Going to extremes: the remodeling industry is abuzz with activity, and ABC's 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' leads the charge.

James Dolan and his wife had just purchased his childhood home for their family, but money was tight. So the father of four took a second job at an electronics store, and that's where the unthinkable happened. A deranged gunman walked into his shop, opened fire and killed three people.

Dolan was shot in the head. Though he survived, the St. Petersburg, Fla., native lost his eyesight. Since then, he has been unable to perform simple tasks, let alone any up-keep on his home.

However, Dolan's heart-wrenching story turns into a heart-warming tale on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." In each episode of the ABC megahit, which started its third season last month, a deserving family in a run-down house is given the makeover of a lifetime by a team of designers, contractors and workers who rebuild their entire home in seven days.

In the case of Dolan, it meant a brand-new home and an even more amazing backyard, which included the soothing sounds of waterfeatures, large rustling palms and wind chimes. "I think the reason this show is so popular is because it shows you that people are good, communities come together to help a family in need and neighbors still look out for each other," says Diane Korman, coordinating producer of the show, which garnered an average of 15.8 million viewers per episode last season.

"This is about wish fulfillment. We make their dreams come true, and that's our purpose," she adds.

Beyond its tear-jerker exterior, the show is indicative of a larger trend. Dramatic makeovers have mesmerized the country--and the remodeling industry is booming as a result.

By utilizing donated products and services, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" also is able to showcase the latest in interior and exterior design. For generous vendors such as those in the pool and spa industry, this tried-and-tree formula serves as a boon for business.

Behind the scenes

In 2003, residential remodeling was a $233 billion industry. It accounted for 40 percent of all residential construction spending, according to a study by Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. Nearly 20 percent of those remodeling expenditures were spent on property improvements such as new patios.

What's more, high-end remodeling is one of the fastest-growing segments. Owners with incomes of $120,000 or more nearly doubled their home-improvement spending from 1995 to 2003, states the Harvard study.

The remodeling trend was heavily fueled by the success of cable do-it-yourself networks such as HGTV and TLC. Shows such as "Trading Spaces," "Design on a Dime" and "Curb Appeal" intrigued viewers, and homeowners began looking at their backyards in a new way.

"It's all part of the makeover craze," says Bob Lauter, president of Master Spas Inc. in Fort Wayne, Ind., who has donated products to several such shows, including three portable spas to "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." As Lauter notes, "People love to see what can happen in a short period of time. It gives them hope for their own yards."

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" has made interior and exterior renovation more mainstream. "In terms of style and content, people have taken from what we do and used it themselves," says Eduardo Xol, a designer and landscape artist for the show. "Some of the builders we work with pick up a few of those features and put them in the spec homes they build.

"I think you're also seeing more of the bold use of colors, the concept of themed rooms for kids, thinking outside the box and making the exterior areas more livable," Xol adds.

Producer Korman says companies that get exposure on the show reap several benefits. "The first year that Sears was with us, their business went up 35 percent," she says. "We featured a company that makes misting cacti, and they had more calls than they could fulfill. Craftmaid Cabinets literally shuts down their factories for one week to make our kitchens. People truly want to buy from companies they perceive as doing good."

Businesses that donate feel good about themselves as well. "It's wonderful to know you're helping someone less fortunate," says Bob Scarpitto, owner of Viking Pools Mid-Valley Inc. in Turlock, Calif.

"My crew loves it. They ask me all the time when our next episode is going to appear," says Scarpitto, whose team has participated in 12 shows, with plans to shoot six more this year. "Even builders come up to me at trade shows to say, 'Thank you.' They not only appreciate the work, but they also realize this helps the industry. It's giving pools national exposure."

The use of pools, spas and waterfeatures in reality makeover shows likely will continue to grow. "We love waterfeatures. It absolutely makes a backyard a retreat," Korman says. "You're seeing a trend toward outdoor rooms and living spaces. We try to bring that into all our projects. There are pools, fireplaces, comfortable cushions and all the furniture you usually see inside."

Ready, set, add water

For pool and spa vendors, the level of exposure that the show affords is invaluable. Scarpitto, for example, says his Web site hits have skyrocketed since Viking's fiberglass pools and accessories have appeared on the air. While each episode costs the company approximately $120,000 in products and labor, it's well worth it for the builders. Scarpitto's business is up 40 percent this year, for one.

"When the client walks in and they know we've been on the show, they immediately trust us and our designs," he says. "It gives you instant credibility as a pool builder."

Still, putting together a show like this is a monumental undertaking. It takes coordination, patience, flexibility and, most importantly, a giving attitude. "When you take advantage of opportunity, it's great," says Jim McClure, president of Coast Spas Manufacturing Inc. in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. His firm has participated in three episodes and, he says, "Anyone looking to do this solely from a marketing point of view rather than ... simply helping people out won't get a payback on it. When you try to do good things, good things will happen to you."

Most companies that have worked with the show have received positive feedback. "When the show airs on reruns, our phones ring off the hook and the Web site hits shoot up; it's truly unbelievable," says Michelle Stewart, national sales director of Hawaiian Fiberglass Pools in Adelanto, Calif. The company donated the first fiberglass pool installed on the show.

