Budgeting for a Landscaping Project
Creating a budget is an importing part of planning your landscaping project. Everyone has a budget so it’s important to figure out what is important. Focus on the functions or areas you’re going to use the most or which are driving you crazy and need to fix immediately.
Try these tips when developing a landscaping budget!
1. Take an Inventory
The first step of any landscaping project is to make a list of what you already have. You might be surprised at how many gems are hiding around your yard—plants that have gotten lost in the overgrowth and need only to be relocated, pruned, thinned, weeded, grouped or divided to regain their former glory. You can also repurpose hardscape materials such as bricks for a walkway or a rusty railing for a garden trellis.
2. Hire a Professional
One of the best ways to avoid costly mistakes is to hire a professional to design a master plan, which not only helps you visualise the possibilities and but also maps out the steps to achieve them—and get it right the first time.
A master plan also helps you understand where the money goes, which isn’t always where you can see it. For example, many suburbs require drainage systems to catch storm water run-off if you install a certain amount of impervious paving. It can come as a surprise to have money spent on something you don’t see because it’s underground but if you ignore things like drainage issues, it can wind up costing you a lot more to fix after the fact.
3. Don’t Be Coy About Costs
Know what you want to spend and talk budget up front with your landscape professional. Understand what things cost by getting at least three estimates and If you’re unsure what to budget a suggestion would be to start with 5 percent to 10 percent of your properties worth. The good news: a good landscape design can add as much as 20 percent to the value of your home compared to other houses on your street.
4. Splurge on the “Maximum Value” Features
Consider which features will get the most use or provide the most enjoyment to you. For example, it might be an outdoor kitchen or living room patio that serves as an extension of your indoor living space for a good portion of the year. Or it could be a beautiful backyard vista to be enjoyed primarily from inside your house.
5. Consider the Return on Investment
When prioritising your needs and wants, ask yourself these questions; How long do you plan to live in the home? What will be the long-term maintenance costs? Does it make financial sense to do everything at once or in phases over several years?