What Does a Complete Backyard Actually Cost in LA?
This is the question that starts 90% of our consultations. Homeowners know they want "the whole thing" — pool, hardscape, shade, kitchen, landscaping — but they have no idea what that costs or what they can realistically get at their budget.
After completing over 1,000 backyard projects across Los Angeles, I'm going to give you the real numbers at three price points. No fluff, no bait-and-switch ranges — just what you can expect.
The $50,000 Backyard Package
At $50K, you're not getting a pool. Let me be upfront about that. But you can get an incredible outdoor living space:
- 400-600 sqft paver or travertine patio: $10,000-$15,000
- Aluminum pergola (12x14, fixed louvers): $10,000-$14,000
- Linear gas fire pit with built-in seating: $6,000-$10,000
- Drought-tolerant landscaping (1,000 sqft): $8,000-$12,000
- Landscape lighting package: $3,000-$5,000
- Design, permits, and project management: $3,000-$5,000
💡 Pro Tip
The $50K package is perfect for homes without pools that want a year-round outdoor living room. This is our most popular package for first-time backyard remodels.
The $100,000 Backyard Package
At $100K, you enter pool territory. Here's a typical breakdown:
- Standard pool (12x24) with spa: $45,000-$55,000
- Pool deck (400-600 sqft pavers): $10,000-$15,000
- Aluminum pergola (12x16, motorized): $18,000-$24,000
- Basic outdoor kitchen (grill + counter): $8,000-$12,000
- Landscaping and turf: $8,000-$12,000
- Lighting, permits, engineering: $5,000-$8,000
This is the sweet spot for most LA families. You get a pool, shade, cooking, and a designed landscape — everything you need for daily use and entertaining.
The $200,000+ Backyard Package
At $200K+, you're building a resort. Every element is premium:
- Custom pool with infinity edge, baja shelf, and LED lighting: $80,000-$120,000
- Full outdoor kitchen (grill, pizza oven, bar, sink, fridge): $25,000-$40,000
- Motorized louvered pergola (16x20+) with screens and lighting: $35,000-$50,000
- Fire features (fire pit + fire bowls): $8,000-$15,000
- Premium landscaping with mature trees: $15,000-$25,000
- Smart lighting, audio, and automation: $10,000-$20,000
- Engineering, permits, design: $8,000-$15,000
What Drives the Price at Each Level
- Hillside lots add $15,000-$50,000 for engineering, retaining walls, and access
- Pool shape complexity: Freeform costs 10-20% more than geometric
- Material upgrades: Porcelain pavers vs. concrete can double hardscape costs
- Automation: Smart controls for pool, lighting, and pergola add $5,000-$15,000
- Permits: LA hillside permits take longer and cost more than flatland projects
Timeline: How Long Does a Full Backyard Take?
- $50K package (no pool): 4-8 weeks construction + 4-8 weeks permitting
- $100K package (with pool): 10-16 weeks construction + 8-12 weeks permitting
- $200K+ package: 16-24 weeks construction + 8-16 weeks permitting
Total project timelines from initial consultation to completion: 4-6 months for no-pool packages, 6-10 months for pool packages, and 8-14 months for premium packages.
Watch the Transformation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I phase my backyard project to spread costs?
Absolutely. We design the full vision upfront, then build in phases. Phase 1 is typically the pool and hardscape, Phase 2 is the pergola and kitchen, Phase 3 is landscaping and lighting. This lets you spread costs over 1-2 years.
Do you offer financing for backyard projects?
We don't offer financing directly, but many clients use HELOCs, home equity loans, or construction loans. At current LA home values, a $100K HELOC is straightforward for most homeowners.
What's the ROI on a complete backyard remodel in LA?
Based on our clients' experiences, a well-designed backyard remodel returns 50-70% at resale. But most of our clients aren't building for resale — they're building for the 10-20 years of daily enjoyment.
