Adding value with landscaping

Building a new home usually includes professional landscaping to finish the project, although landscaping is also valuable for helping to reap rewards when selling a home.

Landscaping and gardening are two of the most cost-effective ways to add value to a home, regardless of whether it is a new build or an existing residence.

Landscaping usually involves a well thought out planting plan, including softscaping (soil and plants) and hardscaping (pavers, a driveway, a retaining wall and other built structures).
Real estate agents and landscaping experts believe landscaping can add an extra six to seven percent to the value of a home, and, generally, average costs are between five and 10 percent of the value
of your home.

Often this is included in costings for new builds. For instance, if your home is valued at $600,000, you should allow between $30,000 to $60,000 for landscaping. This includes driveways, patios, decking and other hardscaping, not just greenery. Swimming pools are extra!

COSTS VARY
Just as you need a house plan to build your house, you need a plan for your landscaping. How much you choose to spend will depend on your budget and the scale of your job. Here’s an idea of some common landscaping jobs and how much they typically cost. Costs may vary from company to company.

A garden designer can draw a plan for around $850
A full garden design complete with 3D renderings
can cost between $3000 and $6000
Installing new retaining walls and new plants: $3000
Putting in new natural turf and garden lighting: $2500
Planting multiple new trees, bushes and foliage: $3500
Complete landscaping job with new plants, trees and lawn
on empty backyard: $6000
Building a deck: $160-$220 per square metre

After you have your plan, you can start your landscaping project. You may be able to do it alone, but a landscaper can supervise the project for you, and you may get better results. In general, an experienced landscaper will charge between $55 and $70 per hour for their service.

That can be money well-spent, because they know how to organise trades and can help you finish the landscaping faster and without paying more for the various trades involved in the project.