Landscaping Design Cost: Key Things You Need To Consider

So you’ve finally hit that point as a homeowner where you are ready to transform your yard from ordinary to extraordinary by getting some landscaping done on your property.

Maybe you’re more experienced and have gotten landscaping done in the past, or maybe this is all new to you. Either way, you should always make sure you are prepared with what to expect when you begin the complex process of landscape design.

Therefore, the first thing you need to determine is the potential cost of your landscaping.

To get a landscape that is everything you’ve hoped for and more, you’ll need to make sure you invest your money in the features that you find most important to your design, regardless of your budget.

For instance, do you absolutely love the idea of warming up by a fire pit every night, or would you rather utilize that space for a vegetable garden? Or, maybe you have the space for both? Whatever your vision is, it’s you who calls the shots.

So, if you are ready to maximize your budget, here’s everything you need to know for you to get the most value out of your landscaping design cost and get one step closer to enjoying the yard of your dreams.

How Much Do Landscape Designers Charge?

The cost of your landscape design is, of course, highly dependent on what features you want and the quality of materials you use. 

To obtain a detailed and completed landscaping plan that’s fully scaled and colored by an experienced designer, you should expect to pay at least $800 to $5,000– but that depends on many variables. 

For instance, you could want a simpler landscape design that has lower price points, or you could want a complete landscape design that includes plants, trees, lighting, walkways, and patios. 

Keep in mind, you could also be charged additional fees of $150 to $500 that are associated with drawing up the landscaping map or plan (materials must also be included).

Whatever your preferences may be, if you want to know your total landscaping design cost, it’s important to make sure you have a detailed plan of what you want to do. If you’re unsure, your designer will always be there to guide you through the process.

What Should Your Landscaping Budget be?

As we mentioned earlier, your budget completely depends on what exactly you want to do with your outdoor space. 

Once you know what features, materials, and designs you want, you’ll be able to receive an accurate backyard renovation cost and come up with a realistic budget from there that will give you the most bang for your buck. 

To get a better idea of how much certain design elements cost, let’s go over some examples.

• Custom Patio Cover: Depending on the material you use, a patio cover can cost from about $5,000 to $20,000. 
• Trees and Planting: With planting, costs depend on how much space you want your plants to occupy and the size of the plants themselves. One specimen tree can be quite pricy but it adds a great deal to the overall look of your space. For both trees and plants, prices can range between $2,500 and $15,000.
• Gas Fire Pit: Prices can range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the materials you choose, and if you need to run a gas line it will definitely increase the cost.
• Solid Hardscape: The cost of hardscaping stone, concrete patios, walkways, driveways or pool decks can cost between $15 to $50 per square foot. This depends significantly on the type of stone and concrete finish you use.

Regardless of what you plan on adding or changing to your outdoor space, a general rule of thumb to follow would be to spend around 10 percent of your home’s value on landscaping. So say your home was worth $500,000, your landscaping budget would be $50,000.

Budgeting your landscaping design cost can be an overwhelming thing to navigate, but at Exscape Designs, we can make it easier for you. Contact us today to learn more!

6 Things You Need To Consider in Landscaping Design Cost

Now that you have a better idea of how much landscape designers charge and what your overall budget should be, let’s dive into the more specific aspects you need to consider in determining your landscaping design cost. 

Your Area Determines Your Budget

Your landscaping design cost varies from state to state and is greatly influenced by your location, even by the smallest of margins.

For insurance, if you live in Orange County, California, your backyard landscaping cost could be as low as $11,000; but, if you live in Castro Valley, California, your landscaping design cost could be as high as $100,000.

Wherever you reside, just make sure you research the price points in your area. This will give you a better idea of what to expect so you can go into the early processes feeling prepared without encountering any surprises on the way.

Each Contractor’s Computation is Unique

Just like how each location has a unique landscaping design cost, so do the contractors you hire.

Every contractor will have their own computation method that breaks down the price points of each element that will be implemented in both the design and installation of your landscaping. Here are a few ways in which they can charge you by:

• Hourly rate: Contractors can charge anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour. Although most tend to charge between the $50 to $75 range. Keep in mind, not everyone prefers this method as it leaves the total price open-ended and the best you’ll get is an estimation.
• Flat rate: This is a combination of both your hourly rate and design costs to get your total charge amount. Unlike an hourly rate, you will know exactly how much everything will cost once your design plan is complete.
• Acre or square foot: Some contractors like to charge based on how big your outdoor space is. If you have a quarter acre, your price point could be around $1,500, but if you have up to an acre, you could be looking more at the $2,000 range. Anything past that would be about $350 per extra quarter acre.

There are a lot of contractors out there, so it can be difficult to choose which one will be the right fit for you and the outcome you expect. If you find someone of interest to you, just be sure to ask them what their computation method is so there is complete transparency going forward.

You Can Recycle Your Existing Landscape

More often than not, your existing landscape will already have useful materials that could be recycled and repurposed for your new and improved landscape.

If you have trees that have matured and can be preserved, keep them! Your designer will be able to enhance its beauty by surrounding it with the stunning landscape you came up with together.

The same concept goes for existing structures that have managed to stay in good shape. Instead of tearing down your patio, for instance, try painting it instead and add a nice railing.

Whether it’s extra wood, brick or concret, utilizing what you already have will save you both time and money.

Consider Using Prefabricated Structures

Another way to consider designing your outdoor living area is by using precast structures instead of customizing them yourself.

These durable and versatile prefabricated structures come ready-made and are a more cost-effective way to add beauty to your landscape. 

Some great prefabricated structures ideas to implement in your design are pergolas, fire pits, patio covers, barbeque islands, or any kind of outdoor seating.

If you want to ensure you are maximizing your budget, consider this alternative.

Rear Yards Matter

Just because most passers-by will only be seeing your front yard doesn’t mean you should completely neglect your backyard.

When you upgrade the landscape of your rear yard space, it will not only become a more relaxing and enjoyable space for you and your guests, but it will also increase the overall value of your home. 

This will make selling your home much easier as it will attract way more buyers and provide you with more equity when the time comes.

A Landscape Design with Your Vision in Mind

When it comes to creating your landscape design, you must have all the right resources and ingredients necessary to make your vision become a reality.

Determining your landscaping design cost is just one of the many steps in the process of transforming your landscape into something that you can be proud of. 

We all want our homes to be a place of comfort and joy for the entire family, and it’s possible when you’ve got a team of talented designers and contractors by your side.

At Exscape Designs, our talented team can create a design and build process based on your vision so we can deliver you the perfect design that also maximizes your budget. Contact us today and we’ll meet all of your landscaping needs and more!