Creating a budget and sticking to it is the foundation stone for a landscape project. Coming up with ideas, methods and realistic plans help to set the bar well. Understanding your needs is vital. Doing up your landscape with panache and presence is not easy. Spending time analyzing your needs and wants, is critical for a project of any size. Here are a few points that will help you start your landscape plans that fall well within your budget.
Inspect Your Property Thoroughly
Surveying your property and analyzing its requirements is the first step. Becoming aware of the things that threaten the safety of your property, damage it or cause a financial loss is important.
Things that you should take into consideration include:
- Issues related to drainage
- Dead trees and toxic plants
- Improper lighting
- Broken fences
- Winter ice buildup
- Leaks in irrigation
Conducting a thorough analysis will help you detect these problems and more. Having a walk around your property and taking note of issues that you need to address will become easier.
Pen Down Your Wants
Making a list of what you want will assist in giving you a clearer perspective of where you stand. Go for the things you require and stick by them. Taking into consideration your lifestyle and how you would prefer to utilize your property are the need of the hour. Make a list of the landscape features that will cater to your wants. Ask yourself the following questions.
- Do I dream of owning an outdoor pool?
- Do I want an outdoor grilling station?
- Would I like an outdoor bar to entertain my people?
- Do I need a lawn with exotic plants and flowers?
Answering these questions will help you figure out whether your budget is unrealistic to cater to certain needs. The answer will also help you decide to do away with certain elements so that you do not spend more than you can afford.
Make a Budget
Arriving at a decision on how much you would like to spend is compulsory. Landscaping your property will improve the value of your home and the quality of your life. Create a realistic budget. Your decision will be based on how you intend to use the outdoor living space.
Get Your Priorities Straight
Knowing what you want and whether you can afford it will establish your priorities. Deciding what is important for you is crucial at this stage. Keep the security of people, pets and property in mind when planning the elements of your landscape project. Stick to your priorities so that you do not exceed your budget.
Take Advice from a Professional
Picking the brain of a landscaping expert will help save time and money. You will open yourself up to new ideas and ignore the bad ones. Your landscape is an extension of your home that bridges the gap between you and the outside world. Consulting two or more professionals will give you the option of choosing the most affordable one. A professional landscaper will work within your budget while ensuring you get the features, look and feel you desire. Such a professional will also offer valuable advice and recommendations that could improve the look and feel of the landscape.
Break Down the Costs
Acquiring at least three estimates will help you understand the value of each element. Adding up will let you see whether your concept and idea fit into your budget. Otherwise, it is back to the drawing board. Be sure to account for things like fuel for equipment and permits from your local authorities. Always add 10 to 20 percent to the estimated cost so that you have a buffer for unexpected situations.
Check Out your Final Plan
After finalizing your needs and the cost to fulfill those needs, you can go ahead with your landscape plans. With tight financial resources, it is prudent to adopt some of these money-saving ideas when landscaping your garden.
- Reuse Plants and Materials: You can stick within your means by reusing existing plants and materials like pots and flowerbeds.
- Split Landscaping in Phases: Landscaping the entire garden may be tough on a limited budget. You can divide the project into phases so that you can complete each step as and when you have the financial means. Splitting up large projects into stages reduces costs to a great extent.
- Take Advantage of the Off-season: off-season means low rates. Suppliers and landscapers will be more conducive to reducing their prices when the peak season is over. This will help you stay within your budget and get the design you want for an affordable price.
- Discuss with Your Landscaper: Be upfront from the beginning about your budget. This will allow your landscaper to work within it and also to look for ways to accommodate some of the most expensive ideas without exceeding the budget. Coming up with creative ideas is their forte. They will be able to suggest alternative plans to minimize your expenses.
A carefully conceived landscaping plan will blend your vision and budget perfectly. Follow these tips diligently, and your landscape will not be compromised even if you on a tight budget!