It is important to have a budget and to tell your potential landscape construction contractor what that is. I know, I know, you want to see what he or she says (to see if one of them is trying to rob you, but that’s a different post), but the truth is, you can spend $1,000 on your yard or you can spend $100,000 on your yard. Were you thinking a small patio and a brick walk or would you like an entire waterfall that cascades into a pond with a flagstone patio next to it?
And are you transforming your yard in a series of phases or doing all that you ever would do, this season? Are you going to live in your home for the rest of your life or only a few years?
You don’t have to know your exact figures, but remember to be realistic. If your budget is $10,000 then tell your contractor $8,000. This amount will give both of you room to move. Remember that phasing in your dream projects over 2-3 years can get you within your annual budget. A good contractor will be able to tell you what to start with. Think this through. Don’t plan on putting in a large tree or a large stone in a spot next year where a stone patio or walk is installed. There is the possibility of damaging the walk or patio with heavy equipment. This future planning will affect the budget and scope of work.
Know your property and understand the restrictions and limitations your property poses upon the contractor. Is your property on an island with no vehicular access? Are the neighbors’ houses only 10′ from yours on each side creating a lack of machine access? This will increase your labor costs. Is your yard heavily shaded and you want to plant trees or plants that thrive in the sun or want sod to grow there? Understand your property and set a realistic budget.
Many people say, but I don’t know what things cost. That’s okay. Ask yourself a few questions:
1) Can I do the work I need done and make sure it is done to last for decades? Do I want to do this work?
2) What is my time worth? If you are a professional yourself, what do you feel is fair compensation to other professionals? Don’t discount the value of a qualified landscape professional.
3) Can I access plants and materials of good quality?
4) Do I want to hire a full-fledged company that is fully insured, with warrantees and with employees run through a payroll system? Can I afford to not worry about a company without workmen’s compensation? What will I do if a worker without workmen’s compensation is hurt on my property and I then am liable?
5) When comparing estimates, am I looking at apples for oranges? Will they install a proper base for my brick pavers? Will they use retaining wall systems that will not fall down in a couple of years? Is it worth my money in the long run to hire a slap-it-in landscaper? We have repaired many of those kind of jobs, so the homeowner spent wasted monies the first time around.
Don’t be afraid to tell your landsape contractor what you want to spend. Check their references and their portfolio, even if you can only afford a $1300.00 brick sidewalk.
Here is an excellent article on the value of landscaping in today’s real estate market:
http://liquidmarket.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/6-landscaping-tips-that-wow-buyers/
