We Australians are great lovers of the outdoors, and there’s no better way to soak in the sun and enjoy fresh air than in your very own outdoor space. A well-designed and neatly landscaped front or back yard can offer much more than your own outdoor sanctuary. In fact, your landscape can add significant monetary value to your home for years to come.
While planning for the landscaping aspect of your new home, you may find it tricky to estimate the cost, as landscaping a new home can include any combination of elements and factors such as earthmoving, lighting, decking, paving, turf laying, retaining wall construction and planting. The list goes on! These all require several tradespeople with specialised skill sets.
As a rule of thumb, you can expect to spend 5-10% of your total home value on landscaping costs, which may range from $5,000 all the way to $50,000. Experienced labour ranges from $55 to $70 per hour, $850 for basic garden designs and $2750 to $6000 for 10 x A3 pages of design work with 3D rendering.
Here are some of the factors that will affect the cost of landscaping your home:
- Size and complexity of the property: The larger the property, the more expensive it will be to landscape. This is because there will be more area to cover and more plants, materials and labour cost required.
- Type of landscaping desired: Some types of landscaping, such as installing a swimming pool or building a deck, are more expensive than others. If you are looking for a low-maintenance landscaping option, you can expect to pay less than if you are looking for a more elaborate design.
- Materials used: The materials and plants you choose for your landscaping will also affect the cost. For example, if you choose to use high-quality materials, such as natural stone or hardwood, you will pay more than if you choose to use less expensive materials, such as concrete or pine. Also, the type of planting you choose will dictate what sort of irrigation will be required which can alter the overall cost dramatically.
On top of that, these are some things you can do to reduce the cost of landscaping:
- Plan your landscaping carefully: The more planning you do, the less likely you are to make mistakes that could cost you money. Take the time to measure your property and create a design plan.
- Use low-maintenance plants: Low-maintenance plants require less water and fertilizer, which can save you money in the long run. Some good low-maintenance plants for Australian gardens include succulents, cacti, and native plants.
- Do some of the work yourself: If you are handy, you can save money by doing some of the landscaping work yourself. For example, you can plant trees and shrubs, lay mulch, and mow the lawn.
- Shop around for materials: Get quotes from multiple suppliers to ensure that you are getting the best possible price on materials. You can also look for sales and discounts.
Here are some tips for hiring a landscaper and custom home builder:
- Get multiple quotes: This will ensure that you are getting the best possible price.
- Check references: Ask the landscaper for reviews and references from previous clients.
- Get a written contract: This will outline the scope of work and the cost of the project.
- Make sure the landscaper and home builder is insured: This will protect you in case of any accidents or damage.
Landscaping your home can be a great investment. A well-designed landscape can increase the value of your home, make it more enjoyable to live in, and provide a place for you and your family to relax and unwind.
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At HouseSpec Builders, we are a small business run by a passionate and friendly team with a combined experience of over 60 years of experience in landscaping and home building. We are 5-star rated on Google as a trusted, reliable home builder in Melbourne and we pride ourselves on delivering personal service to meet your home building needs.
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