Built-In Grills
Freestanding Grills
Charcoal Grills
Smokers
Griddles
Side Burners
Access Dorrs
Storage Drawers
Door & Drawer Combos
Outdoor Refrigeration
Sinks
Patio Furniture
Firepit Tables
Patio Heaters
Electric Heaters
Built-In Grills
Single Side Burners
Double Side Burners
Power Burners
Double Access Doors
Single Storage Drawers
Double Drawers
Refrigerators
Kegerators
Wine Coolers
Ice Makers
ALFA FORNI
ALFRESCO
AMERICAN FIRE GLASS
AMERICAN FYRE DESIGNS
BLAZE OUTDOOR PRODUCTS
BROMIC HEATING
COYOTE OUTDOOR LIVING
DIMPLEX
EVERDURE
EVO
KAMADO JOE
KOKOMO GRILLS
MEMPHIS GRILLS
MONT ALPI
PACIFIC COAST MANUFACTURING (PCM)
SUMMERSET
SUMMIT APPLIANCES
SUNSTONE METAL PRODUCTS
Wildfire Outdoor Living
Zephyr Outdoor
REAL FYREHow to Create the Best Backyard
How to Create the Best Backyard
10 Essential Tips for a Flawless Remodel
Why Planning Your Backyard Right Matters
A backyard remodel is one of the best investments you can make in your home — boosting property value, creating more usable space, and giving you a place to relax or entertain. But it can also get expensive quickly when key details are missed, materials are low quality, or the wrong contractor is chosen.
Too often, homeowners go with the cheapest bid, only to find the invoice doesn’t include essential items, or worse — the materials are subpar, and the workmanship leaves much to be desired.
At Best of Backyard, we’re here to help you avoid these costly pitfalls. Whether you’ve just bought a home (congratulations!) or are ready to transform your current outdoor space, we’ll make sure your backyard is just as comfortable and beautiful as the inside of your home.
So… What Makes a Good Backyard?
That’s a loaded question — and honestly, it’s different for everyone. Some people want an entertainer’s paradise, others want a quiet retreat. But after years of helping customers design their dream backyards, we’ve noticed the same winning formula pop up again and again.
And it all starts with one thing: the right contractor.
Your contractor is the quarterback of your project — the one who takes your vision, draws up the game plan, and brings it across the finish line. Choose wrong, and you’ll be spending more time fixing mistakes than enjoying your new space.
1. Pick a Contractor Who’s Proven They Can Build Backyards Right
Let’s get one thing out of the way — the best contractor is almost never the cheapest. That’s not because they’re trying to drain your wallet, but because good labor isn’t cheap, and cheap labor isn’t good.
A skilled contractor knows your backyard project isn’t a one-person show. They bring in specialized subcontractors for every stage: the concrete crew that lays a perfectly level patio, the utility experts who run plumbing and gas lines safely, the hardscape pros who make stonework look like art, the outdoor kitchen specialists who install grills and counters to perfection, and the carpenters or metalworkers who create patio covers that can handle a lifetime of BBQ parties.
And here’s the thing — good subcontractors don’t work for peanuts. The contractor who wants the best results will hire the best people, pay them fairly, and get work that’s done right the first time.
But hiring the right people is only half the story. A great contractor is also a great communicator. They take the vision you’ve shared, make sure they fully understand it, and then relay it clearly to each person on the job. They keep you updated without you having to chase them down. They answer your questions directly, not with vague “we’ll see” responses. They check in regularly on the work being done, making sure every detail lines up with the plan.
On the flip side, there are a few red flags you can’t ignore:
Their price is suspiciously lower than everyone else’s, with no real explanation.
They avoid showing you past projects or won’t give references.
Their crew changes constantly — a sign they’re just hiring whoever is cheapest that day.
FIND A CONTRACTOR
2. Get a 3D Design That Matches Your Backyard and Meets Code
One of the smartest moves you can make before breaking ground is investing in a professional 3D design of your backyard remodel. A good design isn’t just a pretty picture — it’s a blueprint that saves you from costly mistakes, delays, and “oh no, that doesn’t fit” moments.
A quality 3D design will:
Match your actual backyard’s dimensions so everything is to scale — no guessing, no surprises when it’s time to build.
