“How much is this going to cost?” is one of the most burning questions homeowners have before starting a new landscaping project. Oftentimes, the planned expenses don’t align with the actual ones. This is because some issues that could arise during construction work cannot be predicted. We understand that so much goes into the process of planning a landscape remodel that it’s tough to plan out a budget. Here are some tips to help you create a budget for your landscaping project in Port Jefferson, NY.
Hire a Professional
Costly mistakes are avoidable when you hire a professional architect or designer to develop a plan and determine the details that are necessary for your landscape projects. You should also keep in mind that the list of things you want to be done might not align with what can be done on the site. It’s best to address the fine details and ask a lot of questions early on in the process, to minimize any misunderstandings or assumptions. Once the installation begins, what may seem like a small change is actually much bigger (and potentially costlier) the later you get into the process. Address questions and requests as early as possible.
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Landscape architects and designers have first-hand experience with the process of figuring out estimated expenses and seeing how they match up with a budget or deciding whether adjustments need to be made.
Landscape design in Port Jefferson and Long Island, NY
To develop an accurate budget, site analysis is a crucial step as well. With the help of professionals, you can determine which parts of your landscape require more work and which parts can be left for later. The decisions that stem from the analysis can set the base for the budget.
Have a Clear Idea of What You Want
Ideally, before hiring professionals to do the work, you have a clear idea of what you want them to do. But professionals can also consult with you to flesh out your ideas and concepts and develop a landscape plan that you’ll love.
Budgeting is not easy. Sometimes, it involves costs that you might have not been aware of, such as excavation, installation/repairment of drainage or irrigation system, preparation for planting, and much more. A landscape designer brings an expert idea and efficiency to a project. As the plan develops and issues arise, the designer can suggest alternative solutions. This means that if you want natural stone for your walkways, but there are new expenses for the irrigation system, a landscape architect will let you know that you can instead use concrete permeable pavers for your walkway, ones that have a similar look to your existing patio. This allows you to achieve a cohesive aesthetic, but also plan carefully and incorporate everything you want and need with the same budget or as close to possible to your original one.
Consider the Return on Investment
A landscape architect will give you an idea of what could be included in the costs of the renovation based on your preferences and ideas. The hardscape features are usually the most expensive part of the project, but they also give you the opportunity to invest in the value of your home and your long-term enjoyment. Features like outdoor kitchens, swimming pools, natural stone patios, and others, can increase the resale value of your property as well as bring functionality and aesthetics into your life.
So, before creating a budget, have a word with your landscape architect about which elements are likely to have higher maintenance costs, and think about which hardscape elements make more financial sense.