Gomez Project — South Escondido Front Yard Remodel
TL;DR
A structured front yard rebuild that replaced a flat, underwhelming streetscape with a modern paver walkway, tiered hardscape, integrated lighting, and code-compliant drainage for long-term curb appeal and daily usability. — Front Yard, Walkways, Drainage, Lighting
Project Quick Facts
City Escondido
Neighborhood South Escondido (92029)
Constraints/Challenges Existing driveway alignment, limited front yard depth, and the need to create visual separation and elevation change without overwhelming the space.
Goals Improve curb appeal and create a clean, functional front yard layout.
Scope Pavers, artificial grass, lighting, drainage, and planting areas.
Style Modern
Timeline Approximately 2 weeks
RANGE $35k–$40k
Problem
- Our front yard felt flat and uninviting from the street and didn’t reflect the style of our home.
- The layout lacked clear walk paths and definition, making the space feel disorganized.
- We wanted a clean, modern front yard that would look intentional and hold up long-term with minimal maintenance.
How IID Helped
Install-It-Direct served as the guide throughout the process, helping the homeowners translate curb-appeal goals into a clear, buildable front yard plan. The team aligned layout, elevations, drainage flow, and lighting early so the project moved smoothly from demo through final detailing—without surprises. By focusing on proper base preparation, clean transitions, and coordinated utilities, IID delivered a front yard that feels intentional, modern, and easy to maintain. Over 1,000 five-star reviews and 1,500+ San Diego homeowners served.
Plan
- Defined a central paver stepper pathway using large-format Angelus Paseo II units to create a clear visual line from sidewalk to entry.
- Introduced tiered hardscape elements and freestanding walls to manage subtle elevation changes while keeping the space open.
- Coordinated artificial grass, decorative rock, and planting zones to soften the hardscape and reduce long-term maintenance.
- Integrated low-voltage lighting along walk paths and steps to improve nighttime visibility and safety.
- Designed grading and surface drainage to move water away from the home in a code-compliant manner without disrupting the front yard layout.
Build
Site preparation and demolition → Base and grading preparation → Wall and step construction → Paver installation → Turf installation → Lighting, drainage, and final detailing
• Verified excavation depths and base preparation prior to hardscape installation. • Confirmed wall alignment, step elevations, and walkway transitions during construction. • Reviewed drainage flow and final elevations before closeout to ensure proper water movement away from the home.
• Installed low-voltage lighting with transformer, wiring, and timer for safe nighttime illumination. • Routed surface drainage using gravity-fed piping and pop-up outlets to manage runoff on-site. • Adjusted and capped existing irrigation lines as required to align with the new layout.
Result
The completed front yard now delivers a defined, modern streetscape with clear walk paths, improved drainage performance, and a balanced mix of hardscape and greenery—all completed within the planned timeline.
A Clean, Modern Upgrade to Our Front Yard
We’re extremely happy with how our front yard turned out. The new paver walkway, turf, and lighting completely changed how the space feels from the street. The Install-It-Direct team was organized, communicative, and delivered exactly what was planned.
Project Details
• Pavers: Angelus Paseo II 24×24 gray concrete paver steppers
• Walls & Steps: Angelus Bastione freestanding block with charcoal caps
• Artificial Grass: Imperial Desert Rye Premium with weed barrier and infill
• Lighting: Pro-Trade low-voltage LED fixtures with transformer and timer
• Drainage: Gravity-fed surface drainage with pop-up outlets
• Drainage coordinated using SDR35 piping, perforated drain lines, and pop-up outlets
• Grading and elevations set to direct surface water away from the home in a code-compliant manner
• The scope was limited to front yard hardscape, artificial grass, low-voltage lighting, and surface drainage improvements.
• No structural retaining walls, building additions, or utility tie-ins requiring a building permit were included.
• Low-voltage lighting was installed as part of the landscape scope and did not require a separate electrical permit.
• All work was completed in alignment with applicable local guidelines for non-permitted residential landscape improvements.
• Design approved: 08/20/2025
• Start: 09/04/2025
• Substantial completion: 09/18/2025
• On Time Completion
Investment Breakdown
| Component | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Pavers | $4,200 | $5,800 |
| Walls and Steps | $11,200 | $12,600 |
| Drainage Upgrades | $5,200 | $5,700 |
| Lighting | $4,600 | $5,100 |
| Artificial Grass | $6,200 | $6,900 |
| Base and Site Preparation | $3,600 | $3,900 |
| Whole Project | $35,000 | $40,000 |
Gallery
Tiered front yard defined by Bastione freestanding block walls, creating elevation change without overwhelming the space.
Concrete entry steps framed with Bastione wall stone and charcoal caps for a clean, structured transition from sidewalk to yard.
Large-format Angelus Paseo II paver steppers set within artificial grass to guide movement while keeping the layout open.
Full front yard overview showing coordinated pavers, turf, walls, and planting zones working together for curb appeal.
FAQs
How long does a front yard hardscape project like this typically take?
Projects of this scope are often completed in about two weeks, depending on site conditions, material availability, and weather.
Do paver walkways require ongoing maintenance?
Properly installed pavers over a compacted base require minimal maintenance and allow for easy repairs if adjustments are ever needed.
Is artificial grass a good option for front yards?
Yes. Premium artificial grass provides consistent appearance year-round while reducing water use and maintenance.
How is drainage handled in front yard hardscape projects?
Drainage is designed to move surface water away from the home using gravity-fed piping and surface outlets in a controlled, code-compliant manner.
Do projects like this usually require permits?
Most front yard hardscape projects do not require permits when they avoid structural walls, building additions, or utility tie-ins, but each project is evaluated individually.
3-Step Plan: What to Expect When Working With Install it Direct
Design
Site walk, 2D/3D concepts, and a written price range that fits your goals.
Build
We manage permits/HOA, drainage & utilities, inspections, and daily updates to your phone.
Enjoy
Final walkthrough, care guide, warranty, and ongoing service when you need us.
About The Project Manager
Troy MacMillan
Troy is a San Diego native, is a devoted husband and proud father of two daughters. With more than 20 years of experience in landscape construction, he brings a wealth of expertise and craftsmanship to every project. Outside of work, Troy enjoys maintaining his small weekend farm and has a passion for board sports, video games, gardening, and a good game of cornhole. Above all, he treasures his role as a father and the time he spends with his family.
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