Homeowner guides
Straight answers before you hire
What does a retaining wall cost in the East Bay?
How much does a retaining wall cost? The factors that set the price in Contra Costa and Alameda County: height, length, material, access, soil and drainage. Free written estimate.
Should you repair or replace a retaining wall?
Leaning, bulging or cracked retaining wall? How to tell whether it can be repaired or needs a rebuild, and what drives the cost to fix it in the East Bay.
What does a paver driveway cost in the East Bay?
What sets the price of a paver driveway in Contra Costa and Alameda County: size, old slab removal, base depth, paver choice, pattern and drainage. Free written estimate.
How to choose a hardscape contractor
A plain checklist for hiring a patio, paver, retaining wall or concrete contractor in Contra Costa and Alameda counties: license, insurance, real photos, reviews and a written scope.
What affects the cost of a paver patio
Why paver patio and driveway prices vary so much in Contra Costa and Alameda counties: size, demolition, access, base prep, slope, drainage and the pavers you choose.
Pavers or stamped concrete?
How pavers and stamped concrete compare for East Bay patios and driveways: look, cracking, repairs, upkeep and which fits your yard. We install both.
Walnut Creek permits and HOA approval for hardscape
When Walnut Creek patios, retaining walls, drainage and driveways may need city review or HOA approval, including Rossmoor, and how to check before work starts.
What does the landscape design process look like?
How a landscape design project goes from first visit to finished yard in the East Bay: walking the property, choosing materials, planning drainage, a written scope, and building it.
What affects the cost of landscape design?
The factors that change the cost of a landscape design and build in the East Bay: yard size, slope and soil, removal, drainage, materials and access. No guesses, just what drives the price.
Replacing an old driveway: pavers vs. concrete vs. asphalt
What to know before replacing a cracked or sunken driveway in Contra Costa and Alameda counties: removal, base, drainage and how pavers, poured concrete and asphalt compare.
Hillside drainage solutions for Bay Area yards
How to stop runoff and erosion on a sloped East Bay yard: French drains, catch basins, grading and walls. Licensed contractor, free estimate.
Ready to Improve Your Outdoor Space?
Whether you’re planning a new driveway, patio, walkway, retaining wall, drainage system or complete outdoor renovation, Golden Hills can help you understand the right next step.