Landscaping with Style
Prepare a Cost Estimate
Design
Before finalizing your landscape plan, an accurate cost estimate will help you avoid unexpected expenses. It can also assist you in deciding whether to implement your landscape all at once or in stages. Additionally, you may adjust your landscape plan to include more or fewer features.
Obtaining a cost estimate for materials and services from multiple suppliers is wise. Request the same product or service from each supplier to ensure consistent cost estimates.
Utilize a worksheet similar to the example to generate the cost estimate.
- Make several copies of this worksheet in case you need additional space or want to revise your list of materials and services.
- It might save some time to list similar items on one line. For example, if you plan to purchase five fifteen-gallon trees and they happen to be the same price, list all of the trees on one line, note the unit cost and then multiply that cost by five.
DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET SAMPLE HERE
The following steps will guide you in gathering the information needed to estimate the project's total cost.
Make a list of all of the materials included in your landscape plan
- Start with hardscape elements like concrete walkways, benches, patios, walls, and decomposed granite.
- Then, list the plants you want to include in your landscape, ensuring you specify the quantity and size of each plant.
Choose the irrigation system components
- With your preliminary landscape design, list all the items needed to complete the irrigation system.
- Note the quantity of each part needed.
Identify any additional tools or supplies that must be purchased or rented
- Identifying all the necessary components for your landscape installation before the actual process will save time during installation and help you stay within your budget.
- Note the items that need to be purchased and the equipment that is available for rent.
Nursery professionals, irrigation suppliers, and other material suppliers should be able to advise you on the tools and supplies necessary to complete the job correctly
Professional Services - An Option For Consideration
- Professional services can be incorporated into every aspect of the landscape process, from design to installation and maintenance.
- If obtaining professional landscape services is possible, give yourself plenty of time to find capable people to help you, and read through our tips for selecting professional services.
- If you are unfamiliar with the landscape services available, consult this list of professional titles and certifications.
- For additional information, consult this listing of landscape professional associations.
Now, go shopping
- Visit local nurseries, garden centers, and other suppliers of landscape materials. Write to manufacturers, shop online, request catalogs, and, if appropriate, ask for written cost estimates.
- List all suppliers and costs, along with any necessary details. If you have questions, follow up or make additional visits.
- If possible, make preliminary decisions on plant materials (especially tree sizes) and hardscape choices.
- Consider product quality and durability, guarantees, warranties, as well as product availability, and customer service. Remember, less is not necessarily best.
Once you have prepared a cost estimate, compare it with the amount you have budgeted for the landscape. If your cost estimate is within your budget range, proceed to Step Nine: Finalize Your Plan. If not, return to Step Seven to reevaluate your preliminary design or decide to install your landscape in phases.