In California, outdoor spaces are just as important as the home’s interior, but they can often be neglected in favor of internal improvements. That’s a shame because a well-designed outdoor renovation can completely transform a property’s ambiance, value, and functionality. In this post, we showcase six of our favorite outdoor home renovation projects, complete with before-and-after inspiration, that show how dramatically a home can be enhanced with great outdoor remodeling.
A Pleasanton Backyard Transformed
Before
This Pleasanton backyard felt underwhelming. For a young couple who loved to entertain, it was a disappointment. The space was limited due to an existing retaining wall and terraced yard, and it lacked any real purpose or personality. The homeowners wanted something far more functional and inviting where they could host family and friends, enjoy BBQs, watch sports, and relax outdoors year-round.
After
Our team of experts at Gayler Design Build transformed the space by designing a 400-square-foot pavilion seamlessly attached to the back of the home. Featuring an open-beam whitewashed ceiling, skylight, ceiling fan, and built-in heaters, the pavilion is designed for all-season comfort.
“A well-designed pavilion creates a natural extension of your home, turning your backyard into an extra living space,” says Chris Gayler, President & General Manager of Gayler Design Build. “It’s where function meets comfort and provides a space in which to entertain, relax, read, and even work.”
Beneath the structure sits a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, which includes a stainless steel grill, fridge, sink, and a dual-level Bianco Typhoon bar that seats six. A gas fireplace with stacked stone surround anchors a cozy lounge area. Every little detail was tailored exactly to the homeowners’ preferences, including the stamped concrete underfoot. The result is an outdoor space that surpasses their expectations.
Hello, Curb Appeal: A Danville Front Makeover
Before
Built in 1973, this Danville home had lost its charm and was in need of a facelift. The front façade felt dated and drab, with little to draw the eye. The homeowners sought a transformation that would enhance the home’s curb appeal and dated appearance while introducing architectural interest.
After
We changed the entire front exterior of the house. To add texture and depth, we built a striking new porch with resawn timber ceiling and Canyon Creek Glacier Mountain stone columns (the stone was shipped in directly from Montana). A redesigned roofline and craftsman-style detailing gave the home an entirely new look.
Red cedar shingles in the gables, new wood garage doors, and custom lighting further enhanced the character and warmth of the façade. In front of the house, a new concrete walkway, native landscaping, a sitting area, and a handcrafted stucco mailbox added elegance to the approach while preserving and celebrating a beloved Liquid Amber tree.
“Refreshing a home’s façade comes with several benefits that go beyond aesthetics, important as it is,” says Chris Gayler. “The right exterior upgrades can boost a property’s value, improve energy efficiency, enhance the local neighborhood as a whole, and create a welcoming feel for family, friends, and guests that lasts for years.”
An Outdoor Living Room Without Walls in Pleasanton
Before
The Pleasanton homeowner, a young executive in the cosmetics industry, wanted a space in which to entertain family, friends, and colleagues. Unfortunately, a plain backyard with limited seating and no protection from the elements didn’t offer the comfortable, multifunctional space she wanted. Something needed to change.
After
Our design-build team, in collaboration with Jeff Culbertson and Culbertson Durst Interiors, designed and built this gorgeous Outdoor Great Room. A clear span roof provides generous open space, while heaters, fans, and a fire table ensure year-round comfort.
The bar, which seats six, merges with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen complete with a Fire Magic BBQ, cooktop, warming drawer, and dual refrigerators. With integrated TVs and a sound system, the space seamlessly supports both intimate chats and larger-scale entertaining. For added continuity, the design was also coordinated with the interior of her home.
A Danville Room Addition with Outdoor Flair
Before
With lifestyle needs shifting, this Danville family found themselves in need of a dedicated home office. The problem was that their existing layout provided no clear solution. The exterior, with its tall boxy wall and dated features, also lacked the curb appeal they hoped for. So, they approached Gayler Design Build for help.
After
Our team of experienced designers and builders reimagined the property with a side-room addition and full exterior refresh. The changes were seamlessly integrated with the original structure, including a trimmed back roofline, new skylights, black-framed windows, and a covered porch, all of which added striking visual interest and contemporary flair.
The result is a beautifully integrated room addition that serves as a home office, complemented by a fresh and attractive façade.
“When you want to add a new room, but your home’s layout doesn’t provide that opportunity, a well-planned addition and exterior remodel can offer the perfect solution,” says Samia Ilham, Residential Architect at Gayler Design Build. “With the right design approach, we can expand functionality while blending the addition seamlessly into the home’s original style and character.”
Danville Outdoor Pavilion Perfect for Entertainment
Before
These Danville homeowners had ample space for outdoor entertaining and sought a design-build partner who could help bring their vision to life. They envisioned a high-end outdoor retreat that could accommodate everything from elegant dinner parties to casual family gatherings.
After
Introduced by designer Dorene Gomez, Gayler Design Build delivered a custom pavilion and gourmet outdoor kitchen tailored to the family’s lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Stunning Ijen Blue Quartzite countertops (quarried in Brazil) set the tone with beautiful blue and gold veining.
The kitchen layout was meticulously planned for multiple cooks, complete with high-end appliances and thoughtful storage. A separate lounge and spacious dining area enhance guest comfort all year round with the inclusion of built-in fans, heaters, and lighting. The homeowners were beyond delighted with the result.
A Blissful Walnut Creek Outdoor Living Upgrade
Before
For this Walnut Creek family, entertaining was an essential part of their lifestyle. Their backyard, however, was failing to live up to its potential. With only a basic paver patio and no real structure in place, the homeowners desperately wanted a versatile, welcoming space that could support everything from large celebrations to laid-back evenings with friends.
After
Gayler Design Build brought their vision to life with a beautifully crafted pavilion and full-featured outdoor kitchen. Inspired by the family’s curated ideas, the space now features a state-of-the-art built-in BBQ unit, complete with functional workstations, a convenient sink, a refrigerator for refreshments, and a sealed pantry, among other amenities.
Durable quartz countertops mimic the clean look of concrete while offering long-lasting performance. Strategically placed lighting throughout the pavilion creates a warm, relaxing glow that is perfect for evening gatherings. The result is a captivating, enchanting, and inviting outdoor space that perfectly suits the family’s entertainment needs.
Why Gayler Design Build is the Best Remodeling Company for Your Outdoor Remodel
Each of these outdoor home renovation projects reflects the power of design-build collaboration and a clear vision for elevated outdoor living. Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor kitchen remodel, a backyard renovation, or a front façade transformation, Gayler Design Build can bring your vision to life—from concept to completion.
With decades of experience (since 1961), an award-winning team, and a client-first approach, Gayler Design Build stands out as the best remodeling company in the Tri-Valley area. Our design-build approach ensures a seamless renovation experience, delivering exceptional results that exceed expectations.
Contact our team today if you’re ready to transform your home into the one of your dreams. We can do everything, from kitchen and bathroom remodels to home additions, exterior remodels, outdoor living spaces, and ADUs.
Let us help you bring harmony and beauty to the heart of your home.
Call Gayler Design Build at 925-820-0185 for a complimentary in-home design consultation. Or use our contact form to schedule your appointment.
