Most people want to know that they are a vital part of their home improvement projects, even if they choose to hire professionals to carry out the heavy lifting. It is important for homeowners to understand what is happening on their properties, and that the job is done professionally. In order to get great landscaping services, you must create a viable landscape budget. By understanding what is a reasonable cost for your plans, researching local services, planning for investment potential and asking for professional guidance, you can create a design that will improve your property and fit your budget for your landscape project.
You may be a savvy consumer who knows how to bargain with professionals for better prices and shop around for the best deals. However, if you are not familiar with expected pricing for a large landscaping project, you will not know if you have found a reasonable cost or not. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) suggests that you budget 5-10 percent of your property and home’s current value for building or redesigning the landscape. If this estimate seems too vague, you might also consider simply budgeting to spend about $5 per square foot you plan to improve.
Once you have developed a general maximum landscape budget for your project, you should start building an understanding of the expected costs you will need to pay for the specific improvements you intend to make. The Internet is a valuable place to start, so long as you remember that regions have their own average charges for projects. Take the time to talk to local contractors who have an established record of quality work in your community. This process will help you narrow down your list to one or two possible services.
At some point in the planning process, you may wonder how you can reasonably spend so much money on your property’s landscaping. This is a fair concern to have, since 5-10 percent of your home’s value can be many tens of thousands of dollars. The ASLA encourages you to remember that unlike other home improvements, a beautiful landscape actually improves your property’s value over time, sometimes by as much as 15 percent.
Many homeowners become weary from the research needed to identify all the parts of a specific landscaping project, and then look for the best bargain from local professionals. These homeowners should note that professional landscaping services are usually an excellent source of information about design and budget, as well. If the prospect of creating a landscape design worries you, contact a qualified landscaper for advice on your initial construction or renovation project. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain by ensuring that your project has professional support from the first stages.
Ultimately, your landscape budget should be a reflection of your investment in your home. By establishing a ceiling budget of 5-10 percent of your home’s value, you allow room for professionals to use quality materials and processes to bring your landscaping dream to life. With their assistance, you will have a landscape design that is both reasonable and enjoyable.
