Backyard Remodeling & Outdoor Living in Sherman Oaks, CA
Source: https://www.remodelyourvibe.com/services/exterior-remodeling/sherman-oaks
Last modified: 2026-09-24T00:00:00.000Z
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Image: Lit board-formed concrete retaining wall and steps on a hillside
- Sherman Oaks
Design · Permit · Build
Backyard & Outdoor Living in Sherman Oaks
We design the whole backyard as one, so patio, kitchen and shade fit together.
Book a Consultation Call 818-300-2393
Built for Sherman Oaks Homes
Sherman Oaks rewards planning. North of the boulevard the lots are flat and generous, and the temptation is to fill them; the better outcome is usually fewer, larger zones with real circulation between them. South of the boulevard the hillside parcels come with view potential that is worth designing around, and structural work that has to be resolved before anything decorative happens.
Established mid-century homes on generous flat lots north of the boulevard, and steeper view parcels to the south where structural work leads the schedule.
We are a design-build team, which means the people who draw your project are the people who build it. Design, engineering, permits and construction run through one project manager and our own crews, so nothing gets lost in a handoff between a salesperson and a subcontractor. We are licensed, bonded and insured, CSLB license #1119054 .
Permits in Sherman Oaks: Private pools in the City of Los Angeles are permitted through a Combined Building-Mechanical permit, while pools serving more than two dwelling units need separate building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits. Using a City of Los Angeles standard plan on file with LADBS reduces plan check time.
South-of-the-boulevard hillside parcels are in the Hillside Area. There the Baseline Hillside Ordinance caps grading and import/export quantities, and LAMC 12.21 C.8 separately limits retaining-wall height. A pool there also needs its own LADBS grading permit, and much of the area is a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Permit details checked September 2026 against LADBS and LA City Clerk . Rules change, so we confirm them again for your parcel.
What We Build
- Retaining and slope drainage
- Mature-landscape protection during excavation
- Full backyard transformations
- Paver patios, driveways and walkways
- Outdoor kitchens and BBQ islands
- Pergolas, patio covers and shade structures
- Fire pits, fire tables and fireplaces
- Retaining walls and seat walls
- Artificial turf and drought-tolerant planting
- Drainage correction and grading
- Landscape and architectural lighting
- Front yard and curb appeal remodels
Local Conditions
What to Know in Sherman Oaks
These local conditions change the scope, the schedule and the budget.
01
Flat lots north of Ventura Boulevard suit full backyard builds with pool, kitchen and lawn in one phase
02
Hillside parcels to the south typically require retaining walls and slope stabilization first
03
Mature landscaping and established root systems often dictate excavation routing
Areas we serve in Sherman Oaks:Chandler EstatesMagnolia Woods
Investment
What It Costs in Sherman Oaks
Real Southern California price ranges, not teaser numbers.
Full backyard transformation
$50,000 to $250,000+
What moves it: how much hardscape is involved, whether a pool or outdoor kitchen is included, grading and retaining, and the level of lighting and planting
Paver patio and hardscape
from about $13,000
What moves it: square footage, paver type, base preparation, drainage, and any steps or retaining involved
Outdoor kitchen and BBQ island
$10,000 to $50,000+
What moves it: counter length, appliance package, countertop material, and whether gas, water and power need to be run a long distance
Pergola and shade structure
from about $9,500
What moves it: span, material (wood, aluminum or louvered), footing requirements, and integrated lighting or heating
Artificial turf
from about $9,900
What moves it: area, turf grade, base depth, drainage, and any pet-specific infill
Your lot, access and finishes set the price. We walk the site, then show you where every dollar goes.
Get a line-item price for your Sherman Oaks property
The Process
How We Work in Sherman Oaks
01
Site Review
We measure the yard, check drainage and grade, and find the constraints before design starts.
02
Design & 3D
You walk the whole yard in 3D, so layout and materials are settled before we build.
03
Plans & Permits
Structures, walls and electrical get drawn and permitted where the work requires it. In Sherman Oaks that submittal goes to Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).
04
Demo & Grading
Old surfaces come out, levels are set and drainage is corrected properly.
