I am looking forward to seeing what ideas others have for your space. We live in Arizona and have a very similar atrium in our home. Ours does have a drain in the center of it and I have been very thankful at times when our summer storms roll through and drop a lot of water at once. Not sure if that same type of storm happens in California where you live though. If there hasn't been any sort of drainage already and no water into the house problems then it would probably be fine to not add it now. Some ideas for what to do in your space.

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I am not familiar with an atrium; going with what we put down around our pool. I call it forever lawn. Spend the money to have it installed. It is great; we love it; we chose pet friendly.

It gives you so many options on how you want to design the space for your family. Here is one that has part concrete and grass.

We have just one drain. Look into drainage first. I can'timagine it would be a big deal.

Where does the downspout drain to? I'd start by ensuring it doesn't drain to your atrium. How well the patio drains is a function of the kind of rains you get and the soil. If you're going to jackhammer up the concrete, you need some place to haul the discarded concrete. That will be a tiresome job.

Pay the money.

Thanks all for your comments! @cubby14 I LOVE the idea pics you added, thank you! The idea of adding beams on top with a creeping vine sounds lovely!
@elcieg your backyard pool area is gorgeous! This is the look we would love for our backyard.
@Patricia that sounds like a lovely set-up! The downspout turns and exits out front, but still close to the slab. Sounds like we def need to get the concrete up to see what’s under there.

I'm sorry you're going thru this.

I'm Californian and we do get atmospheric rivers (look up Pineapple Express....not the movie!) so you do need to plan for drainage control and foundation issues...especially with our adobe soil.

Your quote does not seem unreasonable. What sort of drainage are they planning? How are are they getting the water out? Like a french drain? Or a slope with a drainpipe in the middle of the atrium?

I can't say the word Californian any more without thinking of Kristen Wigg and her hilarious take in SNL "The Californians".

Haha, I just got back from San Diego--so apropos!

Curious where your home is located. My MCM has an almost identical atrium entry, mine looks very similar to the fourth photo you posted. i will tryto post a pic but I’m tech challenged 🤔

you need drainage. get it put in. such a fun space!

Are there scuppers near the outside wall near where the downpipe is? It looks like your slab is sloped to that area. Because you do not get much rain maybe they just put in a scuppers.

You can diy the concrete removal by renting a jackhammer. It's work but not a skill effort.

Do people from back East STILL believe that California hardly gets any rain? Welcome to California....eventually you will experience the pineapple express which I feel I must mention AGAIN...

A well-known example of a strong atmospheric river is called the "Pineapple Express" because moisture builds up in the tropical Pacific around Hawaii and can wallop the U.S. and Canada's West Coasts with heavy rainfall and snow.

Prevailing winds cross over warm bands of tropical water vapor to form this "river," which travels across the Pacific as part of the global conveyor belt. When it reaches the west coast, the Pineapple Express can dump as much as five inches of rain on California in one day.

Yup "up to 5 inches a day" and last year it lasted WEEKS in Northern California where we are.

Seems like a reasonable quote to me. I would do it, and then enjoy this lovely space.

Are you sure the concrete has failed? Is there evidence of water damage in the house? I’’m wondering if drainage isnt a problem . Maybe put a hose on it and see where the water goes…perhaps it’s draining into the cracks? I’m wondering if you can get an out door rug and some potted plants and live with it until you know more about how the space will behave in storms and how you will use it, before doing any major work.

I think all of us 'back east' have read enough about the earthquakes, fires, and rain/mudslides to know that California's weather isn't always idyllic.

Okay, @Diana Bier Interiors, LLC --but did you know that "Silicon Valley really IS a valley!" ...a quote I've heard from newbies.

"I miss the Seasons" we hear that one A LOT. That's what Tahoe is for!!! Go up there and shovel three feet of snow every day for 10 days.

LOL Trace!

Our house in Dallas had a similar set up and after living there a couple of years we did get water into the house. All of the concrete had to be removed - and the house needed footings drilled to prevent settling. We added in pea gravel and plants and were going for a zen garden look - but then moved to another state. Friends told us the new owners removed the plants and added a continuous trek deck with potted plants. Summary- meet with a foundation company to make sure what you are doing is going to be fine for the structure. We loved our courtyard oasis! Oh and we would never have covered the roof as all the natural light would have been zapped from all the rooms. Good luck!

I would never skimp on drainage and water control. And with prices being what they are, $6-8k doesn’t surprise me, especially in CA.

Oooh so much potential with that space - but I would def want proper drainage before I spent any money on aesthetics

Lantern Visual is a regular AI spammer. Ignore or flag.

Thanks, floral_uk. Their post is gone, and I hope they stay gone. From Houzz. Forever.

Thank you all for the great insight, I really appreciate it! It’s clear that I’m not going to be able to get around the drainage issue. I’ll keep you updated on what we end up doing in terms of decor and functionality after we install proper drainage, and after my wallet recovers.

Also I should have been more clear: the home is in SoCal, specifically Huntington Beach. So I know it can get quite rainy at times, but not as much compared to other parts of CA. That being said, you’re right, it still does happen and I need to be prepared.

Thanks for the info. Have you tried the 5 gallon bucket test? Where does the water run to?

The outdoor carpet you pulled wouldn't have controlled any rain amount. It had to drain somewhere if you don't see evidence of past water damage.

Yeah currently it’s just draining into the ground through the cracks in the concrete. But that’s probably not the best solution in the longterm

Trace what’s the 5 gallon bucket test?

Hah! Sorry, I made that up to test water flow. I just read you tested and it goes into the cracks. You need a concrete and/or foundation expert because that does not sound good.

They may be able to just seal the surface, but you would still have to deal with surface water somehow anyway.

Yeah it’s tough because it currently drains fine - I would love to just let it be and put something pretty over it. Only problem is, it drains through the cracks and into the ground right next to the foundation of the house, which it sounds like even in CA is no good!
I was hoping

All foundations get wet in winter here and when summer comes the adobe soil dries out causing minor settling problems. That's why everyone gets cracks in their drywall.

Some people go so far as keeping the foundation moist all summer with a drip system to avoid it drying out.

Your situation is very normal. Sorry I sounded alarmist.

The main thing here is earth/wood contact. Don't let any dirt touch wood siding because it's a termite highway. Don't let wood siding stay moist or you get dry rot.

If you put in pavers, the rain will go into the ground anyway, right? Apparently it's been working fine for years.

Ask a good concrete person or foundation person if you really need to remove the pad. If not, you could just stain it and use an outdoor rug and potted plants.

Good tips on the earth/wood contact, thank you!! That’s very interesting about the adobe soil. And yes that’s my assumption too for the pavers, but if I add drainage at least most of the rain will go down the drain first. Unfortunately all the experts I’ve had out tell me I could probably get away with it for a few years but will eventually need SOME draining away from the foundation for the long term.

Cool. It sounds like you have your answer.

Also sticky doors that are hard to open / close depending on whether it's wet or dry season. So don't freak out, just wait a few months and the door will work perfectly!