Firepits

When building a firepit, there are a couple of things to consider.  Number one, you need to have a place to drain water when the rains come.  In the attached picture, you can see where we have holes along the bottom of the face rock on the exterior side of the pit.  Secondly, you need to have the guts of the face stone lined with fire brick.  This protects the face stone from the extreme heat of the pit and prevents cracking.  Third, you want to make sure that your flame source is positioned properly for heat distribution.  We generally go lower for more of a natural firepit, and higher for more of a formal, low flame solution type of pit.  We finished this pit off with fireglass for extra "wow" factor.  We mixed Platinum fire glass and Diamond fire glass to give it a custom look.  At night, when the flames bounce over the glass- you'll forget your troubles.  Fire elements are fantastic in a backyard and can be enjoyed by the whole family if done with safety in mind, and a little creativity. 

TEAM Effort

Together Everyone Achieve's More

Great definition of team.  Above are a couple of photos after trophys were presented during the Parade of Homes 2010 Preview Party.  We were fortunate enough to win 8 out of 12 available awards, including the prestigous President's Award.  It was a final culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of good people.  You'll notice the photo of Jason and I with the homeowners and the "Homeowner" name tags we had made for them.  That was a great feeling.  Also more of a team shot with MSA Architecture, Lori Caldwell Designs, Michael Edwards Cabinetry and last but certainly not least the hard-working staff at Mattern & FitzGerald Custom Builders and their significant others.  What a great team effort and great group of people to go to war with.  Thanks to you all and especially the homeowners for such an awesome opportunity.



Video Coverage of 2010 Parade Home

Just a quick note to let you know we've updated our website with some beautiful gallery shots, particularly in the outdoor living section and exterior elevation section.  We try to keep it fresh and continually updated with the latest pictures to help give you ideas of different things you can do.  I'm also including a link below to some great video footage of our 2010 Parade Home which gives an overview of the house just in case you can't make the show this year.  Happy Labor Day.
Great Day San Antonio Feature on Mattern & FItzGerald Parade Home

Dramatic Entryways

Your entryway is more than a door mat with your family initials or a cute saying.  We look at entryways as the first statement after curb appeal that people notice.  This picture is a small representation of our entryway for the 2010 Parade of Homes this year.  In this particular design, we wanted the rock on the outside of the home to appear to pass through the front door and glass.  We used a vermeer cut stone and actually a commercial door and window frame to achieve the look.  One thing that bugs me about white Texas limestone too is the chalky residue that ends up on your hands and clothes.  We put a water based sealer on the stone so that it wouldn't happen here.  Finally, you can see what a difference a dramatic piece can make.  Those vases are filled with water, and the florist strung together live flowers to create an amazing focal point as you walk in.  Just think, we haven't even got past the front door.  Come see us September 4th through the 12th at the 2010 Parade of Homes in San Antonio.