Landscape Renovation

A backyard renovation's cost depends mostly on what has to come out and what goes in. Demolition and haul-away, drainage, grading and retaining walls come first, then patios, fire features and planting, and the materials you choose change the price. Arkland prices each renovation after we see the yard at a free consultation, so your estimate reflects your site, not an average.

You usually do if the wall is over 4 feet tall, measured from the bottom of the footing, or if it holds back a slope, a driveway or another added load. That's the baseline in California's building codes, and some cities are stricter: Woodside requires a permit for every new, replaced or repaired retaining wall. Arkland goes over what your wall needs during the estimate.

The cost depends on the wall's height, length and material, and on what it takes to build it right. Taller walls can need engineering and a permit, most walls need drainage behind them, and tight access or hard digging adds labor. Arkland builds retaining walls as part of renovations and gives you an estimate after we see the slope and talk through materials with you.

Find out where the water is going first, then fix the grade or add drainage before anything new is built. Arkland looks at drainage early in every renovation, because new hardscape built on a wet yard won't last. We plan the fix and build it before the new patios, walls and planting go in, so water moves away from your house and out of the yard.

The best patio material depends on your style, your budget and how you'll use the space. Arkland builds patios in pavers, flagstone, bluestone, travertine, tile and concrete, including stamped concrete. We walk you through the options during the design and estimate, and we can match walkways, steps and driveways to the patio so the whole yard feels like one design.

Yes, but you can't burn wood in a fire pit during a Spare the Air Alert. On alert days, the Bay Area Air District bans burning wood and other solid fuels, indoors and outdoors; the ban doesn't cover gas. Arkland builds fire pits, fire bowls and outdoor kitchens, and we'll help you choose a fuel and a spot that fit your yard and your city's rules.