Encino Backyards Have a Common Shape — and a Common Opportunity
Most Encino lots south of Ventura Boulevard are flat, generously sized, and built in the 1950s–70s with aging concrete decking and minimal drainage. That combination makes them excellent candidates for a full backyard remodel: pool, hardscape, kitchen, and landscaping designed as one connected plan rather than patched together over the years.
Permitting Through LADBS
Encino falls under the City of Los Angeles, so permits route through LADBS. A combined remodel — pool, structural hardscape, and an outdoor kitchen with gas and electrical — typically needs separate permits reviewed together. Expect 6–10 weeks for plan check on a multi-scope project; simpler paver or turf work without structural changes can be permit-exempt or reviewed in 2–3 weeks.
- Pool or spa addition: building permit, 6–10 weeks plan check
- Outdoor kitchen with gas/electrical: building + mechanical/electrical permits, concurrent review
- Pavers, turf, planting only: often no permit or same-day over-the-counter approval
2026 Backyard Remodel Costs in Encino
- Hardscape refresh (pavers, turf, lighting) on an existing footprint: $25,000–$60,000
- Mid-scope remodel adding a pergola and outdoor kitchen base package: $60,000–$120,000
- Full remodel with new pool, kitchen, and hardscape: $150,000–$300,000+
An outdoor kitchen base package — the concrete structure and countertop — is priced separately from appliances and utility hookups, which is where a lot of Encino bids get confusing. Ask for those line items broken out before comparing quotes.
Sequencing the Project
- Design and permitting (4–10 weeks depending on scope)
- Demolition and grading
- Pool shell / structural hardscape (if included)
- Kitchen structure, gas, and electrical rough-in
- Paver or decking installation
- Planting, turf, and lighting
- Final inspections and walkthrough
💡 Pro Tip
Encino's clay-heavy soil in some tracts (particularly north of Ventura Blvd near the hillside transition) can affect paver base compaction. Ask your contractor what base spec they're using — a thin sand-set base will heave within a few winters.
Neighborhoods We Serve
We've built in the flats south of Ventura Boulevard, the Rancho Estates area, and the hillside-adjacent lots near Amestoy Estates — each with a different grading and drainage approach.
Why Homeowners Choose Moda
Moda Outdoor Living is a direct design-build contractor — CSLB #1102152 — serving Los Angeles, Ventura, and North Orange County. Every project runs on transparent pricing, exact quantities, and sourced materials, backed by an extended warranty. We build the project ourselves; there's no lead-selling or subcontracted brokering in between.
Start with our free /estimate tool to scope your project by square footage and finish level, or review the /backyard-blueprint guide for how we sequence design-build projects end to end.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a backyard remodel cost in Encino?
A hardscape-only refresh runs $25,000–$60,000; a mid-scope remodel with a pergola and kitchen runs $60,000–$120,000; a full remodel with a new pool can run $150,000–$300,000 or more.
Do I need a permit for a backyard remodel in Encino?
Structural work — pools, kitchens with gas/electrical, retaining walls — requires LADBS permits. Cosmetic paver or planting work is often exempt or reviewed same-day.
How long does a full backyard remodel take in Encino?
Plan on 4–8 months total including 6–10 weeks of LADBS plan check for multi-scope projects with a pool or kitchen.
What's included in an outdoor kitchen base package?
The concrete structure and countertop. Appliances (grill, fridge, burners) and utility hookups (gas, water, electrical) are priced and installed separately.
