When you want to improve your home’s landscaping, several low-cost and free options are available to consider.
Some simple tasks, like weeding your flower beds or edging your lawn, can make a big difference in how you and others see your landscaping.
If you want to complete a more extensive project, it is vital to have an accurate cost estimate so that you can budget for this expense. Although several variables will influence the final numbers, you’ll find that a generalized idea is possible with a little homework on your end.
What Should I Know About Landscaping Costs?
The cost of landscaping relies on the materials needed, the services rendered, and the labor involved to create the desired outcomes.
That’s why the cost of landscaping rocks works from a different variable set than a year’s worth of mowing and lawn maintenance.
When you first start thinking about your project, the initial step is to look at the national pricing averages for professional landscaping services. Most people in the United States pay anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000 on these property improvements annually.
If you have a quarter-acre lot in Washington State, that means you could expect to pay about $10,000 for a basic overhaul. For that price, you might get a professional design, new grass seed, a year’s worth of mowing, and a backyard walkway to enjoy.
Should you need new soil, sod installation, and a retaining wall with xeriscaping, your estimate might double.
Landscaping Estimates Are Priced in Two Common Ways
When you start talking with professional landscapers about your project’s cost, you’ll find that pricing estimates are usually charged by the hour or per your square footage.
If your landscaping needs involve regular maintenance without a designer’s help, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour for the work that needs to get done.
A designer’s cost is often double what you’d pay in labor costs for a crew to visit your property weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
Since the cost of landscaping front yard areas and other parts of your property depends on time or material pricing, it’s not always easy to estimate how long it will take an agency to complete the job. That’s why it is sometimes helpful to think about it on a per-acre basis before asking about a quote.
If you know that landscapers are charging about $3,000 per acre in your community, you can break down that expense based on your lot or property size. You could expect a half-acre parcel to run about $1,500 for your basic maintenance throughout the year.
It’s when you need extensive services to improve your landscaping, from fountains to permanent walkways, that the expenses really start climbing. If you’re looking at those items, it’s better to schedule a meeting with local landscapers that you trust. You’ll also want to verify their work quality and craftsmanship before signing everything.
Landscaping Estimates Using Square Footage
Since labor and material expenses can create an extensive itemized list, some landscapers prefer to offer estimates based on square footage. If you encounter this pricing schedule, the cost could be $20 per square foot or more.
Your landscaper will need to measure your property to give you an accurate estimate. You’ll want to beware of the companies that only take readings along your property lines because they’ll be charging you for the space your house occupies without needing to do anything.
It helps to take the measurements independently before having your consultation to ensure your readings match. If they do not, you’ll want to ask questions about why that result happened.
Your estimate per square foot also depends on the services you require. It should be cheaper to have lawn maintenance than a porch installation when completing this project.
What to Consider When Upgrading Your Landscaping?
Although everyone has different needs for their overall landscaping project, a good rule of thumb is to plan on spending about 10% of your total property value on this need. Since housing prices are running high, that means you could be estimating a $40,000 project.
Everyone has different financial constraints to consider. Some homeowners want to take care of their landscaping in one project, while others like to tackle one job each year until everything is finished.
When you find a professional landscaping company that listens to your needs, you’ll find that the costs are fair and competitive. Regional variations can influence the final invoice, but most projects fit within the range listed here.
If you have any questions about the cost estimation for your residential or commercial landscaping needs, give our team a call today at 425-549-5147! We can provide you with a quote to let you know how affordable this improvement can be. Also, visit us at www.bearcreeklandscaping.com and stay connected with us by following our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bclandscaping1.
