Frequently asked questions

We are based in Rancho Cordova and work in Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Granite Bay, Fair Oaks, Gold River, East Sacramento, Arden Park and Carmichael. If you are close by, ask and we will tell you right away.

Every project is built by a crew licensed by the California Contractors State License Board, matched to the type of work. You deal with one point of contact from the first visit to the final walkthrough.

Within one business day. Calls and texts to (916) 670-5536 are the quickest way to reach us.

We focus on hardscape and backyard projects rather than weekly maintenance or small repairs. Patios and walkways start near $10K.

It depends on size, materials, demolition and access. Most patios and walkways start near $10K, and complete backyard builds usually fall in the $20K to $60K range. After a free visit you get a written price, so there are no surprises.

Yes. The site visit and the written scope are free, and you are under no obligation to move forward.

Payment terms are written into your contract. California limits the down payment on home improvement work, and the final payment comes after the final walkthrough.

Yes. Your written scope includes options so you can compare a basic, mid and full version of the project.

Most patios and walkways take a few working days once materials arrive. Retaining walls and full backyard projects usually take one to three weeks. You get a schedule with your written scope.

Ground-level patios and walkways usually do not need a permit. Walls over 4 feet, covered patios and anything with new gas or electrical usually do. If your HOA needs drawings and product specs, we put them together.

Not usually. We need access to the work area, water and power, and we keep you updated on each stage.

We walk the finished project with you and fix anything on the punch list before the final payment.

The site visit and estimate are free. The 3D design is a separate step for full backyard projects, and we quote it at the visit before you commit to anything.

Usually not. A straightforward patio, walkway or wall is easy to picture from a written scope and samples. 3D design pays off on larger projects with several features.

Yes. That is the point of designing first. Revisions to layout, materials and features happen on screen before the final scope and price.

The layout, sizes and materials follow the approved design. Plants fill in over time, and real stone and pavers vary slightly from what you see on screen.

Pavers cost more up front but flex with clay movement and can be lifted and reset if a section settles. Concrete is less expensive per square foot but will crack at some point; good control joints decide where.

Most backyard patios take a few working days once materials arrive. Demo of an old slab adds a day or two.

A ground-level patio usually does not. A covered patio, or one tied to new gas or electrical, usually does. We will tell you what applies at your address.

Segmental block from major manufacturers is the default because it is engineered for retaining. Natural stone and stucco-finished walls are options for low garden walls.

Sometimes a short section can be rebuilt. If the lean comes from missing drainage, the right fix is usually rebuilding with drainage behind it. We will tell you which after looking.

It depends on the block, soil and what sits above the wall. As a rule, plan on engineering for walls over 4 feet or any wall holding back a load.

Stamped concrete gives a patterned look for less than pavers, but it needs resealing every few years and repairs are harder to hide.

Usually about a week for passenger cars. Concrete keeps gaining strength for roughly a month.

Color and finish can get close, but new concrete almost never matches old exactly. A clean break at a joint or a border band usually looks better than a patch.

Stabilized DG works well for low-traffic paths and costs less than pavers, but it tracks into the house more and needs topping up over time.

Yes. Block, paver or concrete steps can be built into most slopes, often with a short retaining wall on each side.

Gas fire pits are generally fine. Wood burning is restricted on no-burn days set by the Sacramento air district, so many people choose gas.

Usually, once gas lines, plumbing or new electrical circuits are involved. We tell you what applies at your address.

Yes. Low-voltage fixtures can be added to most existing patios, walls and steps, with wiring run under mulch or in the joints.

Usually, yes, especially for covers attached to the house or with a solid roof. Requirements vary by city and county, and we check your address before quoting.

Often, yes. It depends on the slab and where the posts land. Sometimes new footings are cut in, and sometimes the patio is extended first.

Painted or low-maintenance materials hold up best. Bare wood needs regular sealing to keep from drying and cracking.

Turf saves water and mowing and stays green all summer. Real sod is cooler underfoot and costs less up front. Many yards use turf in high-traffic areas and real planting elsewhere.

Yes, in direct afternoon sun it gets hotter than real grass. Lighter infills, shade from a tree or pergola and a quick rinse all help.

Most backyards take a few days, including removing the old lawn and building the base.

Sacramento's clay soil absorbs water slowly, and many lots are nearly flat. Water sits until it has somewhere to go. The fix is usually grading plus a drain.

To a lower part of the yard, a dry well, the street where allowed, or an existing storm drain connection, depending on your property and local rules.

Often, yes. Drains can usually run along the edges of a patio or through the yard around it.