Backyard Remodeling & Outdoor Living in Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles
Forma Homes delivers backyard remodeling & outdoor living across Manhattan Beach and the surrounding south bay neighborhoods of Los Angeles. South Bay luxury remodeling in Manhattan Beach — Sand Section, Tree Section, Hill Section.
Schedule a Consultation- License #1140511
- Licensed & Insured
- Serving LA's Westside

What makes backyard remodeling & outdoor living different in Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach runs its own building department and routes most projects through Coastal Commission review. The Sand Section sits on tight 30-foot-wide walk-street lots with vertical builds. The Tree Section and Hill Section run wider, with larger contemporary homes and view-driven hillside parcels. Salt air shapes every materials decision — copper, stainless, and properly detailed flashings are defaults.
Manhattan Beach sits in the California Coastal Zone, which means Coastal Commission review applies on top of standard permitting. We plan around that — typically 8–16 weeks of additional plan-check time depending on scope. Salt-air corrosion also drives material decisions: copper and stainless flashings, marine-grade fasteners, and assemblies engineered for marine exposure are the default rather than the upgrade.
Manhattan Beach runs its own permitting through City of Manhattan Beach + Coastal Commission. Plan-check timelines run on a separate clock from LADBS. We've worked through the local department often enough to know what their reviewers flag and what they wave through, so we submit the right drawing set the first time.
Common architecture in Manhattan Beach: Contemporary, Modern Beach, Cape Cod. We design south bay renovations to honor what's already there while bringing systems and finishes up to current code and current standards.
What's Included
- Pool and spa design and construction
- Hardscape — pavers, concrete, natural stone
- Outdoor kitchen and BBQ islands
- Fire pits and fire features
- Landscape design and installation
- Lighting and irrigation systems
- Fencing and privacy screening
- Permit management
How Much Does a Backyard Remodel Cost in Los Angeles?
Pricing in Manhattan Beach follows the same tiers we publish for every Los Angeles project — every estimate is grounded in your actual scope.
- Outdoor refresh$40K – $100K
- Full backyard remodel$100K – $300K
- High-end pool / structural$300K – $750K+
What drives final cost
Hardscape, decking, pool work, outdoor kitchens, fire features, structural elements, drainage and waterproofing, lighting and electrical, irrigation, plant material, permit requirements, and site access all influence final cost.
Every Manhattan Beach project is unique. Schedule a free consultation for a detailed estimate.
Get a Free Estimate*Ranges are typical estimates for Los Angeles projects, for informational purposes only. Not a quote, bid, or contractual offer. A binding price is established only through a signed written contract.
Backyard Remodeling & Outdoor Living in Manhattan Beach — Frequently Asked Questions
A new pool with surrounding hardscape typically takes 3–5 months from permit to completion. A hardscape-only project without a pool can be completed in 4–8 weeks.
Yes. Pool permitting in Los Angeles can be complex. We handle all applications, plan checks, and inspections.
Yes. We have extensive experience with hillside lots including retaining walls, drainage systems, and grading. Our Beverly Hills South Spalding project involves 4 caissons driven into a hillside.
Outdoor refreshes typically run $40K – $100K, full backyard remodels $100K – $300K, and high-end pool or structural projects $300K – $750K+. Hardscape, pool work, and structural elements drive the largest swings.
We coordinate pool work with licensed pool partners and integrate it with hardscape, decking, equipment screening, and landscape so the whole backyard reads as one cohesive design.
Yes. We design and build outdoor kitchens with appropriate gas, plumbing, electrical, drainage, and stone or tile finishes engineered for outdoor exposure.
Most full backyard projects run 4 – 9 months depending on scope, structural work, pool sequencing, and city plan check timing.
Often, yes. Pools, structural elements, electrical and gas service, drainage changes, and certain hardscape work typically require permits. We handle submittals and inspection coordination.
Backyard Remodeling & Outdoor Living Near Manhattan Beach
We also serve backyard remodeling & outdoor living clients in nearby south bay neighborhoods:
Other Forma Homes Services in Manhattan Beach
Most Manhattan Beach projects combine more than one trade. Explore the supporting services:
Ready to start your backyard project?
Schedule a free consultation and get a transparent estimate for your Manhattan Beach home.
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