Reflect your specific vision — from the placement of the outdoor kitchen and seating areas to the flow of walkways and landscaping.
Account for building codes and regulations — so you don’t end up with a structure that has to be torn down or redone because it’s not up to code.
When reviewing your design, make sure to:
Double-check measurements for clearances, walkways, and appliance placement.
Ensure utilities are placed correctly — gas, water, and electrical lines need to be both safe and functional.
Verify drainage planning — especially if you’re adding hardscaping or a pool.
Look at the design from multiple angles to catch things you might miss in a flat sketch.
The beauty of a 3D design is that it allows you to “walk through” your new backyard before a single shovel hits the dirt. You’ll spot opportunities to improve the layout, make changes before they cost you real money, and end up with a space that looks and functions exactly the way you want.
And here’s the kicker — contractors love working from a solid 3D plan. It eliminates guesswork, keeps everyone on the same page, and speeds up the entire process. Think of it as the roadmap to your perfect backyard.
GET A 3D DESIGN
3. Have an Idea of What Accessories You Want Early On
When most people plan a backyard remodel, they focus on the “big” numbers — materials and labor. But here’s the thing: it’s often the accessories that turn a backyard from nice to unforgettable.
Do you picture fire bowls built into your pool for a dramatic nighttime glow? Patio heaters so you can entertain comfortably in cooler months? Maybe an outdoor sound system, landscape lighting, or even a built-in pizza oven? These aren’t “extras” — they’re the finishing touches that make your space truly yours.
Why you should decide early:
Integration is easier – Knowing upfront means your contractor can run gas, water, and electrical during the main build instead of tearing things up later.
Budget control – When you add accessories into your budget from day one, you’re less likely to run out of funds and settle for cheap, low-quality versions.
Design flow – Your 3D layout will feel complete when these features are included from the start.
The hidden danger of waiting: If you skip planning for accessories early, you may end up scrambling to fit them in at the end. That often means buying the cheapest version you can find — and low-quality outdoor equipment almost always breaks or wears out quickly. In the long run, you’ll spend more replacing it than if you had budgeted for a better product from the start.
Popular backyard accessories to consider:
Outdoor TVs and sound systems
Bar setups with sinks and fridges
Accent lighting for landscaping or pathways
Pergolas, shade sails, or custom planters
Plan your accessories early and buy quality — so you’re enjoying them for years instead of replacing them after one season.
4. Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen or BBQ Island Early
Outdoor kitchens and BBQ islands have evolved far beyond a simple grill on the patio. Today, they’re bigger, more custom, and more functional than ever, becoming the centerpiece of modern backyard living. They’re where guests gather, where the cooking action happens, and where your investment in your outdoor space really shines.
That’s why it’s so important to plan your outdoor kitchen from the very beginning of your project. If you wait until after the rest of the backyard is built, you risk having to tear up finished work, reroute utilities, or settle for something smaller and less functional than you originally wanted.
Why early planning matters:
Utilities come first – Gas, water, and electrical lines need to be installed before pouring concrete or laying pavers. Doing this after the fact is more expensive, disruptive, and limits your options.
Perfect placement is key – Your kitchen should be positioned to avoid wind blowing smoke into seating areas, have easy access to shade, and allow for smooth movement between cooking, dining, and lounging zones.
Seamless design – Planning ahead means your kitchen can be matched to your patio, hardscaping, and shade structures for a cohesive, high-end look.
How Best of Backyard makes it easier:
Our expert outdoor kitchen 3D design specialists work with you from concept to completion. We help with:
Selecting the right appliances and features for your cooking style.
Deciding equipment placement for functionality and comfort.
Mapping stub-out locations for gas, water, and electrical connections.
Determining the correct cement pad or patio cover size to frame and protect your kitchen.
Ensuring the entire setup fits your space, meets building codes, and is built for durability.
Features to consider in your design:
Grill – Built-in gas, charcoal, or hybrid.
Side burners & power burners – For boiling, sautéing, or extra cooking capacity.
Refrigeration – Keep drinks, condiments, and ingredients close at hand.
Storage – Drawers, cabinets, and trash/recycle pull-outs for organization.
Prep space – Countertops for prepping, plating, and serving.
Sink – For quick cleanups and convenience.
