COVIS helps homeowners enrich their lives by maximizing their backyard.
The 1950s jumpstarted the suburban backyard. After World War II, homeownership skyrocketed and Americans looked for ways to extend the comforts of their home to the outdoor “room” known as the backyard. Fast forward to current day, and it’s a sweet moment for outdoor living again, as the potential for what you can do with your outdoor space is boundless. An added bonus? Transforming your backyard into the ultimate gathering spot not only opens up recreation and entertaining possibilities but can significantly increase the value of your home.
Chris Simpson and Marc Genest have over 40 years in the construction industry combined, so they know a thing or two about elevating both interior and exterior spaces. As co-owners of COVIS-Raleigh, Inc., which offers hardscape and outdoor contracting solutions, their expertise is focused on Creating Outdoor Visions in Stone (COVIS).
For the uninitiated, hardscapes are essentially outdoor rooms, and COVIS offers a range of hardscape solutions, from high-quality outdoor kitchens, grill islands and fireplaces, to custom paver patios, stone walkways and pool decking. Oftentimes, a backyard’s pool sets the tone for the surrounding hardscape, and COVIS can integrate hardscape around the pool in a harmonious way – whether by creating multiple seating areas, free-flowing outdoor patios, a stone fireplace emitting both warmth and ambience – for additional usable outdoor space.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or long-term homeowner looking to upgrade, COVIS can help you expand your living area beyond the confines of your home. Every project is individualized based on size, slope, materials, and of course the customer’s priorities. Chris talks about how it’s fun for the COVIS team to go out and meet new people and help them bring their backyard dreams to life. The team helps customers make a plan, determine a budget, choose materials and prepare for installation.
While some projects can be complex because of grade issues, there’s nothing COVIS can’t handle. They are experts at building retaining walls, leveling the lawn where it needs it, creating changes in levels to add interest, and contending with the hilly nature of certain yards and turning that into an advantage – all the while ensuring everything looks natural and integrated into the environment.
On that note, the company favors natural stone materials, which are more durable, affordable and easier to move than heavy manufactured stone. Also, the inherent beauty of natural stone adds elegance and a timeless quality that further enhances your home’s property value. “We get stone out of the earth so the color is made by God,” says Chris. “It won’t change.”
COVIS also helps with outdoor lighting to illuminate that natural stone, whether it’s in the form of strategic accent lighting, landscape lighting along stone walkways, or lights filtering down from the trees. With lights shimmering all over the backyard, your backyard paradise is complete.
“The beautiful part is having that final meeting, and the wife is teared up and the husband’s pleased and they’re really happy about what we’ve helped them accomplish,” concludes Chris.
COVIS is a licensed general contractor that can also build pergolas, pavilions, pool houses and even sunrooms. If you’re interested in transforming your outdoor space with any of these structures and/or with hardscape, including with call COVIS-Raleigh, Inc. at 919-977-3284 or visit their website at www.covis-stone.com for more information.
