Orange County homeowners investing in backyard transformations face a critical decision: which contractor can actually deliver on the promise of a stunning outdoor living space? We evaluated eight prominent backyard remodeling contractors serving Orange County based on track record, customer satisfaction, service breadth, and transparency.
Our rankings consider years in business, verified review scores, specialty expertise, and honest limitations to help you make an informed choice for your outdoor investment.
Quick Comparison Table
| Company | Best For | Years in Business | Rating | Phone |
| Signature Landscape | Full-service landscape architecture | 30+ years | 4.8 (Google) | (949) 859-9969 |
| Grizzly Outdoor | Artificial turf & hardscaping | 10+ years | 4.9 stars (Yelp) | (866) 237-8873 |
| Way To Go Builders | Custom pools & complete transformations | 15+ years | 4.9 (Google) | (877) 779-5750 |
| Garden Studio Design | Luxury estate landscaping | 20+ years | 5 (Google) | (949) 673-5450 |
| California Outdoor Living | Hardscaping & pavers | 20+ years | 4.7 (Google) | (949) 800-5063 |
| Caliscapes OC | Eco-friendly native landscaping | 5-15 years | 4.9 stars (Yelp) | (714) 348-4808 |
| Urban Green Remodeling | Pool and hardscape integration | 16+ years | 5 stars (Yelp) | (888) 668-2559 |
| Unique Home Builders | Sustainable concrete masonry | 3+ years | 4.9 (Google) | (855) 477-5086 |
1. Signature Landscape
Location: 25862 Jamon Ln, Orange County, CA 92691
Service Area: Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Foothill Ranch, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Orange City, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park
Phone: (949) 859-9969
Rating: 4.8 (Google)
Pricing: Available on request
Website: https://www.signaturelandscape.com/
With over 38 years serving Orange County, Signature Landscape has built a reputation for comprehensive backyard transformations backed by detailed 2D CAD color plotting before breaking ground. Their landscape architects provide visual clarity that reduces surprises and keeps projects aligned with client expectations.
Key Services:
- Hardscaping and stamped concrete installation
- Modern design landscaping and artificial grass
- Outdoor kitchens, BBQ islands, and custom bars
- Driveway installation and pool design
Pros:
- Exceptional project management with highly responsive communication
- Over 1,000 completed projects and 150+ 5-star reviews
- Licensed contractor (License #583113) with established credibility
Cons:
- Website lacks specific details on warranties or long-term installation guarantees
Signature Landscape stands out for homeowners seeking a proven, full-service contractor with transparent design processes and a track record spanning nearly four decades.
2. Grizzly Outdoor
Location: 1912 W Business Center Drive, Orange, CA 92867
Service Area: Laguna Beach, Irvine, Anaheim Hills, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Huntington Beach, Dana Point, and surrounding areas
Phone: (866) 237-8873
Rating: 4.9 stars on Yelp
Pricing: Available on request
Website: https://grizzlyoutdoor.com/
Grizzly Outdoor has completed over 4,000 installations in the past decade and positions itself as “SoCal’s #1 Rated Installer” with a specialized focus on artificial turf and hardscaping. Their structured approach includes dedicated customer support specialists and trained field consultants who guide product selection.
Key Services:
- Premium artificial turf (residential, pet-friendly, putting greens)
- Hardscaping (pavers, patios, driveways, concrete)
- Outdoor elements (pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, block walls)
- Turf maintenance and paver cleaning/sealing
Pros:
- Extremely fast installation timelines with excellent communication
- Massive volume of verified positive reviews (665+ on Yelp)
- Specialized expertise in artificial turf applications
Cons:
- Primary focus on turf and pavers rather than comprehensive landscape architecture or softscape design
Grizzly Outdoor is ideal for homeowners prioritizing low-maintenance artificial turf and hardscaping over traditional landscaping elements.
3. Way To Go Builders, Inc.
Location: 6700 Fallbrook Ave #133, Los Angeles, CA 91307; Regus, 19800 MacArthur Blvd #658, Irvine, CA 92612
Service Area: Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County
Phone: (877) 779-5750
Rating: 4.9 (Google)
Pricing: Available on request; direct financing options available
Website: https://www.waytogobuilders.com/
Way To Go Builders operates as a licensed general contractor offering a design-build process that handles everything from 3D conceptualization to final construction. They hold multiple licenses (B – General Building, C27 – Landscaping, C53 – Swimming Pool) and specialize in large-scale custom pool projects.
