Frequently Asked Questions

The easiest way to get started is to request a consultation through our website or send us an email. Email is the easiest way to reach us and keeps everything in one place. Tell us a little about your project, your location, and what you are hoping to improve, and we will follow up to discuss the next step.

Yes. Consultations are free. We meet to look at your yard, talk through your goals and budget, and help determine the best next step for your project.

Yes. 2D plans and 3D designs are a separate service, priced based on the size and complexity of your project. We will let you know the design cost up front, before any design work begins.

Every yard is different, so we don't use one-size-fits-all pricing. Cost depends on the size of the area, the materials you choose, site conditions like slopes, access, and drainage, and how much demolition and prep work is needed. A simple turf or planting refresh costs far less than a full backyard with a patio, retaining walls, lighting, and an outdoor kitchen.

The best way to get a real number is a free consultation. We'll walk your yard, talk through your goals and budget, and put together a proposal with options so you can choose what fits.

Project timelines depend on the size, scope, material availability, weather, and scheduling. Smaller projects may be completed fairly quickly, while larger transformations can take several weeks or more. We will review the expected timeline before work begins.

It depends on the size of the project, any permits or HOA approvals needed, and the time of year. As we get close to finalizing and signing your proposal, we will give you a better idea of your start date.

You work directly with owner and designer Louis Siegel from the first conversation through design, pricing, construction, and the final walkthrough. Louis oversees the crew throughout the build, so there is always one person accountable for your project and one person to call with questions.

Yes. Transformation Construction & Design Inc. is a licensed California contractor, CA License #1109820. We also carry the appropriate insurance and bonding for our work.

Hardscape and construction work, including concrete, pavers, walls, decks, drainage, irrigation, and lighting, carries a 2-year warranty. Plants and trees we supply and install are covered for 90 days. Your proposal spells out exactly what is covered for your project, and if an issue ever comes up, let us know. We will do our best to be fair and make it right.

When you sign, we collect a deposit of 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. There is a starter payment when work begins, and the balance is paid through weekly progress payments as the work is completed, so you are paying for work as you see it happen.

Yes. Financing options are available through QuickBooks. Ask us about it during your consultation and we can walk you through the details.

Transformation Construction & Design Inc. is based in Castro Valley and serves the East Bay and Tri-Valley, including Alamo, Castro Valley, Danville, Dublin, Hayward, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Pleasanton, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.

We specialize in outdoor design and construction, including landscape design, moss rock retaining walls, hardscape, patios, concrete, pavers, synthetic turf, putting greens, BBQ islands and outdoor kitchens, water features, irrigation, lighting, drainage, planting, garden boxes, pergolas, decks, steps, seating areas, and complete front yard or backyard transformations.

Most of our projects start at around $5,000. We focus on design-build projects like patios, retaining walls, turf, lighting, irrigation, and full yard transformations, rather than small one-off repairs.

Yes. Budget is an important part of the planning process. We can help explain what is realistic for your space and prioritize the items that will make the biggest impact.

Yes. We can provide 3D design concepts for many projects. This helps clients better visualize the layout, materials, lighting, planting, and overall feel of the finished space before construction begins. We can also provide simple 2D designs when appropriate.

Not always. Smaller or more straightforward projects may not require a full design. For larger projects, phased projects, or complete yard transformations, a design can help clarify the scope, budget, layout, and finished look before work begins. In some cases, a simple sketch may be enough.

Yes. We can help guide selections for pavers, concrete finishes, rock, turf, plants, lighting, and other materials so the finished project feels consistent and fits your home.

Yes. We work on front yard, backyard, and full property outdoor improvement projects. This includes curb appeal upgrades, low-maintenance landscapes, outdoor living areas, patios, turf, lighting, and complete design-build transformations.

Yes. We build to written standards on every project, like 3½" minimum concrete with rebar on about a 2-foot grid, Schedule 40 irrigation pipe, and at least 2" of compacted base under synthetic turf. Your proposal spells out the specifics for your project. See How We Build for our full construction standards.

All concrete can develop hairline cracks as it cures and moves with the seasons. We reduce cracking with rebar reinforcement, a strong 6-sack mix, compacted base rock, and expansion joints and dowels where new concrete meets existing. Our 2-year warranty covers excessive settling or raising of the slab.

Yes. We build patios, walkways, steps, seating areas, concrete flatwork, paver areas, retaining walls, and other hardscape features.

Yes. We install artificial turf, putting greens, and low-maintenance turf areas for both front and backyards.

Yes. Synthetic turf can get hot in direct sun or reflected sun from windows. Infill choice, shade, and a quick rinse on hot days help. Turf seams are also somewhat visible up close, which is normal.

Yes. Landscape lighting is one of the best ways to improve the look and usability of an outdoor space. We can include path lights, accent lights, step lights, wall lights, and lighting for trees, patios, walkways, and outdoor living areas.

Yes. We can install, repair, or upgrade irrigation systems as part of a landscape project. Proper irrigation is important for plant health, water efficiency, and long-term maintenance.

Yes. Many of our projects include drought-tolerant planting, drip irrigation, rock, mulch, synthetic turf, dry creek beds, boulders, and other lower-maintenance landscape features.

Generally, no. Weed fabric under bark can become slippery on slopes and keeps the bark from feeding the soil as it breaks down. Instead, we use a pre-emergent weed control where appropriate and about 2" of bark. Bark will need a fresh top layer every so often as it settles and breaks down.

Yes. Most projects include some level of demolition, clearing, grading, or removal of old landscaping, concrete, turf, plants, or other existing materials.

We do our best to match existing materials as closely as reasonably possible. However, exact matches can be difficult due to age, weathering, manufacturer changes, and batch differences.

Yes, we help with both. When your neighborhood requires HOA approval, we provide clear design plans and help with the HOA submittal. When a city permit is needed, we help identify the requirements and assist with the permit process as part of project planning.

Yes. Many outdoor projects can be phased. If you have a long-term plan but want to start with the most important areas first, we can help organize the work in a practical order.

We keep the job site as tidy and respectful as possible. Most of our jobs have a portable toilet on site for the crew, and we clean up at the end of every day. We protect your driveway, house, and nearby surfaces where needed, and we talk with you ahead of time about access, parking, and where materials and equipment will go.

At this time, we do not offer weekly or monthly landscape maintenance services such as mowing, blowing, pruning, or regular yard care.

However, for existing clients and completed projects, we are happy to help with larger one-time needs when our schedule allows. This may include seasonal cleanups, irrigation repairs, plant replacement, lighting adjustments, drainage concerns, or small project-related repairs.