Meet Our Builder: Why We Chose Southern Elegance Pools (+ The 3D Designs!)
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When you’re planning a project of this magnitude, especially when navigating the technical hurdles of a sloped lot and limited access, your builder isn't just a contractor; they are your most important collaborator. After months of research, vetting, and a fair share of interviews, we’ve signed a contract with Southern Elegance Pools.
Choosing the right team was about more than just finding someone who could dig a hole; it was about finding partners who understood the feel we’ve been cultivating throughout our home. We needed a team that could blend high-end engineering with a modern heritage soul.
Here is exactly why they stood out in a crowded market and why I’m so excited to document this build for you.
1. Visualization Without the Guesswork
What truly set them apart was their approach to the design phase. Rather than a generic sketch or a flat 2D blueprint, they provided detailed 3D CAD renderings featuring our actual house.
Given the complexities of our yard, specifically the sloped yard that had us scratching our heads for months, visualization wasn’t just a luxury; it was a necessity. Our designer, John Lillo, was incredibly patient, rendering every "one last tweak" without hesitation. He leveraged his expertise to maximize our relatively small footprint, ensuring we stayed on budget while fitting in every must-have.
Take a look at how John brought our vision to life in these renderings:
An overhead look at the footprint. Maximizing this space was crucial, and the screen enclosure will keep the Florida bugs out while letting the light in.
Our designer, John Lillo, provided us with detailed 3D renderings of different pool placements, allowing us to fully visualize every idea.
2. Solving the Sloped Lot Puzzle
If you’ve followed our backyard journey, you know that our lot isn't exactly “plug and play.” We’re dealing with an elevation change that requires precise grading and structural integrity. Where other builders saw a headache, Southern Elegance Pools saw an opportunity for a custom solution.
Since we don’t have an existing deck to work with, they walked us through how they would handle the drainage and create a seamless transition from our back door down to the pool level. Their technical confidence was such a relief; it allowed me to stop worrying about the dirt and focus on the fun part: the aesthetics.
We spent a lot of time discussing how the pavers would flow into the landscape, ensuring the final look feels like a modern heritage extension of our home that's been part of the property for decades.
This view shows how the raised design connects to the house. Imagine this finished with the beautiful leathered marble decking and coping we selected, rather than the dark gray placeholder.
3. Eliminating the Communication Gap
The number one horror story you hear about pool builds (or any major DIY/reno project) is the radio silence once the heavy machinery arrives. That was our biggest hesitation. Southern Elegance Pools completely neutralized that fear with their "Monday Memos." Every week, they provide a status update that outlines:
The exact work schedule for the week.
Upcoming construction milestones.
What to expect regarding crews and equipment on-site.
Having that roadmap provides an incredible level of peace of mind. Knowing that we are part of the loop, rather than just bystanders in our own backyard, made them the clear winner. For a family that works from home and manages a busy household, this level of transparency is priceless.
4. A Visionary Partnership
As a blogger, I’m incredibly selective about the companies I feature here at House by the Preserve. I want to showcase builders who not only understand the aesthetic I’m striving for but who also respect the process of high-quality construction.
Southern Elegance Pools didn’t just see a backyard; they saw the vision we’ve been dreaming of for years. Their willingness to work alongside us as we document every step, from the first scoop of dirt to the final tile placement, gives me total confidence. We are creating an outdoor extension of our home that honors that modern heritage vibe, and I can't wait to show you how we bridge the gap between classic design and modern Florida living.
Where others saw a grading headache, John designed this massive retaining wall that will act as the structural anchor for the whole backyard.
From Dream to Groundbreaking
Investing in your home is as much about the people as it is about the materials.
Choosing a partner who values communication as much as craftsmanship has given us the confidence to finally turn these long-held dreams into a reality.
What’s next? The permits are in motion, and we are currently working on getting HOA approval to remove a few trees and relocate our AC unit to the side of the house, anything to maximize every square inch of our new deck space! Once those final hurdles are cleared, the excavators are looming. Stay tuned as we officially get this project underway. I’ll be sharing the full design boards and my tile selection process very soon!
What is your biggest fear when it comes to hiring a contractor? Or, if you have a pool, what is your favorite feature? Let’s chat in the comments!
I’m a mom of two and wife to a seriously supportive hubby, living our best life in our forever house by the preserve! I'm all about helping you create a stylish, Pinterest-worthy home on a budget. Let's obsess over interior design, home decor, DIY, and home improvement projects to help you create your best home. Follow along and say hello! I love hearing from you.
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