Landscape Design & Build Costs in Southern California | 2026 Guide
Planning a landscape remodel is exciting—but understanding landscape design and build costs in Southern California can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re designing a completely new outdoor living space or refreshing an outdated backyard, Southern California pricing varies widely based on project scope, materials, and complexity.
In this guide, we break down both the cost of professional landscape design and the cost of full design–build construction, so you know exactly what to expect before you begin.
What Does Professional Landscape Design Cost in Southern California?
Before construction begins, every successful project starts with a detailed, professional design. At Scarlett’s Landscape, Inc., our comprehensive design package is $4,000 for a typical backyard and includes everything needed to visualize and price your project accurately.
Our $4,000 Design Package Includes:
In-house initial consultation to review your goals, inspiration, and budget
On-site site assessment with our landscape architect
A 24″ × 36″ scaled, black-and-white landscape plan with measurements, materials, and layout
A full 3D fly-through video (day + night scenes) so you can visualize your future space
A detailed cost proposal, broken down by line item
In-office final presentation with revisions and material recommendations
No obligation to build with us — the design is yours to keep
This design phase ensures accuracy, prevents costly surprises, and gives you complete clarity before construction begins.
How Much Does a Landscape Remodel Cost?
Once the design is complete, homeowners often move into the construction phase. In Southern California—specifically Ventura County, Santa Barbara, and West Los Angeles—landscape remodels generally fall into three levels based on scope.
Basic Projects — $5 to $10 per square foot
Best for simple improvements or refreshes, such as:
Basic planting layouts
Gravel or simple concrete patios
Small turf conversions
Mulch, edging, and simple irrigation updates
These projects focus on aesthetics and function without structural elements.
Intermediate Projects — $10 to $15 per square foot
A step up in complexity, typically including:
Paver walkways or patios
Drought-tolerant planting plans
Moderately complex irrigation
Low-voltage lighting
Minor grading work
Natural stone accents
Example:
A 1,500 sq. ft. backyard at this level typically ranges $30,000–$65,000, depending on materials and site access.
Advanced Projects — $15 to $45+ per square foot
Most complete landscape remodels fall into this category. These projects include engineered elements and custom outdoor living features, such as:
Common Advanced Features
Outdoor kitchens + built-in BBQ islands
Fire pits or fireplaces
Complex stone or paver patios
Pergolas or patio covers
Retaining walls and engineered grading
Water features (ponds, falls, fountains)
Full drainage systems
Structural walls and concrete work
Specimen trees + premium plant material
Full landscape lighting
Large projects in Southern California often range from $50,000 to over $150,000, depending on scope and customization.
What Affects Your Final Landscape Cost?
1. Scope of Work
Building a simple patio is very different from constructing an engineered outdoor kitchen or retaining wall. The more structural the project, the higher the cost.
2. Material Selection
Material choice greatly influences price:
Concrete vs. natural stone
Entry-level pavers vs. high-end pavers
Small plants vs. mature specimen trees
Standard fixtures vs. designer lighting
3. Labor Costs
Southern California labor rates reflect:
High cost of living
Skilled construction demand
Need for licensed and insured crews
Professional installation ensures longevity, safety, and code compliance.
4. Site Conditions & Grading
Yards with slopes, poor access, clay soils, or drainage issues require:
Additional equipment
Excavation or soil removal
Retaining walls or engineered grading
These conditions can influence both design and construction cost.
5. Permits & Engineering
Certain elements—such as retaining walls, patio covers, gas lines, or electrical—may require permits or structural engineering.
These ensure your project is safe and fully compliant.
Why Start With the Scarlett’s Landscape Design Process?
Most homeowners underestimate how critical the design phase is. A clear, accurate design will:
Prevent over-spending
Eliminate guesswork during construction
Ensure the project is buildable, engineered, and proportioned correctly
Provide realistic material selections and accurate pricing
Your design is the roadmap. Your build is the execution.
We handle both seamlessly.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Living Space?
If you’re considering a landscape remodel, the best place to start is with a professional consultation.
Call Scarlett’s Landscape, Inc. today to schedule your free in-house consultation.
Serving:
Ventura County
Santa Barbara
West Los Angeles
Let our fourth-generation, family-run team help you create a custom outdoor space built to last.
FAQ
Q1. How much does a backyard remodel cost in Southern California?
Most backyard remodels in Ventura County, Santa Barbara, and West Los Angeles fall into three levels. Basic refreshes run $5 to $10 per square foot. Intermediate projects with pavers, planting plans, and low-voltage lighting run $10 to $15 per square foot. Advanced remodels with outdoor kitchens, fire features, retaining walls, and full lighting run $15 to $45 or more per square foot. Larger projects commonly land between $50,000 and $150,000 depending on scope.
Q2. What is the average cost of a backyard remodel?
There is no single average, because a 400 square foot patio refresh and a 2,000 square foot outdoor living build are different projects. Pricing by square foot is more useful. At the intermediate level, a 1,500 square foot backyard is the most common project we build in Ventura County. The design comes first, at $4,000, and that produces a line-item cost proposal so you know the real number before any construction begins.
Q3. How much does professional landscape design cost in California?
At Scarlett’s Landscape, the full design package is $4,000 for a typical backyard. It includes an in-house consultation, an on-site assessment with our landscape architect, a 24 by 36 inch scaled plan with measurements and materials, a 3D fly-through video in both day and night scenes, a line-item cost proposal, and a final presentation with revisions. There is no obligation to build with us. The design is yours to keep.
Q4. What affects the cost of a landscape design-build project?
Five things move the number. Scope of work, because a simple patio and an engineered retaining wall are not the same job. Material selection, where concrete versus natural stone or entry-level versus high-end pavers can change a bid substantially. Labor, which in Southern California reflects the cost of living and the need for licensed, insured crews. Site conditions and grading, which is where slope and access show up. And permits and engineering, which structural work triggers.
Q5. How long does a full landscape renovation take?
This is very dependent on the scope of the renovation, projects can run from 90 days up to 6 months or more. This includes the design phase, which is critical to the project’s budgeting and efficiency, but we quote the timeline after you sign off on the design and materials, and we stick to it without question.
Q6. Do I have to build with you if I pay for the design?
No. The $4,000 design package is yours to keep, including the scaled plan, the 3D fly-through, and the line-item cost proposal. Homeowners are free to take it to any contractor. We built it that way because a design you cannot leave with is not really a design, it is a sales tool.
Q7. How much does landscaping cost in Ventura County?
Ventura County pricing tracks the Southern California ranges above, at $5 to $45 or more per square foot depending on how structural the project is. Local conditions matter here more than most places. Hillside lots in Ventura, Ojai, and Thousand Oaks often need engineered retaining walls and drainage, and coastal sites in Carpinteria and Santa Barbara bring their own material and permitting considerations. We work across Ventura County, Santa Barbara, and West Los Angeles from three offices.