05
Build
Hardscape, structures, kitchen, features and lighting go in, sequenced by our own crews.
06
Planting & Handover
Planting, turf and final detail, then a full walkthrough of the finished yard.
Questions
What Sherman Oaks Homeowners Ask
Who issues the permits for this work in Sherman Oaks?
Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Private pools in the City of Los Angeles are permitted through a Combined Building-Mechanical permit, while pools serving more than two dwelling units need separate building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits.
Using a City of Los Angeles standard plan on file with LADBS reduces plan check time. South-of-the-boulevard hillside parcels are in the Hillside Area. There the Baseline Hillside Ordinance caps grading and import/export quantities, and LAMC 12.21 C.8 separately limits retaining-wall height.
A pool there also needs its own LADBS grading permit, and much of the area is a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. We prepare the drawings, make the submittal and handle plan-check corrections ourselves, so you are not the one chasing plan check.
What makes building in Sherman Oaks different?
Established mid-century homes on generous flat lots north of the boulevard, and steeper view parcels to the south where structural work leads the schedule. One local condition that shapes the work: Flat lots north of Ventura Boulevard suit full backyard builds with pool, kitchen and lawn in one phase.
Which parts of Sherman Oaks do you work in?
All of it, including Chandler Estates and Magnolia Woods. Our crews run every job out of our Cahuenga Pass base in Los Angeles, with our own people on site.
What does a backyard or outdoor living project cost in Sherman Oaks?
Full backyard transformation: generally $50,000 to $250,000+ across Southern California. What moves it is how much hardscape is involved, whether a pool or outdoor kitchen is included, grading and retaining, and the level of lighting and planting.
We give line-item pricing after seeing the site rather than quoting a number over the phone.
How long does a backyard remodel take?
A patio and turf refresh often finishes in three to five weeks. A full transformation with hardscape, an outdoor kitchen, structures and lighting typically runs ten to sixteen weeks, and longer if a pool is part of the same phase.
Pavers or poured concrete?
Pavers cost more up front but flex with ground movement instead of cracking, and individual units can be lifted and replaced. Poured concrete is cheaper initially, but a crack means cutting out and repouring a section that rarely matches. On most Southern California soil we recommend pavers for anything you will look at every day.
Can you fix drainage at the same time?
Yes, and on most projects we insist on it. Correcting grade and adding proper drainage while the yard is already open is far cheaper than retrofitting it after new hardscape is down.
Do you handle the whole yard in one project?
Yes. Design, permits, hardscape, structures, kitchen, lighting and planting run through one team and one project manager, so nothing gets lost between trades.
More Services in Sherman Oaks
Pool & Spa Remodeling in Sherman Oaks ADUs & Additions in Sherman Oaks Kitchen, Bath & Interior Remodeling in Sherman Oaks Plans, Permits & Design in Sherman Oaks Everything we build in Sherman Oaks
Backyard & Outdoor Living Nearby
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Planning Guides
Before You Build in Sherman Oaks
Costs, materials and process notes from our own projects.
Pool Remodel Cost in Sherman Oaks: Plaster to Pipes Pool remodels in Sherman Oaks run $18,000 to $55,000 depending on scope. Here is what each element costs, and why hillside pools above Ventura Boulevard price higher than the flats. Read guide Sherman Oaks Outdoor Kitchens: Costs & Permits Sherman Oaks homeowners are adding outdoor kitchens to extend living space. Here's what you need to know about design, costs, and local requirements. Read guide Whole-Home Remodel Sequencing: What to Do First A whole-home remodel done in the wrong order costs 15 to 25 percent more. Here is the correct sequence, from structural and roof through to paint, and why each stage has to precede the next. Read guide Indoor-Outdoor Living Conversions in Southern California A 16-foot multi-slide door runs $18,000 to $45,000 installed. Here is how the full indoor-outdoor conversion works, from structural header to flush threshold to covered patio tie-in. Read guide
Planning a Backyard in Sherman Oaks?
Sit down with your project manager and get an accurate estimate. We call you back within one business day.
Book a Consultation 818-300-2393
Licensed, bonded & insured · CSLB license #1119054
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