When we get inquiries about a landscape design project, one of the first things we ask the client is what budget amount they have in mind for their landscaping project. Or course, we understand that many people are not really sure how to answer that question, or if they do, they might have only a very general number in mind. But it is an important question.
At Trimmers Landscaping, we feel it’s necessary for our clients to know the factors that can affect the cost of a landscaping project. The obvious components of a landscape construction projects may include items of the typical “wish list” that homeowners want as part of their new landscaping:
- New trees and shrubs
- A new lawn
- Irrigation system
- Hardscape features – patios, walls or fire pits
- Water features – koi pond or fountain
- Landscape lighting along pathways and around gardens
These are wonderful additions to any property, and Trimmers Landscaping can certainly offer comprehensive quotes for all of these types of projects. When estimating landscape construction, however, careful attention must be made to not overlook “hidden” costs. These are special conditions that may apply in certain situations.
If a homeowner is getting comparison quotes from several contractors, we caution them to be sure the quotes are complete as possible. Some examples of these hidden costs may include:
- Permitting
- Surveying to determine the property’s boundaries
- Fixing soil drainage issues
- Tree removal or hazard pruning
- Trucking costs for hauling away fill
- Material staging due to limited space on site
Once our estimator goes over the project that the homeowner has in mind and discusses the various anticipated costs, we can then help our customers to prioritize the work. Depending on the scope of the work, size of the property, or client’s available budget, we often break down the project into smaller, more manageable “chunks.”
In fact, we usually find that phasing in a large landscape construction project works very well for both us and our clients. One approach might be renovating area of the yard at a time, rather than stretching the budget across the entire property. Another approach might be to do all the stone work or brick paver construction first, and then follow the next year with the planting beds.
It’s also important to note that budgeting for landscaping projects does not end when the project is finished. Homeowners should also remember their ongoing maintenance costs. For instance, adding in beautiful new flower beds and shrubs is a short-term cost, but long-term costs like watering, fertilizer and landscape maintenance should also be considered.
As a full-service landscape company, Trimmers also does a considerable amount of landscape maintenance. We can also provide folks who are considering a new landscape with an estimate of what it would cost to maintain it.
No matter what type of landscaping projects our customers have in mind, the team at Trimmers Landscaping is always ready, willing and able to help.
