Testimonials

What our customers have to say about Outdoor Living Designs!

New Veranda flooring.

10/15/18 Terry: Just a note to say how pleased we are with the work on our veranda and the drainage issue at the crawl space door. From your initial visit to discuss the work, to proposal, to contract and finally the work itself was very professional and skillfully done. You offered options throughout the process and you were very accommodating to our concerns for cost and aesthetics. I would contract with you without hesitation in the future and would recommend you to others if the opportunity presented itself. Regards George and Tina Stratis

WOW / New patio!

August 9, 2015 We would like to take this opportunity to thank Terry Smith with Outdoor Living Designs for his vision and dedication to our landscaping project. We wanted to remove a concrete patio and replace it with pavers, take out some diseased plants and two small trees. Two landscape people we talked with said it couldn't be done because of our location (we are in a townhome complex.) We were getting very discouraged until Terry came out to talk with us. He not only told us that what we wanted could be done but proceeded to explain the process. What he proposed to us was such a creative approach to our needs and we were so excited. We had to wait a couple of months for the work to begin; but it was so worth it! We now have a lovely water feature in the center of our patio surrounded by pavers instead of cracking concrete. We have two seating walls on each side of water feature and behind the walls are two beautiful gardens with an assortment of plants, grasses and ground covers. We wanted something with very low maintenance so Terrry suggested adding large river rock in our gardens instead of mulch. We are under the canopy of a large pin oak tree with very small leaves. As Terry says, "It's much easier to blow leaves from rocks than mulch." Terry also installed an inexpensive irrigation system within the gardens for watering plants. We were very impressed with Terry's knowledge of water drainage, and of flowers and shrubs. He has the ability to create a picture perfect view in any outside area. However, we were most impressed with his hard work and his work ethic. We have worked with many contractors in the past and have never met a more conscientious one than Terry Smith.. We would definitely use this company again and highly recommend Outdoor Living Design Co. for any landscaping needs or wants. Judy and Norman Stephens Charlotte. NC

The workmanship was “Old World Style”.

June 28, 2012 Please accept this letter of recommendation and absolute admiration for Outdoor Living Designs of Indian Trail, North Carolina. In March of 2012, my wife and I decided to remove an existing deck and replace it with a paver patio area. I solicited three companies to quote a design and installed price. All quotes were within 10 %. What separated Outdoor Living Designs by Terry Smith (OLD) from the pack was the owner’s (Terry Smith) vision on what type of design would best work for our specific house and yard area. The creative ability of Mr. Smith and the design detail was very impressive. His suggestions were far superior to the other two companies. I have been associated with the construction trades for 30 years and I have an understanding of how projects work. I was even more impressed when OLD actually started on the date they committed to start. The preparation for our site was very detailed. A review of the slope of the yard, existing drainage and roof pitch, gutters and down-spouts and other factors related to water issues assured me that I indeed hired the right company. The prep work for water issues and stabilization was professional and extremely detailed - unlike anything I have experienced in the past. The workmanship was “Old World Style”. I had no idea that someone would take the time required to make things perfect - especially not in today’s world of “ hurry- up and finish and move on to the next project mentality”. The focus on detail, both design and workmanship compels me to say; “If you have an opportunity to hire Terry Smith with Outdoor Living Design Company” you need to do it! After the project was complete, Terry came by our house during a powerful rain storm (June 24th) and observed the flow of the water around our patio. He noticed something that could improve the drainage during major rain events and spent another day working towards that goal. In addition, he came by at 9:30 pm to observe the lighting to make sure it was doing what he wanted it to do. I have never worked with a person who took such ownership and pride in his projects. We love our new patio area. Thank you very much Terry ! Don D Show Charlotte, NC 28277

Stone patio

S.Foster 9/2010 "Just a quick note to let you know how very much we love our new little courtyard. You guys did a great job and I'm sure it didn't feel like a LITTLE job to you as it was so HOT every day that you were there. " " Thanks again -- we'll definitely be back in touch! "

"Incredible Designs and Very Professional"

Incredible Designs and Very Professional 2011-03-16 07:55:17.0 Posted by mountaingirl56 I was referred to Outdoor Living Designs by a neighbor. Terry came to my home and had great ideas for my backyard. It was barren and had drainage issues, so we couldn't keep grass alive. He installed french drains and put in a beautiful flagstone and river rock walkway to solve my problem. The job was completed early and each day he left the job site clean and safe for my animals. I recommend Outdoor Living Designs to anyone looking for landscape design. I am very excited to add on to my yard in the future and will definitely call Terry to do the work.

"We truly appreciate your hard work and your attention to detail."

Hi Terry, Thanks again for doing such an awesome job on our yard. We truly appreciate your hard work and your attention to detail. Our yard still looks perfect even with the dogs on the prowl and the recent downpours this weekend. Rest assured that we will be referring all friends to speak with you regarding their outdoor needs. Have a great day and thanks again. Sincerely, -- Paul Durham

Screened porch and paver patio.

September 02, 2011 Contractor is detailed and customer friendly. Hired these folks to put an enclosed screen porch and patio on the back of my house. Completed the project in about 8 weeks and did a lot of little extras that really set the project apart from other companies I have used before. All at a very affordable price. Very great value.

Terry Smith's Excellent Work

Exceptional Terry Smith's Excellent Work Posted by lwashin11 on 10/07/2008 As I sit here in my office looking out onto my patio and beautiful new deck I am struck with the beauty of my back yard. What was previously dirt and roots, and after a rain lots of water pooled in low spots, has evolved into a beautiful raised deck built around an elegant and stately tree, and a channel which directs the water to the outer edge of the yard. Terry Smith of Outdoor Living Designs had a vision for both our front and back yards, and his vision turned our outdoor space into a place that was both esthetically pleasing and useful. We engaged Terry's services initially in 2007 for our front yard landscaping, and in 2008 for our backyard work. In the front he removed 40 year old shrubbery and dead bushes and replaced them with flowers and shrubs, implementing a design that was both attractive and practical for our level of shade. Because of the quality of plants and mulch Terry chose, everything thrived through the drought, and continues to thrive. He also replaced a broken concrete sidewalk with lovely pavers, laid in a manner that made the entrance to our home inviting and attractive. In the back yard he built a raised walkway leading from a screened porch down to the lower level of our yard, creating a useful and attractive outdoor space. He totally rebuilt our screened porch, including beadboard ceiling, recessed lighting, and new screens. Our porch view evolved from dirty and obstructed to clean and open, with no addition of space. We highly recommend Terry not only because of his techical and visual ability, but also for his ability to judge what is appropriate and correct for sustainability. He is also impeccably honest. We would, without reservation, engage his services again and recommend him to others.

He truly makes “A silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”

Exceptional Terry The Terrific! Posted by joshpoo on 07/03/2008 We found Terry to be the hardest working, most creative and gifted person in this field. He is a joy to work with – a person of integrity and who possesses compassion for his field. He truly makes “A silk purse out of a sow’s ear.” We were intrigued by how he uses what you have to create an outdoor wonder! Terry has also done the same for several neighbors. We would not think of contacting anyone else for outdoor work – He can do anything, and does it beautifully. Plus, he continually checks his work to be sure it’s of the highest quality! We are so fortunate to know him! John & Martha Holmes

Front stoop and walkway

“We are beyond pleased with Outdoor Living Designs. Terry’s landscape design was beautiful and completely transformed our home. In addition to his vast plantings, the new river rock dry creek, boulder accents and cobblestone paver walkway are just as impressive. His strong work ethic and hands-on approach sets him apart from others. We have future projects in mind for him already and highly recommend him to others.” Heather & Nick Culver