Brian and Lisa Fifita stand alongside the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition design team, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson and two of their five children outside their California home. The family has worked hard to accommodate friends and family from the community in an effort to create a safe space. After suffering the loss of a loved one due to gang violence, the family leaned onto their native Tongonese values to foster a welcoming, loving and helpful culture among their children and their friends. Recipients of a local Parents Hero Award, the family has made a big impact in their community, but the condition of their home had fallen by the wayside.

In making repairs and upgrades, the team hopes to make it easier for the family to continue to give back, and offer their home and property as a safe space for others. It's time to see the modern Polynesian dream house for yourself!

The Fifita's former home sustained roof and gutter damage over the years, and lacked privacy from their neighbors. The team sought to update the appearance of the brick and stucco facade, add architectural details, improve the landscaping and add security to allow the family and visitors to feel comfortable. This small 820-square-foot home was about to be transformed into a 1,600-square-foot tropical oasis.

From the road, the Fifita's new home appears more guarded due to the new, modern fence and gate. Tall tropical plants peer over the fence and smaller plants adorn the sidewalk to breathe life into the front yard.

Inside the gate, a redesigned facade and peaceful garden greet the family and their visitors. Sage green painted brick and stucco, recycled siding, modern warm wood accents and lush tropical landscaping work together to create a tranquil retreat. Still out of sight, the home also received a 780-square-foot addition to create more space for the family to relax together. Down the driveway, visitors are welcomed into the backyard by new outdoor living and dining areas, and a resurfaced basketball court.