Key Services:
- Custom pool and spa construction
- Complete backyard transformations and masonry
- Pavers, patios, and decks
- Artificial turf installation
Pros:
- Ability to handle massive, complex projects entirely in-house
- Multiple licensing credentials for comprehensive service delivery
- Showcases high-end luxury pool projects
Cons:
- Some reviews note occasional communication delays during lengthy permit and construction phases typical of large pool projects
Way To Go Builders suits homeowners planning ambitious, high-investment pool-centered backyard transformations requiring full design-build capabilities.
4. Garden Studio Design
Location: 3199-D Airport Loop, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Service Area: Headquartered in Newport Beach, serving clients nationwide
Phone: (949) 673-5450
Rating: 5 (Google)
Pricing: Available on request
Website: https://www.gardenstudiodesign.com/
With over two decades of expertise, Garden Studio Design operates as a boutique luxury design firm frequently working on multi-million dollar estates. Their portfolio features high-profile properties in Newport Harbor, Cardiff, and Carmel Bay.
Key Services:
- Luxury landscape design and build
- Custom residential projects and renovations
- Commercial and public works projects
- High-end coastal and Spanish-influenced landscape architecture
Pros:
- Exceptional aesthetic vision for magazine-quality landscape architecture
- Experience coordinating with general contractors on luxury estates
- Strong portfolio of high-end coastal projects
Cons:
- Very small volume of public reviews compared to competitors
- One Yelp review noted dissatisfaction with design-only consultation service
Garden Studio Design targets homeowners with luxury estate budgets seeking high-end architectural landscaping rather than standard backyard upgrades.
5. California Outdoor Living
Location: 950 N Tustin Ave. #128, Anaheim, CA 92807
Service Area: Southern California, primarily Orange County
Phone: (949) 800-5063
Rating: 4.7 (Google)
Pricing: Competitive pricing; driveway specials available on request
Website: https://californiaoutdoorliving.com/
California Outdoor Living brings over 2 decades of of institutional knowledge to hardscaping projects. They distinguish themselves by bringing paver samples directly to clients’ homes for in-space selection.
Key Services:
- Interlocking pavers and concrete
- Paver sealing and protection
- Artificial grass installation
- Custom outdoor elements (grill islands, fireplaces, fire pits)
Pros:
- Longest track record on this list (since 1979) suggesting deep reliability
- In-home paver sample consultation for accurate color/texture matching
- Thousands of completed California installations
Cons:
- Online presence and portfolio presentation appear somewhat dated compared to modern luxury design firms
California Outdoor Living appeals to homeowners prioritizing proven reliability and traditional hardscaping expertise over cutting-edge design trends.
6. Caliscapes OC
Location: Orange, CA
Service Area: Orange County
Phone: (714) 348-4808
Rating: 4.9 stars (Yelp)
Pricing: Available on request
Website: https://caliscapesoc.com/
Caliscapes OC developed a proprietary “Plant Database” specifically tailored for California homeowners researching drought-tolerant and native plants. They hold CLSB License No. 1060392 and emphasize eco-friendly practices.
Key Services:
- Full-service landscape design and demolition
- Hardscaping and softscaping
- Artificial turf and irrigation
- Lighting, fences, and retaining walls
Pros:
- Strong commitment to eco-friendly, drought-tolerant California-native landscaping
- Excellent customer communication noted in reviews
- Proprietary plant database resource for client education
Cons:
- Discrepancy between claimed “15 years of experience” and actual corporate founding date (2019/2020)
Caliscapes OC suits environmentally conscious homeowners seeking sustainable, water-wise landscaping aligned with California’s ecological priorities.
7. Urban Green Remodeling
Location: 1550 North El Centro Ave, Ste 1010, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Service Area: Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange County
Phone: 310-601-5775
Rating: 5 stars (Yelp)
Pricing: Available on request
Website: https://urbangreenremodeling.com/
Urban Green Remodeling operates as a comprehensive design-build firm capable of handling complex integrations of custom pools with expansive hardscaping. They are fully licensed and insured for both general building and landscaping.
Key Services:
- Custom pool construction
- Complete outdoor living spaces
- Hardscapes and pavers
- Decks and artificial turf
Pros:
- One-stop design-build option for backyard overhauls involving pools, hardscaping, and general landscaping
- Fully licensed for comprehensive project execution
- Design-build capabilities streamline project management
Cons:
- Smaller volume of verified public reviews compared to top competitors
- Independently documented project history appear more limited than those of the highest-ranked companies.
