Extreme Makeover: Home Edition headed to East Texas

By Layron Livingston - bio | email
Posted by Ellen Krafve - bio | email

TYLER, TX (KLTV) - In just a few short weeks, East Texans will get to yell out those now famous and life changing words:  "Move that bus!"  Producers with ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition are expected to be in Tyler, Wednesday to meet with the local builder they have selected  to help one very special East Texas family's dream home a reality.

Gary Bayless, owner of Bayless Custom Homes, Inc., said he's been building homes in East Texas for nearly three decades.  "I'm looking forward to the wonderful family getting something that God has given them," he said.

Before Ty Pennington and his design team arrive, a deserving family has to be picked.  Extreme Makeover producers said five East Texas families were nominated for a makeover.  One of those families will be chosen before construction begins February 24th.

"I've reviewed the videos on all five families, and all of them have heartbreaking stories," said Bayless.

Producers said they normally pick builders with strong community ties and with a history of community involvement.  Bayless said he got a call, Tuesday, saying he'd been picked for the job.

"They actually told me they were looking for a good builder with a good heart," he said. "[I am] very honored.  I'm tickled to death."

We met Bayless on the construction site of a 7,000 square foot.  Bayless Custom Homes, Inc. will feature the home this summer for the Tyler Area Homebuilder's Association Parade Of Homes tour.  It has taken work crews more than 3 months, and they still have work to do.

In just a few short weeks, those crews will have to build one in under 7 days.

"They said they've done more than 100 houses, and they have not failed coming in on time, yet," said Bayless.

Bayless said several of his construction colleagues have stepped up to help him with the massive project.  Many have already donated construction materials, including windows and lumber.

"It's certainly not about me," he said. "It's about the community pulling together to help people."

Bayless expects hundreds of helping hands--this time, East Texas hands--to make one more extreme dream come true.

"It just brings a tear to my eye every time I watch [the show]," said Bayless.

Producers are expected to meet with Bayless, Wednesday morning.  Of course, the project can't happen without volunteers.  Bayless says his company has been so overwhelmed with calls from East Texans wanting to volunteer, he is setting up a new website devoted to explaining how you can get involved. We will let you know once it is up and running.

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