Concept
A clear, build-ready plan you can take anywhere.
$1,350/ design
- Site analysis
- 2D site plan
- Concept moodboard
- 1 revision round
Service
Backyard Design
Plans you can build, palettes you can live in.
What's included
Every project, every time.
- ✓Site analysis & measurementLaser measure, slope/grade, sun path, existing features.
- ✓Concept moodboard + style direction2–3 visual directions to pick from.
- ✓2D site planHardscape + softscape layout, dimensioned.
- ✓3D rendering1–2 angles, photoreal lighting.
- ✓Planting planDrought-tolerant palette, mature sizes, water zones.
- ✓Lighting planPath, accent, downlight, control schematic.
- ✓Material & finish specificationsPavers, stone, wood, metal — sample list.
- ✓HOA submittal + construction docsPlan set ready for permit & build.
Deliverables
What you actually receive.
Before / After
From design intent to landscaped reality.
Drag the divider, swipe on touch, or use ←/→ keys when the handle is focused. Left: the same backyard before landscaping. Drag to reveal the finished deck, flagstone path, lawn and planting.
Before image: an AI visualization generated from the finished-project photo, for illustration only. After image: an actual NHG HOME project photo.
Three ways to start
Pick the package that fits your scope.
Fixed-fee design tiers. Build cost is separate (typical range $40K–$250K+).
Signature
The package most clients pick when they intend to build.
$2,800/ design
- All Concept deliverables
- 3D rendering (1 angle)
- Planting plan
- Lighting plan
- 2 revision rounds
Estate
Full architectural integration with HOA-ready package.
$5,200+/ design
- All Signature deliverables
- 3D rendering (2 angles)
- Full material specifications
- HOA submittal package
- Construction-ready docs
- Unlimited revisions
Design packages
What do you get for a backyard design fee?
Three flat-fee tiers, $1,350 to $5,200+, separated by how much documentation the build needs. Construction is quoted separately and typically runs $40,000 to $250,000+ depending on scope.
Every tier delivers drawings you own outright. If you decide to build with another contractor, the plans go with you.
| Package | Fee | 2D site plan | 3D rendering | Planting & lighting plans | HOA package | Revisions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept | $1,350 | Yes | — | — | — | 1 round |
| Signature | $2,800 | Yes | 1 angle | Yes | — | 2 rounds |
| Estate | $5,200+ | Yes | 2 angles | Yes | Yes, submittal-ready | Unlimited in scope |
The design fee is credited back against construction when NHG HOME builds the project.
Timeline
How long does the design phase take?
Concept takes 2 to 3 weeks from the site visit to a plan you can price. Signature runs 4 to 5 weeks because of the rendering and the planting and lighting layers, and Estate takes 6 to 8 weeks with the HOA package and construction details.
| Stage | Concept | Signature | Estate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site visit, survey and intake | 3 – 5 days | 3 – 5 days | 5 – 7 days |
| Concept plan and moodboard | 7 – 10 days | 7 – 10 days | 7 – 10 days |
| 3D rendering | — | 7 – 10 days | 10 – 14 days |
| Planting, lighting and material specs | — | 5 – 7 days | 7 – 10 days |
| HOA submittal package | — | — | 7 – 14 days |
| Total | 2 – 3 weeks | 4 – 5 weeks | 6 – 8 weeks |
HOA review itself adds 30 to 90 days depending on the association, and it runs in parallel with city plan check rather than after it.
FAQ
What people ask about backyard design.
How long does the design phase take?
Typical timeline: 4–6 weeks for Concept, 6–10 weeks for Signature, 10–14 weeks for Estate. Depends on revision rounds and HOA timing.
Do you also build, or design only?
Both. NHG is design-build — same team takes you from sketch to walkthrough. You can also hire us for design only and bring your own builder.
Can the design fee be credited toward construction?
Yes — when you sign a construction contract with NHG within 12 months of design completion, the full design fee credits toward your build.
How is HOA submittal handled?
The Estate tier includes the HOA submittal package (renderings, plans, material specs in HOA-ready format). For Concept and Signature, we hand off a base set you can submit yourself, or upgrade later.
How many revision rounds are included?
Concept: 1 round. Signature: 2 rounds. Estate: unlimited during the active design phase. A "round" is one consolidated batch of edits.
Does the design include a cost estimate for construction?
Signature and Estate include a preliminary cost-range estimate based on the material specs. Final fixed bid happens after design, when we move into construction contract phase.
Do I own the drawings if I do not build with you?
Yes. The plans are yours to take to any licensed contractor in Orange County, and they are drawn to a standard another builder can price and permit from. We do not use the drawings as leverage to win the construction contract.
What is the difference between Backyard Design and Landscape Design?
Backyard Design is scoped to a single yard — layout, hardscape, planting, lighting for the space behind the house. Landscape Design covers the whole property including front yard, driveway approach, side yards and architectural integration, and carries the heavier documentation set.
Do I need the Estate package for an HOA property?
Only if the association requires a full submittal set. Many Orange County HOAs accept a Signature-level plan with material specifications attached. We check your association's written standards during the site visit and tell you which tier actually clears review rather than defaulting you to the top one.
Your yard is the room you don't have yet.
Three minutes of questions. We come back with a recommended package, a build cost range, and a date to walk the lot.