Urban Green Remodeling works best for homeowners planning extensive, multi-phase backyard overhauls centered on custom pool installations.
8. Unique Home Builders
Location: 1611 E Fourth St, Ste 206, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Service Area: Santa Ana, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County, and surrounding areas
Phone: (855) 477-5086
Rating: 4.9 (Google)
Pricing: Available on request
Website: https://uniquehbc.com/
Founded in August 2021, Unique Home Builders offers pool construction, hardscaping, concrete, pavers, outdoor kitchens and general remodeling. The company holds California contractor license #1083204 and became BBB Accredited in March 2026.
Key Services:
- Concrete masonry construction and stamped concrete
- Pool construction and hardscaping
- Outdoor kitchens and driveways
- General home renovation and energy-efficient upgrades
Pros:
- Specialized expertise in durable, sustainable concrete masonry applications
- Emphasis on energy-efficient and eco-friendly construction methods
- BBB Accredited with proper licensing
Cons:
- Relatively new corporate entity (founded 2021) lacking the decades-long institutional track record of other firms on this list
Unique Home Builders appeals to homeowners seeking sustainable concrete-focused backyard construction from a newer contractor willing to compete on eco-friendly practices.
Choosing the Right Orange County Backyard Contractor
Signature Landscape and California Outdoor Living offer the most established track records for homeowners prioritizing proven reliability. Grizzly Outdoor dominates the artificial turf and hardscaping space with exceptional volume and verified customer satisfaction. Way To Go Builders and Urban Green Remodeling serve clients planning ambitious pool-centered transformations requiring full design-build capabilities. Garden Studio Design targets luxury estate clients willing to invest in magazine-quality architectural landscaping.
Caliscapes OC and Unique Home Builders appeal to environmentally conscious homeowners, though newer contractors should provide additional references to offset limited institutional history.
The right contractor depends on your project scope, budget, and priorities. Most homeowners benefit from consulting at least three contractors from this list to compare approaches, pricing transparency, and communication styles before committing to Orange County’s most significant outdoor investment.
Planning a backyard remodel in Orange County? Contact several contractors from this guide to compare design approaches, verify licensing, and request itemized proposals tailored to your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a backyard remodel cost in Orange County?
Backyard remodeling costs in Orange County vary dramatically based on scope and materials. Basic hardscaping and artificial turf installations typically start around $15,000-$30,000, while comprehensive transformations including custom pools, outdoor kitchens, and luxury landscaping commonly range from $75,000 to $200,000+. Companies like Signature Landscape and Way To Go Builders handle the full spectrum, while specialists like Grizzly Outdoor focus on more affordable turf and paver projects.
What should I look for when hiring a backyard remodeling contractor?
Prioritize contractors with verified licensing (check CSLB license numbers), substantial verified review histories (look for 50+ reviews across multiple platforms), and clear communication during initial consultations. Request detailed proposals with material specifications, ask about warranty coverage, and verify they carry proper insurance. Companies offering 2D or 3D design visualization before construction (like Signature Landscape and Way To Go Builders) reduce costly mid-project changes.
How long does a typical backyard remodel take in Orange County?
Timeline depends on project complexity and permitting requirements. Simple artificial turf or paver installations often complete in 1-3 weeks. Full landscape transformations with hardscaping typically require 4-8 weeks. Custom pool projects involving permits, excavation, and finishing work commonly span 3-6 months. Permitting delays in Orange County can add 2-8 weeks to projects requiring structural changes or pool installations.
Do I need permits for backyard remodeling in Orange County?
Most significant backyard projects require permits. Pool installations, structural elements like pergolas and outdoor kitchens, electrical work, and plumbing modifications all trigger permitting requirements. Simple landscaping, artificial turf installation, and non-structural paver work typically don’t require permits. Licensed contractors like Way To Go Builders and California Outdoor Living handle permit applications as part of their service, which is crucial given Orange County’s strict building codes.
What’s the best time of year to start a backyard remodel in Orange County?
Fall and early winter (September through January) offer ideal conditions for outdoor construction in Orange County. Weather remains mild, contractors often have better availability than during peak spring/summer seasons, and projects can be completed before peak outdoor entertaining season. However, companies like Grizzly Outdoor maintain year-round schedules with relatively consistent timelines. Avoid starting pool projects in late spring if you want summer completion, as permit processing and contractor schedules fill quickly.
Author Profile
- Along with leading the team, Millard also works alongside different Fortune500 companies as their management Consultant/Financial Analyst, which shows his passion in helping other businesses grow.
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