Determining The Landscaping Budget

 Determining a budget is one of the most challenging aspects of a new landscaping project… and yet one of the simplest. 

                                           

Landscape architects are keenly aware that the most precious benefits our work creates—beauty, enjoyment, wellness—are qualitative, not quantitative. Trying to assign a value to the joy of eating homegrown apples is, well, fruitless. And while most architects can reasonably estimate a cost per square foot because construction methods and finishes are reasonably standardized, landscaping comprises numerous critical variables that will have a significant impact on costs: the same patio may be hardscaped with expensive natural stone, inexpensive precast pavers, or poured concrete at any number of price points. Plants may be purchased in smaller sizes, or reduced quantities, without critically wounding the design. The landscape lighting may be installed with fewer fixtures, or less expensive ones, or may be deferred entirely if necessary—a strategy unavailable to the home builder.

Some sources advise investing 10% of a home’s value into the landscape (a figure based on the average sale prices of well landscaped homes versus poorly landscaped ones). In some area,  that amount can easily surpass half a million dollars. For most of us that’s an eye-popping number. And yet… it’s not entirely unreasonable. These are estates with larger areas to landscape, and the scope of their landscape designs usually includes high-value custom features such as swimming pools and pergolas. Plus, in these markets it’s not just the home that is expensive: the entire cost of living scales up, including construction labor and materials, exacerbated by the law of supply and demand as a relatively large number of affluent home owners competes for the expertise of a relatively small number of highly skilled contractors. 

Other methods of devising a budget include cost-per-square-foot estimations, line-item calculations, and plain old “in my experience…” gut feelings. Yet while any of these metrics may yield a valid opinion of probable cost, none of them matters in budgeting if the number makes the owner’s neck tighten. And therein lies the simplicity of project budgeting: the true budget for a given landscape design is simply how much the owner is willing to spend on their project, or is able to spend without losing sleep.

The landscape designer thus owns the vital role of reconciling the owner's budget against their wish list. “How much are you prepared to invest in this project?” is a question we ask every prospective client early. We know it’s a bit disconcerting, and usually asked before we are fully trusted, but it’s critical information for the conversation that will follow. We also know their number may be understated at first, and that it may change as the process moves forward. That’s all okay: those are the owner’s prerogatives and choices. Our hope is to spare our client from the crushing disappointment that comes with receiving an ingenious landscape plan that elegantly fulfills their fondest hopes… then learning it will be impossible to install.

No matter how it is originally determined, we work closely with each of our clients to monitor and refine their budget as the design program, preliminary design, and pricing estimates come into focus. Then, as we proceed into the design development and construction phases, we all can make decisions with full awareness of their impact on the budget. True, the landscape architect’s expert guidance adds to the project’s cost—but in return will deliver value, both qualitative and quantitative.

Priceless.

HOW TO BUDGET FOR A LANDSCAPING PROJECT

Beautiful backyard landscape design project.

Wouldn't it be nice if you had unlimited money for your next landscaping project – or better still, that a magic genie would appear and – poof! – your project would be done? Well if you're like most of us you have neither, and that means the best way to make sure your project is completed without draining your bank account is to establish a budget right from the start. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

DETERMINE YOUR LANDSCAPING NEEDS

Start by deciding what you really need or want most. By focusing on the must-haves, you make sure any budget will address those critical elements first and any remaining funds can be directed toward less important "frill" items – or one dramatic focal point.

LONG-TERM PLANNING

Consider the long-range consequences of your plan. Does it require regular or costly upkeep or other maintenance that would become a drag after a while? Do you plan to remain in your home long enough to make the investment worth it? If you plan on moving soon, is this a feature others would enjoy, or is it something potential buyers might see as an unwanted feature?

CREATE A SITE PLAN

Make a site plan for the areas you want to address. Ideally, make one for your entire yard – even areas you plan to tackle later. We have an online calculator available to help determine the materials you’ll need for your site. Having an overall plan will ensure you don't plant a fast-growing shade tree in front of where you eventually want to locate your vegetable garden.

Repurpose Existing Landscape Elements

Take an inventory of what you have. Look around your yard and garden and see what items you have that you might be able to replant or repurpose. Many plants can be divided and planted in your new area to help save on costs. This may also be a good time to put old bricks, stones or pavers to new use.

CREATE A LIST AND BUDGET YOUR LANDSCAPE PROJECT

Write out a list of materials and make a price list. This is where you're going to need some expert help. Once you have an idea of the project's scope and what you'd like it to look like, it's time to head over to your landscaping supply store . Planning even a simple landscaping project is no easy task, so don't be shy about asking for advice about materials, equipment and other supplies you might need to complete your project. Be upfront about budget limitations, as well. Our landscaping experts have seen it all and they can provide less expensive options that will achieve the same goal.

RE-ASSESS YOUR PLAN AS NEEDED

Revisit your initial plan. Once you have an idea of what items you'll need and how much those items will cost, you may find you need to rethink your plan – either to expand it or to make it a little more modest.

Remember: An investment in your landscape is also an investment in your home and your quality of life. While you don't want to overextend yourself, you also don't want to settle for cheap-looking alternatives that might save a few dollars. A well-planned landscaping project can boost your home's value too – an added benefit if you plan on selling sometime in the future.