Rancho Mission Viejo Full Backyard Remodel Project

How do you take an 1,800 sqft backyard that only has grass and turn it into the best backyard in the neighborhood? Our designers, project managers, and field crews have the answer.

How about a sunken fire pit area, an outdoor kitchen with custom countertops and waterfalls, plus a sauna deck and a wood-based family room?

Date:

August 2025

Project Manager:

Ron Basnei and Jose A

Location:

Rancho Mission Viejo

Project Overview

This 1,800-square-foot backyard was transformed from a basic grass lawn into a fully designed outdoor living space. The project began with grass removal and the installation of turf integrated into a hardscape-focused layout.

A sunken fire pit area serves as the centerpiece, featuring built-in bench seating finished in custom wood. Nearby, a custom outdoor kitchen with Taj Mahal countertops and matching wood siding creates a seamless connection to the rest of the space.

The design is completed with an outdoor family room highlighted by a warm wood ceiling, using the same wood throughout the kitchen and fire pit to maintain a cohesive look. The result is a modern, low-maintenance backyard built for gathering, entertaining, and everyday enjoyment.

Milestones

Key Milestones in Our Back Yard Remodel Journey

Track the key moments of this high-end remodel from start to finish. Each milestone highlights important decisions, craftsmanship, and progress that brought the back yard to life

Needs & Design

We collaborated closely with the homeowners to understand how they wanted to use the space. Detailed 3D renderings were created to visualize the layout, including the sunken fire pit, outdoor kitchen, and family room, while final materials and finishes were carefully selected.

Demo & Permits

This stage included demolition of the existing grass, trenching for gas and utility lines, removal of the family room ceiling, and excavation for the sunken fire pit. All necessary permits were secured to ensure the project moved forward safely and smoothly.

Framing, Concrete & Fabrication

Structural framing and concrete work were completed to establish a solid foundation. Custom slabs were fabricated and installed, concrete was poured, and the wood ceiling and matching wood elements were constructed to define the main structures of the space.

Turf, Stepping Stones & Fire Pit

The final phase brought the design together with the installation of turf and stepping stones, followed by the fire pit installation and finishing details—transforming the backyard into a polished, functional outdoor living area.

Little more about the process

Back Yard Remodel Journey: From Start to Finish

Follow the design journey of this backyard transformation, from early concepts to a fully realized outdoor living space. Poli, the designer, guided every stage of the process, working closely with project managers and craftsmen to ensure precision, quality, and seamless execution.

Key decisions – such as layout planning, material selection, wood detailing, elevation changes, and utility coordination – were carefully reviewed and refined throughout the build. Each phase highlights the evolution of the backyard, demonstrating how thoughtful design, hands-on oversight, and attention to detail turned a simple lawn into a cohesive, functional, and visually striking outdoor retreat.