In the long run, the return comes in the form of increased awareness of high-end products for the backyard. "When you work closely with an industry that knows the bold ideas and designs of what's coming next, that's when it can truly become extreme," producer Korman says. "We need you to tell us what's on the cutting-edge of outdoor living. We can't do it without you."

RELATED ARTICLE: Eduardo Xol: The master behind backyard makeovers.

These days, the word "harmony" pertains to a lot more than music. Just ask Eduardo Xol (pronounced "soul"), a designer and Landscape artist for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." The East Los Angeles native will tell you that when it comes to landscaping, melodious balance is the key.

"Composition. I think is universal," says Xol, who will be on hand at the International Pool & Spa Expo in Orlando, Fla., to present an award to the winner of the Pool & Spa News Extreme Makeover Challenge. "When you have elements in music that work together, it not only sounds good, but it makes you feel good. Conversely, if you have dissonant sounds, its harsh and doesn't make you feel good.

"The same is true in design," adds Xol, who first started gardening with his family, thanks to a grandmother who loved roses and a father who took pride in pruning bonsai trees. "If it feels good and looks good, then that is good composition."

He should know. As a child, Xol was a musical prodigy, playing with the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra. Later, he spent many years in Latin America, starring on Spanish language soap operas (telenovelas) and producing pop music with the likes of Carlos Santana.

Upon returning to the states, Xol decided to return to his landscaping roots. After a brief internship, he started his own company, Xol Design (www.xoldesign.com). The Los Angeles-based firm handles high-end, residential products and soon will tackle interior design as well.

Three years later, he was tapped to star in the ABC show, appearing in his first episode in November 2004. Since then, he has been able to introduce a wider audience to his unique landscape style, which almost always includes a pool, spa or waterfeature.

"I was lucky that I had a natural knack for design," says Xol, who attributes his love of rich, vibrant colors and rhythm in the garden to his Mexican heritage. "A lot of my friends were first-generation Asians. and I was influenced by their home designs and decor.

"I especially love water elements. I think water is soothing--the sound is great, it helps people relax and it's visually stimulating," he adds. "You can touch it, you can feel it, you can hear it, and that's what good design is all about. You should always try to incorporate all the senses."

--S.M.

RELATED ARTICLE: Eduardo's dos and don'ts

In the realm of exterior landscapes, a simple slip-up means the difference between good and bad design. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's" Eduardo Xol offers the following tips for making sure your projects run smoothly:

Do's

* Do reflect the style and architecture of the home in your plans.

* Do design for all the senses.

* Do think outside the box and be creative.

* Do use natural materials and stones.

* Do build layers of greenery and water elements.

* Do set up solid infrastructure and project management teams.

Don'ts

* Don't select the lowest-bidders.

* Don't change your mind too often about the design.

* Don't disregard your clients; they always come first.

* Don't ever stop communications with your clients or staff.

* Don't forget to offer maintenance contracts to the client.

--S.M.

RELATED ARTICLE: Making memories.

Several of the episodes of "Extreme Makeover. Home Edition" have prominently featured swimming pools and spas. Here, we review three of the most memorable episodes.

The Pope Family

Shelby Pope was born with potymorphic light eruption disease, meaning that she is severely allergic to the sun. As a result, Pope was unable to enjoy traditional outdoor activities--that is, until "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" got involved.

In addition to a new home, the family received a pool donated by Viking Pools Inc. It was shaded by stylish sails to shield Pope from the sun. "To give her the opportunity to swim in her own backyard, which is something children take for granted, was a great episode." says Stacy Nelson, marketing director for Jane Lew, W. Va.-based Viking Pools. "The program shows the American way of people helping people."

The Cadigan-Scott family

Diane and Mark Cadigan passed away within 16 days of one another, leaving eight children between the ages of 12 and 23 to fend for themselves. Determined to stay together, some of the siblings camped out in the garage while others slept on the living room couch. Making ends meet was a daily struggle.

"Extreme Makeover. Home Edition" not only rebuilt their home, but in what was the first episode to feature an aquascape, Pacific Pools donated a sports pool. The project also included volleyball and basketball accessories from S.R. Smith, LLC.

"The best part was seeing the smiles on the kids' faces," says Bob Barci, owner of Ocean Blue Pools in San Jose, Calif., who assisted with the installation. "They're such great kids. To this day, my son goes and checks in on them and their pool, making sure everything is OK."

The Leslie family

Just before Christmas 2003, Doug Leslie and his oldest son were killed in a car crash. Only months earlier, he and his wife, Robin, had bought a home, a New Orleans fixer-upper. But the new widow now had to cope with the loss of a child while raising the couple's three remaining sons alone.

Working two jobs to make ends meet, Robin was devoid of free time. Soon the house fell into disrepair. One section of the roof even caved in, forcing the Leslies to cram into the remaining rooms.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" was able to make the family's dream home a reality, though the build was not without its challenges. Torrid weather and muddy land conditions made construction of the house nearly impossible.

"It rained 6 1/2 inches in a single day," says Bob Scarpitto, owner of Viking Pools Mid-Valley Inc. in Turlock, Calif., who helped install the Leslies' fiberglass pool. "Our guys actually stayed on well after the pool was in to help the house crew finish in time."

--S.M.