Getting any project done on a budget can be a challenge, especially when it comes to landscaping. Lots of times with large landscaping projects, unforeseen issues, delays and even new design ideas during the ninth hour can drag your project out and cause you to spend way more than you planned. But, with these helpful tips for planning a budget, you’ll be able to get your project done on time, without overspending.
The first thing you need to do when you’re planning a full overhaul landscape project is determine how much you are going to spend. Not only should you take into account the actual money in the bank, you should consider your home’s value and the potential for increased value after a landscape upgrade is completed. You don’t want to spend $10,000 only to learn that your house has only increased $7,000 in value.
To better determine your ideal budget, there are two methods that are generally applicable to most homes and projects: the percentage method or the square footage method. The percentage method suggests that you take 10 to 15 percent of your home’s current value to invest in landscaping. Alternatively, you can budget to spend between $4.30 and $5.95 dollars per square foot of land area.
Either of these methods should be enough to pay for a full overhaul without expensive design upgrades, including an entrance walkway, small patio, soil prep, planting of small trees and shrubs, mulch, sod or seed, and even a basic irrigation system.
Once you’ve decided on a method, work with the tree and shrub nursery folks at Cold Stream Farm to price things out and make a plan before you spend a cent. Know exactly what plants you need, where they are going and leave space for them to grow as the years go on. You should also leave a small cushion in your budget for just-in-case scenarios. For example, if you weren’t planning on replacing the irrigation system, but if you accidentally backed your truck into the valve …
Beautiful landscaping can increase your home’s value anywhere from 5 to 30 percent, says HouseLogic, but this isn’t a foolproof calculation. Fluctuations can occur in the increased value based on neighborhood, market saturation, number of buyers and many other factors. Keep this information in mind while preparing for your project, and get designing!
To check out all the great plants, bare root trees, shrubs and much more available at Cold Stream Farm, give us a call today at 231-464-5809.