When you’re building North Texas custom homes, the difference is rarely one big thing—it’s a thousand small decisions made correctly, consistently, and with experience. That’s exactly what sets CeciBates Custom Homes apart. Their team is known for taking on unique, challenging builds and remodels with a mindset they’ve lived by since day one:

“We Build Outside the Box.”

Founded in 1999, CeciBates was formed when Tom Ceci and Scott Bates joined forces—bringing together true jobsite craftsmanship, professional project leadership, and a design-forward approach that fits today’s demanding clients.

Tom Ceci grew up in a family construction business and learned side-by-side with a master craftsman across every phase of residential construction. In 1987, he launched Ceci Construction, running a successful business for the next 12 years while developing deep expertise in the essentials—concrete, framing, electrical, roofing, and trim.

Tom also learned early that the foundation of a great build is a working, buildable plan. That’s why he began designing and drafting custom homes for clients who needed more than “pretty drawings”—they needed plans that translate cleanly to the field.

Scott Bates grew up around interior finishes and decorating, then expanded his experience in large-scale commercial contracting where he became a project manager overseeing major construction projects. His background spans mechanical, electrical, plumbing, steel fabrication, and general contracting, giving him a unique perspective as a builder—especially in building sciences, energy efficiencies, and interior design.

Together, Tom and Scott combine craftsmanship and systems-thinking to create homes that look incredible and function better over time—exactly what clients expect from North Texas custom homes.

Pottsboro, TX Design Center

One of the most exciting additions to the CeciBates experience is their new Design Center in Pottsboro—a true one-stop space where homeowners can make confident decisions without running all over town. Inside, clients can review and compare key selections in one place, including doors, lighting, surfaces/finishes, and appliances, keeping the vision, the budget, and the timeline aligned.

Better Planning with accurate outdoor kitchen bidding

We support CeciBates by providing outdoor kitchen bidding and package pricing so their team can move quickly when clients are ready to choose layouts, appliances, and cabinetry. It reduces back-and-forth, keeps budgets cleaner, and helps projects avoid last-minute surprises.

Real-time Majestic Outdoor Kitchen Design

One of the most exciting parts of this partnership is CeciBates’ new Design Center in Pottsboro, which includes a Majestic Outdoor Studio—a working, functional patio space where clients can plan outdoor kitchens in real time. This design forward outdoor kitchen features custom modular and built in cabinets by Challenger Designs & Delta Heat appliances by Twin Eagles Dometic.

Inside the Majestic Outdoor Studio, we can:

• Design outdoor kitchens in real time with clients
• Perform cooking demonstrations & grill classes.
• Build layouts that prioritize flow and eliminate wasted space
• Help clients confidently select appliances and finishes that match their home and lifestyle

This is especially valuable for homeowners building or remodeling homes around Lake Texoma, where outdoor space is a major part of the lifestyle and the kitchen has to be built for real weather, real entertaining, and real use.

Building outside the box—together

CeciBates Custom Homes has earned trust through craftsmanship, planning, and performance-minded building. We’re proud to support that process by helping their clients design outdoor kitchens that match the quality of their home—priced accurately, laid out intelligently, and ready for a smooth build.

If you’re planning a build or remodel in North Texas—especially homes around Lake Texoma—the CeciBates Pottsboro Design Center and Majestic Outdoor Studio is the perfect place to turn ideas into a buildable plan.