Service
Outdoor Living in Pasadena & the San Gabriel Valley
Patios, pergolas, stone pillars, built in barbecues, and the lighting and irrigation that make them usable.
The short answer
An outdoor room gets used or ignored based on its layout, not its finishes: shade where the afternoon sun lands, lighting on a wired low-voltage circuit instead of an extension cord, and a cooking spot where the cook faces the guests. Low-voltage lighting alone roughly doubles the evening hours a patio actually gets used, and it is cheap to run while the ground is already open.
The detailsWhat decides whether it gets used.
Structures may need a permit
A freestanding pergola over a certain size, and almost anything attached to the house, generally needs a permit. Built in gas and electrical runs to an outdoor kitchen do too. We confirm the size thresholds with your city first.
Run services before the hardscape
Electrical, gas and irrigation lines should be trenched before pavers or concrete go down. Retrofitting them afterwards means cutting up work you have just paid for.
Lighting is the difference
A patio without lighting is a daytime patio. Low voltage lighting on a transformer and timer roughly doubles the hours a space actually gets used, and it is cheap to install while the ground is already open.
By cityOutdoor Living near you.
We also cover Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Alhambra, Temple City, La Crescenta, Bradbury. Call for those areas.
See it builtReal outdoor living, on the ground.
QuestionsOutdoor Living, answered.
Do I need a permit for a pergola?
It depends on size, height and whether it is attached to the house. Attached structures almost always require one. We confirm the size thresholds with your city first.
Can you build an outdoor kitchen with gas and water?
Yes. Gas and plumbing runs are permitted work and should be planned into the trenching before hardscape is installed.
How long does an outdoor project take?
It depends heavily on whether structures and permits are involved. A turf and paver project runs very differently from one with a permitted structure and utilities.
Before you startGuides worth reading.
ReviewsWhat clients say.
Hired Mike and his crew to redo our entire backyard and driveway. Removal of the asphalt and existing landscaping, running water lines and electrical, artificial grass, plant borders, a paver driveway, raised the patio gazebo, added a paver patio, landscaped borders, irrigation and outdoor lighting.
Teri CraftLocal Guide · 33 reviewsFrom start to finish the job was handled with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. What stood out most was their communication. Mr. Ward kept me informed every step of the way.
Angela Adams5 reviewsMKW Homes just painted our home. We are very satisfied with the work. During the process everything was clean and organized.
Jake Baloian3 reviewsMike and his crew were great. They did a wonderful job on the stucco patching and painting, and we were very pleased with the results.
Jen B1 reviewHired Mike and his crew to redo our entire backyard and driveway. Removal of the asphalt and existing landscaping, running water lines and electrical, artificial grass, plant borders, a paver driveway, raised the patio gazebo, added a paver patio, landscaped borders, irrigation and outdoor lighting.
Teri CraftLocal Guide · 33 reviewsFrom start to finish the job was handled with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. What stood out most was their communication. Mr. Ward kept me informed every step of the way.
Angela Adams5 reviewsMKW Homes just painted our home. We are very satisfied with the work. During the process everything was clean and organized.
Jake Baloian3 reviewsMike and his crew were great. They did a wonderful job on the stucco patching and painting, and we were very pleased with the results.
Jen B1 review