Bonus equipment – Pizza ovens, smokers, or flat-top griddles to expand your menu.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re not ready to add all the extras now, plan for them in your design. Leaving space and running the necessary utilities ahead of time will save you money and headaches later.
When you plan your outdoor kitchen early, you’re not just building a cooking station — you’re creating the heart of your backyard. It’s where family meals, holiday parties, and late-night hangouts happen, and with the right design, it’ll be a space you’ll enjoy for years to come.
5. Check Permits and HOA Compliance Early
Few things will stall a backyard project faster — or cause more frustration — than finding out halfway through (or worse, after completion) that your build isn’t up to code or violates your HOA’s rules. Even seemingly simple upgrades like a patio cover, BBQ island, pool heater, or new fencing can require permits or HOA approval. Skip these steps and you risk:
Costly fines.
Mandatory tear-downs.
Weeks or months of frustrating delays.
It’s not just your original design that matters — new additions or last-minute design changes can also trigger fresh permit requirements or HOA review. This could be as simple as:
Extending your patio cover by a few feet.
Adding a fire pit or pizza oven to your outdoor kitchen.
Swapping your planned paver color for a different material.
Changing your pool tile to include a custom design or motif.
In some communities, these “small” changes still require official approval. If you move forward without checking, you could end up stopping construction or redoing completed work — which can be far more expensive than doing it right the first time.
Before construction begins:
Contact your city or county building department to confirm which permits you’ll need.
If you’re in an HOA community, review your CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) thoroughly. These often have strict guidelines for:
Approved materials and colors.
Structure heights and sizes.
Setbacks from property lines.
Landscaping types and placement.
Submit all plans early — and include any “optional” features you might want later to avoid multiple approval cycles.
More Tips for that perfect outdoor space.
A backyard full of high-maintenance plants looks amazing in photos… until you’re spending every weekend trimming, watering, and replacing them. Choose climate-appropriate plants, drought-tolerant landscaping, and easy-care greenery so your backyard stays beautiful without becoming a full-time job.
Lighting can completely change how your backyard looks and feels at night. It’s not just for ambiance — it’s also key for safety and functionality. Plan your lighting during the design stage, not after, so wiring can be hidden, power sources placed correctly, and fixtures positioned for maximum impact.
Use task lighting for outdoor kitchens and work areas, pathway lights for safety, and accent lighting to highlight trees, landscaping, or architectural features. A well-lit backyard invites you to keep the party going long after the sun goes down.
Today’s backyards are smarter and more comfortable than ever. If you’re already investing in a remodel, think about the tech and comfort upgrades that can make your space easier to enjoy year-round.
This could mean built-in outdoor speakers for music, Wi-Fi extenders so you can stream outside, outdoor TVs for game nights, or misting systems to keep guests cool in summer. You might also consider ceiling fans in patio covers, or outdoor heaters to stretch the season.
Planning for these features early means the wiring, mounts, and utility connections are hidden and ready to go — no messy cords, no awkward retrofits. It’s the difference between a nice backyard and one that feels like a fully connected outdoor living room.
Use task lighting for outdoor kitchens and work areas, pathway lights for safety, and accent lighting to highlight trees, landscaping, or architectural features. A well-lit backyard invites you to keep the party going long after the sun goes down.
The best backyards tell a story. They’re not just beautiful spaces — they’re a reflection of the people who use them. We’ve seen customers get creative in amazing ways: from placing dinosaur statues in the landscaping to delight their kids, to adding turtle motifs on pool tiles just because it makes them happy. These unique touches turn a nice yard into your yard.
Your personal element could be anything — a custom tile pattern on your outdoor kitchen, themed seating areas, decorative fire pit shapes, or even a playful garden sculpture. Whatever it is, plan it early so it blends naturally into the design, lasts for years, and makes you smile every time you step outside.
Every amazing backyard starts with a great plan — and the right people to bring it to life. At Best of Backyard here in Riverside, California, we don’t just build patios, kitchens, and shade covers… we design spaces you’ll love to live in. Our team will guide you through every detail, from 3D designs and equipment selection to layout, utilities, and those personal touches that make your backyard truly yours.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your current yard a complete makeover, we’re here to make the process smooth, stress-free, and exciting. Call us today, and let’s turn your vision into the backyard you’ve always dreamed of — right here in Southern California.
