Numerous homes in Los Angeles and the rest of Southern California place a premium on designing a functional and aesthetically pleasing backyard. However, backyard renovations can get pricey!
While many of the amenities in a backyard might be somewhat expensive, they are well worth the investment given the many years of enjoyment they will provide to the family. We are already all paying the ‘SoCal Premium’ for the year-round warmth and sunshine, so we might as well put some money toward making our private outdoor spaces beautiful and functional spaces for our loved ones.
If you have an outdated backyard and want to know how much it will cost to create your dream backyard, I will discuss and break down these prices. There are both minor and large projects you may accomplish, depending on your budget, so understanding the cost of each item and your overall backyard remodel cost is the first step in planning a backyard or patio renovation.
Here at GreatBuildz, we speak with clients every day who are looking for quality backyard contractors for an outdoor construction project. GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners with reliable, pre-screened landscape and pool contractors in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura & San Diego, then provides ongoing project support to ensure a stress-free experience.
Give us a call at 818.317.3567 or visit our website at www.GreatBuildz.com to learn more and discuss your project.
A backyard or patio renovation may involve several potential projects with differing costs, so let’s examine the various categories and options:
- A pool, spa, pond, or other water feature.
- Patio, deck, pergola, or other patio covers with seating.
- Lawns, trees, shrubs, ground cover, and other plants comprise the landscaping.
- Outdoor barbecue/kitchen, fireplace, pizza oven, heaters, television, etc.
- Fencing, walls, gates, etc., provide privacy.
Spas and Pools
Swimming pools and other water features are popular backyard additions that can significantly increase the value of your home. They are also particularly appealing to parents and those who enjoy entertaining.
However, they are by far the most expensive addition to a backyard; pools can cost anywhere from $70,000 to $100,000 or more. Including a hot tub, pool heaters, waterfalls, waterslides, and other facilities may easily push the cost of a pool into the six-figure range.
The project might range from $10,000 to $30,000 for a spa or hot tub, which includes the cost of the spa equipment and delivery. Leaving a spa or hot tub above ground is the least expensive option, but you will still need a professional to connect the item to water, electrical, and maybe gas connections. It is more likely that an in-ground spa will boost the long-term value of your home.
A pond or waterfall feature, which is less expensive than a pool or spa, can provide the aesthetic appeal of water to your backyard for less money. Depending on size and features, the price might range between $5,000 and $25,000. This backyard feature can add value to a home if it is maintained, but many homeowners leave or disregard them after a few years.
Outdoor Seating Areas & Patio Covers
A renovated patio or deck will give seating and lounging places for you and your guests, in addition to space for additional outdoor furniture. Patios can be constructed using concrete, pavers, or other materials such as flagstone, brick, etc.
Cost of a Backyard Renovation Outdoor Seating
Los Angeles concrete costs between $10 and $15 per square foot, including installation and materials. Pavers and other flagstone materials range in price from $12 per square foot to $50 per square foot for exotic materials.
Depending on the size, constructing a deck out of wood or wood-like materials such as Trex in your backyard might cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. Ask your landscaper which materials will perform well in your yard.
Pergola and Patio Cover Cost
A pergola or other type of patio cover is also an essential part of the comfort and functionality of any exquisite patio renovation. With the scorching Los Angeles and Southern California heat, you’ll want to ensure that you’re shielded from the elements with some sort of cover for your seating areas – so make room in your budget for this additional backyard renovation cost.
The entire cost of a pergola or patio cover will vary based on the design, size, and material you select, but you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $20,000 for one. The addition of a patio cover or pergola will increase the value of your house by making your backyard much more usable for family use and entertainment.
Landscaping Costs for Backyard Renovation
Landscaping is an essential component of any backyard, as it enhances the visual appeal and enjoyment of your patio renovation. Included in landscaping are a lawn, trees, bushes, irrigation, etc. Before planting, you will need to install an irrigation system, which will cost between $3,000 and $8,000 depending on the size of your backyard.
Regarding a lawn, you can pick between the less expensive option of using grass seed or the more expensive option of planting sod. Additionally, you might try artificial grass, which is more expensive to install but requires no water and requires less upkeep.
You should expect to pay between $2,000 and $15,000 for a lawn. Inquire with your landscaper about the expenses of shrubs, trees, and flowers, as well as the size of your yard, for the remainder of your backyard renovation.
Related: How to Find the Best Landscape Contractors in Los Angeles
Outdoor Features
Other features that people love having in their backyard include an outdoor kitchen, barbecue, fireplace, fire pit, heaters, television, etc. These are the next factors to consider when estimating the cost of a backyard redesign.
Most individuals adore the concept of having an outdoor kitchen for outdoor entertaining or family dinner. This often consists of a grill island, a prep space, a refrigerator, a sink, etc. Outdoor kitchens increase the value of a home but can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 if they incorporate exotic features like a fireplace or pizza oven, etc.
The countertop of any outdoor kitchen island should be made of weather-resistant materials, such as granite or concrete. If you’ve ever heard of home chef ‘Sam The Cooking Guy’, his setup is ALL concrete coupled with that beautiful EVO grill.
A firepit or fireplace can greatly increase the usability of a remodeled backyard, especially in the evening or during the fall. Portable or prefabricated fire pits are available for purchase from stores for less than $2,000 each.
Depending on the size, design, and materials you select, a more customized fire pit or fireplace can cost between $5,000 and $30,000. A general contractor or backyard contractor should be able to provide you with photographs of several ideas and associated expenses.
Adding Fencing To Your Orange County Home?
You’ll want to ensure that your remodeled patio is secure and private, which necessitates the addition of outer walls or fences. Wood fencing is the most prevalent and cost-effective option. Wood will always show signs of wear as a result of time and weather conditions.
Cost of Fencing for a Backyard Remodel
Consider using a tougher, more durable wood such as redwood or cedar, or at the very least, painting and sealing the fence after it’s finished.
A wooden fence may cost between $30 and $50 per linear foot in the OC and Southern California.
Another choice is a vinyl fence, which is typically available in a clean-looking white hue. Vinyl is an excellent alternative due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. It also has a more pleasing appearance than wood, although it can cost between $40 and $60 per linear foot.
Wrought iron is an option if you want a fence that provides some security while allowing you to preserve your view. The expenses might vary significantly based on the desired appearance, size, and height.
How Do I Locate Reputable Pool & Landscape Contractors In My Area?
Asking friends, neighbors, or coworkers for referrals is a great way to discover a competent landscape contractor or outdoor contractor for your patio renovation. You can locate a list of recommended contractors on sites like Facebook.
However, if you ask for suggestions on these websites, you should only trust those from your “actual” friends. Others on these sites may be biased (they may promote a contractor cousin, etc.).
If you don’t receive solid recommendations from people you know, you should look into firms that conduct the most thorough contractor screening and offer individualized introductions to reliable contractors (like GreatBuildz).
The worst approach is to just search online review sites for a long list of backyard contractors. There are too many contractors, and the majority of them seem to have a 4- or 5-star rating on these sites; it is impossible to distinguish between excellent and terrible contractors based on ratings and images alone.
After meeting with multiple contractors and receiving their bids, resist the impulse to pick the one with the lowest price. You will want to compare these cost estimates carefully to verify that they include all of the features you need for your backyard renovation. Check out this blog for more information on comparing contractor bids that differ in price.
Related: GreatBuildz Top Rated Contractors
GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura & San Diego with reliable, thoroughly screened landscape and pool contractors and provides project support from start to finish.
Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with a real person about your next renovation project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
