When I visit clients for the first time, the inevitable question comes up ‘How much does a garden makeover cost?’ This is a difficult question to answer as each of our garden design projects are bespoke to the client’s requirements. BUT you should have a budget in mind at the outset when first talking to a garden designer. So how do you set your budget?
How to find a ballpark figure for your garden makeover
First up you should NEVER believe the garden design and landscaping prices mentioned on certain TV Garden Makeover shows! Prices quoted on TV rarely include garden design fees. And when it comes to the garden build labour is not included and material and planting costs are often heavily subsidised by suppliers who are hoping to advertise their products.
Instead what you need to do is think of your garden makeover as an investment. How much would you expect to spend on a new kitchen or a house extension? The garden is often the biggest room in the house so you need to be generous with your budget. It’s best to start by setting a budget and then find out what that budget will buy. It’s well worth talking to a professional garden designer who will talk you through your wish list and help you to make the best choices.
How much should you invest in your new garden?
A professional designed and landscaped garden can add between 5-12% to your property value.
So you need to think of it as a long term investment. But it’s not all about the money.
It’s difficult to put a value on the time you spend outdoors in your garden. This could be to enjoy time outdoors in the summer with your family and friends or growing your own fruit and veg. Many of our clients are investing in their personal wellbeing and happiness. So you need to think about how you value the time spent in your garden compared to other leisure activities or going away on holiday?
Some rough figures
As you would expect hard landscaping is the most expensive part of any new garden build. So if you are working with a small budget then patios and paths need to be kept to a minimum. Having said that patios and paths need to be a functional size so that they are usable. Paths need to be at least 1 metre wide. A minimum sized patio for a table and four chairs is 3 metres x 3 metres. For hard landscaping you can be looking at paying between £250 per square metre for natural stone or porcelain paving (depending on materials and finishes). Timber decking will cost approximately £170 per square metre and composite decking £250 per square metre for composite decking.
For soft landscaping (plants) a rough estimate would be £40 per square metre for 2 litre potted plants. Planting specimen trees and shrubs will push the cost to up to £70 per square metre. You should budget £15-£25 per square metre for the installation of a new turf lawn.
Garden design tips for getting the best value for your garden makeover
- Use the services of a garden designer – it will save you money in the long run.
- Terraces and steps are more costly to build than slopes
- Retaining walls increase costs significantly
- Straight lines are less labour intensive and therefore less costly to build than curves
- Aim to create a balance between hard and soft landscaping.
- Extras such as lighting may add to the cost but they can also add value to a garden.
If you are thinking about a garden makeover and are not sure where to start then get in touch with us at info@gerberadesigns.co.uk to organise a FREE consultation in Aberdeen City and Shire to start creating your dream outdoor space.
Gerbera Designs is a pre-registered member of the Society of Garden Designers and a Garden Design member of the Association of Professional Landscapers.
