- Typical cost
- $20,000 – $200,000+ depending on scope
- Typical timeline
- 3–12 weeks of construction depending on scope
- Permits through
- LADBS
- Service area
- Tarzana, San Fernando Valley
What We Build Outside
Everything from a paver patio to a complete backyard with a covered kitchen, pool deck and lighting, built by the same crews and project manager that handle our home remodels.
- Paver, concrete and natural stone patios
- Composite and hardwood decks, including hillside and roof decks
- Outdoor kitchens, BBQ islands and fire features
- Pergolas, covered patios and shade structures
- Retaining walls, steps and grading
- Artificial turf, planting, irrigation and landscape lighting
Outdoor Living, Landscaping & Hardscaping Conditions in Tarzana
Most of the housing stock here is 1950s and 1960s ranch, built with 100 amp service and no insulation to speak of. Adding a second unit or a modern kitchen usually means a panel upgrade and often a sewer lateral. Heat is real on this side of the hills, so attic insulation and duct sealing during a remodel pay for themselves in a way they do not near the coast.
- Wide flat lots north of Ventura that support a full detached ADU
- Hillside lots to the south with grading review and engineered foundations
- 100 amp panels that need upgrading before a second unit
- Unbolted ranch framing on original foundations
- Attic insulation and duct work worth folding into any remodel
Drainage, Footings and Slopes
Outdoor work fails at the ground. Patios settle, walls lean and decks rot when drainage and footings are treated as optional. We grade for runoff, set footings to code, and engineer retaining walls over the height that triggers a permit.
- Site grading and drainage design
- Engineered retaining walls over 4 feet
- Deck footings, ledgers and flashing to code
- Hillside and view-lot deck structures
Permits and Utilities
Covered structures, decks over 30 inches, retaining walls over 4 feet, and any gas or electrical run to an outdoor kitchen need permits. We handle LADBS or your city, coordinate the trades, and keep the gas, water and electrical runs inspected and documented.
- Permits for patio covers, decks and retaining walls
- Gas, water and electrical for outdoor kitchens
- Hillside ordinance and fire-zone landscaping rules
- Water-wise planting and irrigation compliance
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you do outdoor living, landscaping & hardscaping in Tarzana?
Yes. Tarzana is part of our regular service area. We'll come out for a free on-site consultation, walk the property, and tell you what's realistic before you spend anything on design.
What does outdoor living, landscaping cost in Tarzana?
$20,000 – $200,000+ depending on scope. Site conditions in Tarzana and your material selections move the number, which is why we price after walking the property rather than over the phone.
Who issues the permit in Tarzana?
Permits for this work go through LADBS. We handle the submittal, plan check corrections and inspections as part of the project.
How much does a backyard renovation cost in Los Angeles?
A paver patio and turf project often runs $20,000 to $45,000. Adding a covered patio, outdoor kitchen and lighting typically lands between $60,000 and $120,000, and complete hillside backyards with retaining walls and decks can exceed $200,000.
Do I need a permit for a patio cover or deck?
Patio covers, decks more than 30 inches above grade, retaining walls over 4 feet, and gas or electrical for an outdoor kitchen all require permits in Los Angeles. Simple ground-level pavers and planting usually don't.
How long does an outdoor project take?
Most patios and decks take 3 to 6 weeks. Full backyard renovations with structures, utilities and retaining walls run 8 to 12 weeks after permits.
Do you do outdoor living projects near me across LA?
Yes. We build patios, decks, outdoor kitchens and full backyards across Los Angeles County and neighboring cities within about 100 miles of our Woodland Hills office, including hillside lots in the Valley, Westside and foothills.
DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT WITH 1 SMART BUILD
Licensed, bonded and insured design-build general contractor serving Los Angeles County and Southern California. Tell us about your property and goals, and we'll walk you through feasibility, permitting and a clear plan.