Thinking About Landscaping Costs?

When building your own home, plan for your landscaping costs early. First impressions are everything. There's nothing like pulling up to a beautiful new home... with a dirt lawn. If you've priced landscaping, you know that it's an investment. So, just how much should you spend?

A rule of thumb for new homes is that your landscape should cost from 10%-15% of the cost of your home in order for it to look 'right'. Figure on the high end if you need retaining walls. Plan for this cost in your home-building budget. Plan for more if you want high-end features like an outdoor kitchen or water feature.

So, if your home is worth $200,000, your landscaping costs could be $20,000-$30,000. The great news? Landscaping is still one of the best investments you can make for your home.

A quality landscape increases the value of your home up to 20%! Some estimate that good landscaping can be worth 100% - 200% of what was originally spent. This tops return on investment for kitchens and baths. Now that's saying a lot!

If your home is on the market, good landscaping is part of the curb appeal of your home. Stand out from all the other homes -- and make a great first impression.

I've said a few times that landscaping is a bit like how you dress, and it's true. You carefully choose your clothes each day. So, carefully plan for your landscaping.

So, how can you get the most out of your landscaping costs? Consider...

Hardscaping:

Most of the cost is in the price of the material, not the installation. That said, make sure you get a landscaper that can install it well.

Design:

Budgeting for a quality design means you can plan to install in stages or do some of the work yourself. It will still look pulled together when you're done.

Plants:

Starting with smaller perennials might be okay, but invest in a larger tree. Trees take longer to get big, while flowers grow fairly quickly.

Features:

Planning for a large water feature or art piece? These can be costly. Of course, they can also put your stamp on the design, so plan well.

Design:

Yes, again.

A good design can help you get better estimates. Don't count on receiving estimates on the same thing unless you have a design. Put the control in your hands.

Landscape Contractor:

Choose a landscaper that you can partner with well. One who's been in the business a while and can help you to get the most out of your budget. Get Creative offers consultations that can help you decide if we're the right landscaper for you.

Talking with a landscape designer or landscape contractor about a budget can be intimidating. You want to invest well. With some good planning, you can be better prepared.

Invest in the things that are the most important to you. Consider staging your garden to maximize your budget. Even think about doing some of the work yourself.

Finally, the return that you get in peace of mind is something that's priceless. A good investment in your home landscape grows with your family. The endless summer evenings barbecuing with the neighbors, the quiet mornings with your coffee... you'll feel it every day.