The Total Designed Exterior, Windows, Dave and Jenny Marrs Partnership, As Seen on HGTV, Home Improvements & Remodeling, Ply Gem Total Designed Exterior
This renovation is a perfect example of how well the comprehensive product portfolio from Cornerstone Building Brands works together to create a cohesive exterior, as well as transforming the interior,” said contractor and craftsman Dave Marrs, who co-hosts the HGTV show ‘Fixer to Fabulous’ with his wife and interior designer, Jenny Marrs. “The Ply Gem Metals fascia, soffit and trim coil, Ply Gem windows, and Fortify Building Solutions metal roofing combine for a modern exterior that truly turns heads.
After moving from Orlando, Florida to Bentonville, Arkansas to be closer to family, Emily Nelson was ready for her own modern slice of paradise. This wasn’t just any renovation for Dave and Jenny Marrs, the contractor and interior designer couple who co-host HGTV’s “Fixer To Fabulous.” This one hits close to home for the mother-in-law of Jenny’s sister!
Angie Nelson, Jenny’s sister, and husband Rob Nelson, had their house renovated by the talented Marrs duo four years ago. After living with Rob, Angie and their two children during the transition, Emily fell in love with their modern tastes and used their home as her design inspiration.
“I’ve seen a lot of work with the modern style, and I think I’m ready for that,” Emily said. “I just have faith that everything will be done exactly the way I want.”
Rob and Angie passionately led the charge on this modern ranch home renovation, cheering on the Marrs, participating in demolition and sharing in the reveal revelry.
“So, really what we have to do is just have Jenny and Dave come in and do what they do,” Rob said confidently.
Dave and Jenny, who are partners with Cornerstone Building Brands, drew on the breadth of the Cornerstone Building Brands product offering from windows and trim to metal roofing and siding to transform the home.
Emily’s newly purchased, 1,100-square-foot home was ripe for renovation. The traditional brick ranch home, in its original state, lacked a cohesive design aesthetic and personality. While the location is convenient for everything Emily needs in Bentonville, the 1980s house required a full gut, down to the studs.
“We’re going to reframe the entire house except the outside walls,” Rob joked.
Outside, the team realized they needed to refresh from every angle to improve function and curb appeal. They needed to replace the roof, paint the garage door and brick, remove some exterior brick to make room for larger windows and update the entryway patio. The backyard was overgrown but had the potential to become an entertaining oasis.
Inside, the team tackled several pitfalls — from the small windows and popcorn ceilings of the ’80s to the choppy, constricting floor plan. The existing space felt tight, dark and outdated. As the group moved around the home, they dreamed up a plan to create a larger kitchen and living space, upgrade the baths and insert special modern elements that would give the home more flair. Emily and Jenny also highlighted the importance of seamlessly connecting the kitchen to the backyard so guests could easily move back and forth between the two spaces.
“She’s Italian. That’s what she loves to do — to cook and to entertain people,” Dave said. “And I want to enable her to do that.”
With a budget of $175,000 to work with, Dave and Jenny rallied the crew to move efficiently. Family members joined in on the demolition efforts. Then the team started on framing and essential systems such as plumbing and electrical. Next up came the structural elements such as a new, durable metal roof and modern, black windows and doors.
Dave and Jenny chose Ply Gem® West Pro Series 700 Casement Windows for Emily’s home to bring in more natural light, provide expansive views and add clean black lines inside and outside.
“Natural light has a slew of benefits — from improving mood and productivity to saving energy and making a home feel more connected and open,” Dave said. “Ply Gem windows are significantly larger than the existing windows, so more light will pour in, and their sleek, black frames help to define the interior and exterior modern aesthetic.”
Jenny selected black for the inside and outside window frame color to keep the accent colors consistent throughout the exterior and interior of the home. West Pro Series 700 Windows are a versatile option that fits a wide variety of styles and budgets.
“Black window frames were essential to creating the modern look Emily wanted,” Jenny said. “We chose casement style so she can easily open them to create a cross breeze through the home. And when they’re closed, they offer a much more expansive view than the windows they replaced.”
A sleek, black metal roof complements the clean, black lines of the window frames. Dave and Jenny love a metal roof for its durability and style. They selected Fortify Building Solutions™ Slimline® Concealed Fastener Panels in True Black for its modern profile.
The metal roof also provides the home with durable, sustainable protection from the elements. And it is low-maintenance, saving Emily from upkeep costs that other roofing materials require.
“I love how this metal roof reinforces the modern aesthetic with its color and clean lines,” Dave said. “And it will provide a lifetime of protection for Emily’s house.”
As usual, Jenny and Dave paid attention to the details that truly bring a home’s curb appeal to life. Ply Gem Performance Metals Fascia, Soffit and Trim Coil — all in black — accentuate the home’s simple lines and striking white painted brick exterior.
On the verge of tears upon pulling up to the renovated masterpiece, Emily, Rob and Angie stood in awe of the Marrs’ work. The modern, black-and-white Ranch felt taller and more polished with the new metal roof, minimalist landscaping, and oversized windows.
“I love it. The windows! Amazing,” Emily exclaimed.
When Emily stepped inside for the interior reveal, natural light cascaded through the open floor plan, highlighting the modern punches Jenny incorporated in the design. The glow drew the group’s eyes to the beautiful metal shelving unit Dave built, as well as other elements, including the warm wood bench by the fireplace, the dark matte black cabinetry and the moving, moody countertops.
During the tour, the group seamlessly moved from the kitchen to the outdoor entertaining space through the back door, where Emily discovered a covered patio for al fresco dining, an Italian pizza oven, a bocce ball court and an inviting firepit.
“There’s so many areas, so many spots [in the backyard],” Jenny said. “We’re basically planning for all of us to be here for Sunday night dinners.”
Inside and out, the refreshed 1,100-square-foot modern Ranch was everything Emily imagined and more.
“This renovation is a perfect example of how well Cornerstone Building Brands’s comprehensive product portfolio works together to create a cohesive exterior, as well as transforming the interior,” Dave said.
As she took it all in, Emily expressed her desire to move in and make this her home for years to come.
“Jenny and Dave always have a great vision. They had the mission in hand,” Rob said. “And, they absolutely nailed it.”
Dave and Jenny featured the Nelson home in the sixth season of their HGTV show “Fixer to Fabulous.” Watch the episode, “modern Reno for Family,” to see how it came together. And if you’re curious how to transform exteriors with Ply Gem windows and Fortify Building Solutions metal roofing, connect with a Ply Gem distributor or installer in your area and find a Fortify Building Solutions branch location near you.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a professional to help with installation or a pro interested in purchasing Ply Gem brands and product lines, we’ve got you covered.
