$25K
One major system, done right
Two real projects: Frisco turf conversion $27.2K · Flower Mound pool refresh $24.6K
Pattern A, turf conversion
Demo & haul-off, irrigation capping, graded 2-tier base, premium turf with antimicrobial infill, seams and edges finished
Pattern B, pool-area refresh
Re-plaster, new coping, waterline tile, mastic, skimmer, startup, the pool reads new without moving a wall
What it isn't
A full backyard. At $25k, pick the system that hurts most and finish it completely
$50K
The covered outdoor room
Real project: The Colony, completed 2025, $47.6K
Structure
Shingle-matched patio cover tied into the house (~$21k of the budget)
Floor
Travertine patio in a French pattern (~$12k)
The room part
Stone TV wall, awning, low-voltage lighting, siding tie-in, walls, light, and a screen make it a room
The result
The project our client publicly reviewed: 'tongue & groove stained pine interior with TV, fireplace, mantle and roof extension'
$75K
The full backyard transformation
Real project: The Colony, completed 2025, $74.5K
Structure
Cedar covered patio, 8x8 posts, shingles matched to the house, engineered beam, tied in per plans
Surfaces
Travertine paver patio (French pattern) + full-spec turf in back and side yard
Kitchen
Stone-base outdoor kitchen with Lueders limestone counters, grill package, veneer finish
Systems
Gas line, dedicated electrical, drainage runs, brick columns, front & back landscape with design
$100K
The resort remodel
Real project: McKinney, completed 2025, $94.6K
Pool
Re-plaster, new coping, waterline tile, fountain feature, automation controller, hot-tub reface
Kitchen
$17.5k outdoor kitchen
Wood & stone
Cedar deck, stone/cedar-wrapped posts, gates, board replacement
The pattern
At six figures, everything is one design: water, fire, food, shade, and lawn engineered to work together, plus room for the change orders every owner adds once they see it coming to life (~$12k here)
$150K
The custom backyard masterplan
Design & site work
Measured design, material selections, engineering where required, permits, demolition, grading, drainage, and utility coordination
Structure & kitchen
A substantial covered patio or pavilion with lighting and fans, paired with a full outdoor kitchen, masonry, counters, appliances, gas, and electrical
Pool & hardscape
A comprehensive pool renovation with coordinated coping, decking, patio surfaces, and transitions that make the yard read as one space
Landscape & finish
Planting, turf or sod, irrigation adjustments, low-voltage lighting, privacy elements, and final details carried through the entire property
The budget reality
A new pool, oversized structure, premium appliance package, and complete landscape can exceed $150k when combined. The design process sets priorities and protects room for site conditions and owner selections
Methodology & sources
Completed-project figures use anonymized True Star scopes, with no client names or addresses, taken from approved budgets and change orders. Prices are rounded. Every project's final feature mix depends on design, selections, site conditions, and permitting. Last field-verified July 19, 2026.