If you are looking for an effective way to increase the value of your home and transform your outdoor space into your own beautiful retreat, then check this out. However, landscaping projects can get expensive without proper planning. Regardless of whether you’re landscaping Cranbourne, Dandenong or any neighbourhood in between, here is a guide to budgeting for your landscaping project.
Define Your Landscaping Goals
Before you start, you need to make it clear to yourself what you want from your landscaping project. Consider the following:
- Purpose: Is it a low-maintenance garden, a family-friendly lawn, or the posh entertaining space?
- Room to Move: In Cranbourne with bigger blocks, there might be a sprawling front yard or deck. While Dandenong would be better off with more compact courtyards or vertical gardens.
Write a wishlist of things you absolutely want (like paving or plants), and things you would love (like water features). Having this clarity will set you up for the best possible use of your budget and shape the conversations with any professionals you speak with. When working with an expert landscaping for outdoor areas, you are likely going to be able to get what you imagined.
Average Costs Research As a preliminary part of the budget-making process, potential homebuyers are encouraged to complete average cost research before delving into their budgets—especially since average costs often fluctuate with market changes.
It is important to quote the costs involved. Figuring out landscaping prices in Melbourne is not easy, as it depends on the scope of the project, among other things. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Basic Projects: $2,000-$5,000 to turf or mulch
- Large-Scale Projects: The cost for landscaping large-scale projects such as patios or retaining walls will be between $10,000 and $30,000.
Key Expenses to Consider
- Labour: 1 hour with a $50 to $100/hr professional landscaper.
- Materials: Costs can vary:
- Turf: $20 to $50 per m2
- Paving: Can logarithmically cost anywhere between $100 and $300 per square metre
- Plants: $30 to $100 each
- Features:
- Decks: $2,000 to $10,000
- Lighting: $500 to $2,000
Compare price quotes from different providers. Be aware that the clay-heavy soils of Melbourne might need a little extra prep, which can influence the price.
Set a Realistic Budget
Then work out your budget for spending. Landscaping is generally set at 5-10% of your property cost. This will be between $25,000 and $50,000 for a $500,000 home.
Include a Contingency
Allocate 10-15% of your budget for contingencies, such as drainage problems, which are a particular event common to Melbourne’s wet winters. Proposed elements with high bang for the buck such as paving or native plants that are well-suited to a location and inexpensive to maintain.
Phasewise Dividing of the Project
If your budget is constrained, you might even split the project up into phases. It gives you a chance to deploy costs over time. For example:
- Phase 1: Ground laying and basic planting ($3,000 to $7,000)
- Phase 2: Pouring or covering ($5,000 to $15,000)
- Phase 3: Extras such as patio covers or irrigation ($2,000–$10,000)
It allows you to have a working area quicker while saving for upgrades down the line. Work with a landscaper to plan stages around Melbourne’s seasons.
Save with Smart Choices
There are strategic choices you can make that cut costs without cutting quality:
- Select Native Species: $10 to $30 each, kangaroo paw or bottlebrush do well in Melbourne.
- Future DIY: If it’s a basic job like mulching or small plantings, complete it yourself for part of the labour costs.
- Opt For Salvaged Materials: Reclaimed bricks or timber can cost 20–50 per cent off of new materials.
- Choose Low Maintenance Designs: Use gravel or artificial grass to reduce long-term maintenance costs.
A landscaping expert who can enhance your outdoor vibe will identify areas where you can save money specific to your site.
Obtain Detailed Quotations and Contracts
Three Quotes Always Here: Obtain itemized estimates from at minimum three landscapers. Have them break it down for you — labour, materials, timelines. Make sure to hire one that is licensed and insured to make sure that you are not liable for accidents. The scope of work, warranties, and payment schedules must all be spelled out in the contract. This safeguards your investment, particularly for bigger projects, such as landscaping Dandenong or Cranbourne.
Monitor Progress and Adjust
You must remain engaged throughout the project and mapping it against your budget. In fact, make sure to do regular check-ins with your landscaper so you can catch a lot of the issues right at the beginning. In case of higher cost of development, cut down on less-need and keep only the must in product! Maintain expense records to keep tabs on your spending and provide guidance for how to budget for maintenance in the future.
