Backyard Dream Come True: Exceptional Craftsmanship by Valdovinos Construction
Warning – This is a lengthy review, but it’s written to showcase the exceptional workmanship, attention to detail, and overall excellence of Valdovinos Construction.
After years of searching for the right company to build our dream outdoor entertainment space—and repeatedly being told it couldn’t be done due to the elevation in our backyard or being pushed toward alternative designs—I reached out to Valdovinos Construction, recommended by a coworker who had hired them.
I contacted them in October 2024 for a quote to build a large deck, gazebo, and patio. From my first phone call with Dax to the site visit with Dax and Adolfo Valdovinos, the company owner, every interaction was positive and focused on turning our vision into reality. The final result exceeded our highest expectations.
Guided by a sketch my wife drew, Dax helped refine the design with expert input. Together, we visited paver and granite suppliers, reviewed photos of their past work, explored decking catalogs, and did plenty of online research. We agreed on a price and signed the contract on Christmas Day 2024 (intentionally chosen), with construction beginning in late February.
Adolfo and his crew broke ground on February 25. Despite weather, material, and inspection delays, the team stayed responsive and proactive throughout.
The project ultimately included a deck, screened gazebo, patio, and full outdoor kitchen:
Deck
• 22 x 24 ft with a 7 x 2 ft bump-out featuring 45° angles
• TREX Transcend decking: Havana Gold (main), Lava Rock (accents)
• 24 vinyl-wrapped deck posts with dusk-to-dawn low-voltage lighting
• Two staircases—one to the driveway/garage, one to the patio—with landing and runway-style lights
Gazebo
• Traditional 8-sided (octagonal) design, 6 ft per side (174 sq ft)
• Interior: walnut-stained pine ceiling, four recessed lights, ceiling fan, two infrared heaters, two GFCI outlets
• Ring floodlight camera on the exterior fascia for security
• Architectural shingles to match home
• All posts and beams wrapped in white vinyl/PVC—no exposed wood anywhere
Patio
• 950 sq ft laid in herringbone pattern with NICOLOCK pavers (Travertina + brown border)
• Two 12-ft half-moon sitting walls with four 30-inch piers
• One includes a built-in, circular smokeless wood-burning fire pit
• Piers topped with 27-inch hammered glass lanterns
• Recessed dusk-to-dawn lighting in both half-moons
• Two 20-inch retaining walls (25 ft total length)
Outdoor Kitchen
• 18 x 3 ft cement-block island with stone veneer and granite countertop
• Custom-built to house:
– Traeger Timberline 880 pellet grill/smoker
– 36-inch Blackstone griddle/air fryer combo
– Gozney Arc XL pizza oven
– Kamado Konnected Joe digital charcoal grill/smoker
– Traeger induction cooktop
– Cabinet storage
• Three GFCI outlets
• Topped with a 20 x 2 ft pergola that matches the rest of the construction
Adolfo and Dax handled everything—subcontractors, inspections—except HOA coordination and items I personally purchased (see disclaimer). While they didn’t speak directly to the HOA, Dax assisted me in preparing a detailed submission package including site plans, architectural drawings, material images, and 3D renderings. We received HOA approval quickly with no revisions.
The completed space looks nearly identical to the 3D renderings—if not better.
We couldn’t be happier. Adolfo and his entire team was professional, courteous, responsive and flexible—even with last-minute changes. Our neighbors were so impressed, several are now planning projects of their own with Valdovinos Construction. Best of all, our married children now visit more often, and the space has become a true family hub—hosting cookouts, birthday dinners, game days, s’mores by the fire pit, and lazy afternoons on the chaise lounges—just as my wife envisioned. It’s everything we hoped for—and more.
Disclaimer: The following items were purchased separately and installed by Valdovinos and/or their subcontractors: ceiling fan, two infrared heaters, Ring floodlight and two spotlight cameras, four John Timberland pier lights and two wall lights, Traeger grill and cooktop, Blackstone griddle, Gozney pizza oven, Kamado grill, 3-drawer and 2-door cabinets, and 16 tons of custom-blend river jack rock for ground cover under the deck and gazebo.
