Complete Backyard Transformations
Pools, spas, pavers, turf, pergolas, kitchens, fire, lighting, glass, misting, and sound — designed together, built by one accountable team.
Quick planning summary
- Best for
- Homeowners who don't want to project-manage five separate contractors
- Planning investment
- Complete backyard transformations vary widely based on size, access, materials, pool scope, shade structures, kitchens, fire features, lighting, glass, and finish level.
- Typical timeline
- Full backyard transformations can involve design, engineering, HOA review, permits, demo, excavation, utility work, inspections, material lead times, and multiple construction phases.
- Service area
- Phoenix metro — Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, and surrounding cities.
- AE division
- AE Outdoor Living
Ranges are planning guidance and reviewed periodically. Final figures live in your signed proposal.
New River Resort Backyard
A full resort transformation in New River, AZ — pool with in-water basketball, raised infinity-edge spa with fire trough and rain-curtain feature wall, stacked-stone ramada with outdoor TV and fireplace, color-changing pool and landscape lighting, and shade sails framed by metal palm sculptures.
See the full case studyWhat AE currently offers for this scope
Only options we actively design, source, and build today. Ask in your intake if you don't see what you're picturing.
- Master plan for the whole yard
- Coordinated construction sequencing
- One accountable point of contact
- Pool, hardscape, shade, kitchen, lighting, glass
- Drainage and utilities planned early
- Financing and phasing supported
What can be included
- —Custom pool
- —Raised spa
- —Baja shelf
- —Paver patios
- —Artificial turf
- —Pergola or patio cover
- —Outdoor kitchen
- —BBQ island
- —Fire pit or fire bowls
- —Misting system
Common full-yard packages
- —Pool + pavers + turf
- —Pool + spa + pergola
- —Pool + outdoor kitchen + fire
- —Pavers + turf + lighting
- —Glass fence + pool remodel
- —Full backyard transformation — pool, kitchen, shade, glass, lighting as one plan
The scope items that move the number
Size, selections, access, demolition, utilities, engineering, drainage, permitting, HOA requirements, site conditions, and specialty trades. We surface each one in your written scope instead of teasing a price that omits common cost drivers.
- Lot size and grade
- Site access for equipment
- Demo of existing pool, patio, or landscape
- Pool size and shape
- Spa, water features, and fire features
- Pergola or patio cover engineering
- Outdoor kitchen utilities
- Drainage and grading
- Permits and HOA review
- Finish level across materials
What this looks like in Arizona heat, soil, and monsoon
One master plan, phased
Most yards are designed once and built in phases — pool + hardscape in phase 1, kitchen + shade in phase 2 — so utilities and base prep are right the first time.
Sequenced to the heat
Excavation and concrete-pour stages get scheduled around summer afternoon heat, monsoon windows, and inspection backlogs across Maricopa cities.
HOA + city in parallel
AE submits HOA architectural review and city permits in parallel during design — so build start isn't held up by paperwork most homeowners discover too late.
Drainage first
Grading and drainage are designed before pool shape, kitchen location, or planting. Solve water first or solve it twice.
How we build it, summarized
- — Written, itemized scope before any work begins; no verbal change orders.
- — Engineering, drainage, and code review documented in the approved design.
- — Manufacturer instructions and current AZ code govern installation methods.
- — Photo documentation captured at each major milestone for the project file.
Final specifications depend on the approved design, site conditions, engineering, applicable code, manufacturer instructions, and signed scope.
See full Construction Standards →Set in your signed proposal
Your signed proposal and agreement control payment milestones, permitting responsibilities, warranty coverage, exclusions, and project scope. Pool and non-pool projects follow different milestone schedules.
What's covered, and by whom
AE provides a two-year workmanship warranty unless a signed agreement states otherwise. Manufacturer warranties apply where applicable and vary by product. Your signed agreement and manufacturer documentation control coverage.
- Pool shell & structureAE workmanship: 2-year AE workmanship
- Pool interior surfaceAE workmanship: Manufacturer warranty appliesManufacturer: Per manufacturer
- Pool tile & water featuresAE workmanship: 2-year AE workmanship
- Pool equipmentAE workmanship: Manufacturer warranty appliesManufacturer: Per manufacturer (varies by product)
- AE LEDs (permanent lighting)AE workmanship: 2-year workmanshipManufacturer: Manufacturer component warranty (varies by product)
- Sonoran Glass & FenceAE workmanship: 2-year workmanship; gate adjustments for 1 yearManufacturer: Manufacturer glass & hardware warranty
- Landscape, hardscape, stone, paversAE workmanship: 2-year workmanship
- Artificial turfAE workmanship: 2-year workmanshipManufacturer: Manufacturer coverage may continue; labor excluded after year 2
- Plants & treesAE workmanship: 90-day replacement with proper care, subject to exclusions
Website information is for planning purposes. Your signed proposal and agreement control the scope, payment schedule, warranty, and project responsibilities.
Complete Backyard Transformations questions, answered
What's included in a complete backyard transformation?+
Our complete transformations include everything from new pool construction and hardscaping to outdoor kitchens, pergolas, lighting, and landscaping. We handle the entire design-build process with our team and trusted trade partners.
How long does a typical complete backyard transformation take in Arizona?+
Most complete transformations, including a new pool, take approximately 4–8 months from initial design to project completion. Factors like material availability and permitting can influence the timeline.
What's the typical cost range for a complete backyard transformation?+
A complete backyard transformation, including a new pool and extensive features, typically ranges from $100,000 to $500,000+. The final cost depends on the size, complexity, and materials chosen.
Do you handle HOA approvals and permits for backyard projects in Arizona?+
Yes, we manage all necessary HOA submissions and permits with your local municipality (Peoria, Glendale, Scottsdale, etc.). We streamline this process to keep your project on schedule.
How does the Arizona climate impact material choices for my backyard?+
We recommend materials that withstand intense summer heat, monsoons, and UV exposure, such as natural stone, porcelain tile, and specific types of synthetic turf. We also consider caliche soil conditions for foundations.
Can my complete backyard transformation be phased to spread out the cost?+
Yes — we offer master planning with phased construction options, so you can build the full project in stages that align with your budget and timeline.
Do you offer financing options for complete backyard transformations?+
Yes, we partner with several reputable lenders specializing in home improvement and pool financing. We can connect you with options that fit your financial needs.
How does your design-build process work for backyard transformations?+
Our process begins with an in-depth consultation and site analysis, followed by conceptual design, detailed plans, material selections, and expert construction coordination, all by one team.
Published specifications are typical AE planning or construction baselines. Final specifications depend on site conditions, engineering, manufacturer requirements, applicable code, and the signed scope.
What goes wrong when this is done poorly
- Pavers torn out and reinstalled because a later trade wasn't planned for
- Drainage pointed toward the house
- Pool equipment placed where it ruins a sightline
- Pergola columns blocking flow between zones
- Lighting added too late and trenched through new hardscape
- Outdoor kitchen utilities not roughed in early
Often built alongside
Ready to plan this the right way?
One accountable team — design, written scope, build, and aftercare.