LA's Hillside Challenge
About 35% of our projects involve some degree of slope. That's LA—we build in canyons, on hillsides, and on lots that drop 10-30 feet from one end to the other. These are the most challenging backyards to remodel, but they're also the most dramatic when done right.
A hillside lot doesn't just need a bigger budget—it needs a completely different engineering and design approach. Gravity, drainage, soil stability, and access all become critical factors that flat-lot contractors often underestimate.
The Engineering Requirements
Every hillside project starts with engineering. This isn't optional—it's required by LADBS and every other LA-area building department. Here's what's typically needed:
- Soils report (geotechnical investigation): $2,500-5,000
- Structural engineering for retaining walls: $3,000-8,000
- Civil engineering for drainage: $2,000-5,000
- Grading plan: $2,000-4,000
- Total engineering budget: $10,000-22,000 (before construction begins)
I know those numbers are sobering. But skipping engineering on a hillside is like building a house without a foundation. I've been called in to fix hillside projects where unlicensed contractors poured concrete walls without engineering—the repair costs were 3-5x what proper engineering would have cost.
Common Hillside Transformations
Terraced Living Spaces
The most popular approach: create multiple flat terraces connected by steps or walkways. Each terrace serves a different function—pool terrace, dining terrace, lounge terrace, garden terrace. Retaining walls between terraces create the flat surfaces.
Cantilevered Decks
For steep slopes where terracing isn't practical, a cantilevered deck extends your living space over the slope. Steel or heavy timber construction, engineered for the specific soil and slope conditions. These create dramatic floating outdoor rooms.
Infinity Pool on a Slope
The ultimate hillside feature. An infinity edge pool where the vanishing edge faces the view—whether that's city lights, ocean, or mountains. Engineering is complex (caisson foundations, catch basins, structural walls) but the result is spectacular.
Cost Premiums for Hillside Work
Expect to pay 30-80% more for hillside work compared to a flat lot. Here's where the premium goes:
- Access: Equipment can't always reach hillside work areas. Manual labor, cranes, or helicopter concrete pours add cost.
- Retaining walls: $150-500 per linear foot depending on height and material
- Caissons/piers: $5,000-15,000 per caisson for deep foundations
- Drainage: Hillside drainage systems are 2-3x more complex than flat lots
- Grading: Moving earth on a slope requires specialized equipment and more time
- Permits: Hillside permits in LA take 2-4x longer than flat-lot permits
Real Budget Examples
- Moderate slope (5-15%), pool + patio: $120,000-200,000 (vs. $80,000-140,000 on flat lot)
- Steep slope (15-30%), terraced design with pool: $200,000-400,000
- Extreme slope with infinity pool + retaining walls: $300,000-600,000+
- Cantilevered deck over slope: $80,000-180,000 depending on size and engineering
💡 Pro Tip
Before buying a hillside property with plans to remodel, get a preliminary soils report ($1,500-2,500). Some LA hillside soils (particularly bentonite clay) are so expansive that construction costs can double. Better to know before you close escrow.
Our lot drops 22 feet from the house to the property line. Elan's team created three terraces with a pool, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen. Friends call it the 'resort.' The view from the infinity edge is worth every penny. — Kevin & Diane M., Studio City
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a pool on a hillside lot in LA?
Yes, but it requires caisson foundations, structural engineering, and typically 30-60% more budget than a flat-lot pool. The permitting timeline is also longer—often 6-12 months for hillside pool permits.
Do I need a soils report for a hillside backyard remodel?
Almost always yes. LADBS requires a geotechnical investigation for most hillside construction, including retaining walls over 3 feet, pools, and any grading over certain thresholds.
How long do hillside remodels take in LA?
Typically 6-18 months from design to completion, depending on scope. Permitting alone can take 3-6 months for hillside projects. Plan accordingly.
