There are renovations that improve a home -- and then there are renovations that fundamentally…read morerecalibrate how that home exists within its environment. What Byron Schley and the team at Hillside Pavers delivered for us falls squarely into the latter category.
Ours is one of the oldest houses on the block, my grandfather built it himself in the early seventies so needless to say there is sentimental value here, the years were told loudly in its dated facade ever more blindly as one by one and year by year the houses around us became more modern and desirable and that contrast was ever more noticeable when it became every other house on the block. Before this project, our front yard was little more than a narrow, uninspired strip adjacent to the public sidewalk that functioned more like spillover from the street than usable property. It did nothing to reflect the scale or architectural presence of our three-story, beach-adjacent home.
Today, that same footprint operates as a private, structured courtyard -- a defined outdoor living space that feels intentional, modern, and architecturally integrated.
The Techo-Bloc paver installation is executed with geometric discipline and clean proportional balance. The contrasting border trim sharpens the layout, and the modular patterning reads refined rather than repetitive. Where water once pooled visibly, the drainage now performs efficiently and invisibly -- The upgraded water line alone was transformative. What used to produce barely a trickle now delivers pressure so strong it rivals commercial output .The underground drip irrigation system is intelligently concealed beneath the hardscape and reemerges precisely within the base of our large entry planters. It is automated, timer-controlled, and calibrated for plant health without visual clutter. For us gardening is a foreign labor, the system removes guesswork and replaces it with precision. It lays the groundwork for what will be Madagascar jasmine and Rainbow's End climbing roses to ascend the custom trellis
Speaking of the trellis -- it is a custom design by Byron himself and serves as the architectural anchor of the entire entry sequence. Its linear steel geometry frames the approach to the home, introduces vertical rhythm, and gives the courtyard presence and scale.
The black powder-coated aluminum slat fencing, set atop a raised paver foundation, creates privacy without heaviness.The laser-cut gate beneath the trellis introduces texture and artistry, especially when lit from behind at night.
And the lighting system integrated along the fence base and entryway is hospitality-grade in execution. The perimeter wash creates a subtle floating effect. The laser-cut gate panels glow from behind in layered depth rather than harsh brightness. With full color customization available, the space can transition from understated architectural white to vibrant holiday displays with precision. It feels closer to a Ritz-Carlton courtyard or private club environment than a residential frontage.
Most importantly, the project didn't just improve appearance -- it created usable square footage.
It has become the preeminent gathering space of our home. it is upscale functional living space.The neighborhood response has been immediate .Neighbors who we barely knew for years have introduced themselves. Passersby stop to compliment the change.The property now projects the level of architectural coherence it always deserved.
We approached this cautiously. Prior experiences made us exacting and demanding clients. Byron handled that with patience and professionalism. When questions arose, they were addressed. The end result reflects accountability and pride in workmanship.
Hillside Pavers is not inexpensive -- but quality rarely is. There is a tangible difference between budget work and engineered, finished craftsmanship.
This project did not simply beautify our home. It expanded it. If you are seeking exterior transformation that blends infrastructure, architecture, lighting design, and true spatial creation -- Byron Schley delivers work that justifies the investment. The result is not just attractive.It is world class work accompanied by attentive customer service . Rarely do you see people that live by the age old idiom anymore who's motto is the customer is always right! But With this outfit that's exactly what you receive and working with them was transformative . I highly recommend their services to any and everyone who are sick of simply average work and service that only toes the industry line, if you want something more, something world class and a good experience throughout call Byron Schley and hillside pavers (+1 (714) 613-2500) , I cannot sing their praises high enough and this review doesn't even give them the credit they deserve so one last time Thank You Byron and thank the boys down at hillside pavers for an amazing job