,200.00.  Not happy with that amount of expenditure so shortly after the deck was 'apparently' sealed with the best sealer available.

UPDATE JANUARY 25, 2016

Two and a half years later we want to update our evaluation.  This deck has stood the test of time and is beautiful.  The oil stain has melded into the roadway and is gone.  We are enjoying the deck and get many comments on the beauty and design.  We have had one tile crack (out of all the tiles on the deck).  Otherwise all is well.  We will be contacting the contractor for additional work in our yard.

They have been very diligent. The crew knows their job, they are well trained, courteous and they pick up all of their construction debris. The progress on schedule. Very pleased with the work.

I liked the guys who came out. Kyle and Kyle were nice guys and I liked them. They did a good job. I didn't have to give them too much of instruction and they just did what I wanted them to do. They were very professional. They were like Texas boys and showed up in their shirts and boots. They were very friendly. They were professional but it was not like they were stuffy kind of professional. They were friendly and liked to joke with me. They did a good job. Their price was average to above average. I gave them most of the materials but they got the granite. Their responsiveness was amazing and soon as I called them they showed up and they got started the following week. They were awesome.