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[custom patios]

As with some of us on here I have been frustrated working with web designers trying to achieve a look that I want. I have found that most are good at code and structure but lack any kind of graphic design expertise. I certainly do not want to pay 5k in a website to get up and running, and my pride has kept me from just getting up and running with sheer crapola. My dilemna has cost me mucho work and exposure, so I finally decided to venture into making my own template. another huge process to learn the software needed, but I think although I wont have the "ultimate" site, I am much happier and feel much more satisfaction knowing my site is the result of my own creativity. So I am creating the pages needed and will hire a family friend to do the html and css.
I have also started to learn to write the code as well, but recently decided that I must invest much more time than I currently have for the task. it is achievable on your own though.
I suppose I am writing all this in case there is anyone out there that enjoy graphic design, want to save a little money, and have satisfaction in knowing their site is the product of their own creativity. and it can be tailored to your liking at no cost.
so I wanted to show you guys my concept home page now that I think I have it the way I want it. Its not the best, but I like it. I wanted something different instead of opening up the page with a big "wow" project picture like so many I see. Please let me know what you think.
Soooo, without further ado....

[custom patios]

here we go. blah blah blah

[GreenBoy]

I like it.

One thing I would consider would be to make just the top half of the page you showed the first page and then have the second half be the home page....

I like it, I have looked at close to a thousand landscape company websites deciding what I do and don't like when I was working on mine. This would definitely land in the better half.

Can't wait to see what follows!

[MuirView Design]

Steve,

The Viking Pool / TG Sheppard pool came out awesome! Just checked it out on the Viking website. Sweet work!

[sancraig]

Looks good.Kinda reminds me of one of them Belgard websites.

[custom patios]

Looks good.Kinda reminds me of one of them Belgard websites.

I think I'll take that as a compliment.
50 views and 3 comments. I hope I get more feedback.

@Adam. I got a verbal ok from TG to use pics but I plan on calling him to make sure he doesnt want a cut. lol

[swancreek]

I like the testimonials on the first page. Its a nice subliminal message that says "here's why I am good". When I glance at any web page, I usually notice and retain about 5 things, and those are the points that stick in my head. On your page, the first things I see, are the company description, logo, and testimonials. Those are the points that would stick in my head. Good touch on not having the home page all garbled up with pics. There are just enough and they are the right size to invite someone to actually look around the rest of the website.

Trey

[MuirView Design]

Steve,

One this is that it does look pretty dark on my screen. The whole upper half and the testimonial are hard to read. It could just be my LCD monitor, because I don't remember it looking so dark the other day when you showed me on the laptop. Could also be the PH site reducing the quality by lowering the resolution. I'd be curious if others see it as dark also.

Here's just a quick photoshop adjustment. Obviously it's going to wash out the pics, but just wanted to adjust the background to be lighter on my screen.