Outdoor Living Pricing Guide
At VizX Design Studios, we approach outdoor living differently. We design the
entire space, not just a patio surface. Our goal is to create an outdoor environment that functions as a true extension of the home.
Standard Outdoor Living Spaces
Most professionally designed outdoor living spaces typically start around $55,000 and up.
Some projects may fall below this range depending on scope, layout, and site conditions, but most complete outdoor environments land above this starting point.
At VizX Design Studios, we approach outdoor living differently. We design the entire space, not just a patio surface. Our goal is to create an outdoor environment that functions as a true extension of the home.
We typically avoid steep or awkward steps directly off the back door. Instead, designs often include a larger landing area using composite decking or paver materials to improve flow, safety, and usability.
Most designs are organized around three primary outdoor zones:
- Kitchen
- Dining
- Lounge
The kitchen zone may be as simple as a dedicated cooking area, but it is intentionally placed near the dining space to support how people naturally gather and entertain.
In addition to the primary zones, we frequently incorporate:
- Integrated seating such as walls and benches.
- Simple but intentional landscape planting.
- Landscape lighting for safety and ambiance.
- Drainage planning and underground piping.
- Multiple power outlets for flexibility and future use.
Shade and weather protection are addressed early in the design process, often through pergolas or high-quality outdoor umbrellas.
Common Add-On Features and Investment Ranges
Once the core outdoor living space is defined, additional features can be layered in based on lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans.
Louvered pergolas
Outdoor speaker systems
Fire pits
Outdoor kitchens
Water features
Quality outdoor furniture
Starting around $30,000 and up.
Starting around $6,000 and up.
Starting around $3,800 and up installed.
Starting around $15,000 and up.
Starting around $4,600 and up.
Starting around
$8,000 and up.
Additional Outdoor Options to Consider
Here are other commonly requested features you can include in this section.
- Gas or wood-burning outdoor fireplaces.
- Built-in heaters or infrared heating systems.
- Privacy walls or architectural screens.
- Outdoor televisions and weather-rated displays.
- Custom lighting accents and step lighting.
- Raised planters or architectural garden walls.
- Storage elements such as concealed cabinetry or wood storage.
- Drainage upgrades for sloped or low-lying properties.
- Specialty paving such as porcelain or large-format stone.
- Integrated bar seating or beverage stations.
- Hot tubs or cold plunge tubs.
- Automated lighting or audio controls.
- Pathway and perimeter lighting extensions.
Why Ranges Matter
Outdoor living projects are highly customizable. Investment ranges vary based on materials, layout, utilities, access, and how the space integrates with the home.
Design allows these options to be evaluated intentionally rather than added reactively during construction.
Pricing, Budget & Financing
How much does a custom outdoor living design typically cost?
Costs vary based on size, materials, and features, but most custom outdoor living projects in the Chicagoland area range from moderate investments to high-end builds. We’ve seen 50k projects become 400k projects.
What factors influence the price of a custom outdoor living project?
Pricing depends on the size of the space, the materials selected, the features included, and site conditions such as grading or existing structures. Custom elements and higher-end finishes will increase the overall investment.
Can I get a price estimate before committing to a consultation?
Before moving into design, we have all clients complete a detailed questionnaire that covers project goals, features, and budget expectations, which allows us to have a focused conversation around realistic investment ranges and overall scope, however accurate pricing is only developed through the design process where all layout, materials, and construction details are clearly defined.
What is included in your pricing vs. what is extra?
Our design pricing goes far beyond a basic plan and includes a full design process where we create a shared project workspace, perform a detailed site analysis using photos and LIDAR technology, develop the design, provide up to three revisions, and guide you through a comprehensive budget discovery to align scope and investment, while additional costs may include specialized consulting such as arborists, site engineering, or coordination with HOAs and municipalities if required for your project.
Do you offer financing options for outdoor living design projects?
Financing options may be available depending on the project, and we can help guide you through available solutions during the planning process.
Are refunds or credits provided if I choose not to build after design?
Design services are typically a separate investment and are non-refundable, though in many cases the design fee may be credited toward construction if you decide to move forward.
Do you charge for consultations?
We offer an initial consultation to discuss your project that is free, and in addition to that we will need our specialized questionnaire answered to ensure the potential client.
