This has to be one of the most commonly asked questions. Ok, rightly so. Landscaping can be a major investment and one that can and should add value to your home. If you have never worked with any sort of designer or architect before the answer to this question is one that you may need to know before deciding whether to employ a landscape designer or a landscape architect.
The cost of a landscape design has many variables. A few of them are fairly obvious such as:
- The size of the property
- The elements that you want to include in the design (patio, water feature, fire pit, arbor, outdoor kitchen, landscape lighting, etc.)
- Fees paid to the landscape designer or landscape architect
- Your existing space and features
- Topography of your location
- The location of your
- If you have a site plan or some other assessment of your land
- The degree of detail required for the plan
- The expertise of landscape designers or landscape architects
So How Much Does a Landscape Design Cost?
On average, it will cost around $4,498 or between $2,025 and $6,990 for a landscape designer to develop a comprehensive plan for your house. The cost can vary depending on the size and location of the project. For simpler ventures, it is also possible to get one to two hours of on-site verbal consultation for $50 to $150 per hour. At the top of the scale, designers and architects charge $6,000 or more for detailed designs and sketches.
No matter what your house looks like, landscaping often influences how beautiful the whole property is. The secret to a beautiful and prosperous landscape is careful planning and design to ensure the full value of the dollars you spend.
Landscape Specialist Consultation Hourly Rate
Hourly rates vary from $50 to $150, with most costing between $50 and $75 an hour. Since hourly rates are open, they typically cover anything from initial consultation to developing plans and revisions. Consulting costs can be up to $200 although they provide more hands-on on-site supervision of landscapers, gardeners, and arborists. The average cost to employ a landscape designer is between $50 and $150 per hour. Some professionals are responsible for the project or region.
Average Design Plan Prices
Project plans can vary anywhere from $300 to $15,000, but most of them fall below $6,000. Some price by a percentage of the overall cost, from 5% to 15% of the total construction budget. Plans are included with most of the flat rates. How designers bill varies by region and industry, but prices mostly match quality.
On a site visit, designers can monitor the soil for drainage, acidity, and nutrients. This method of soil testing costs between $20 and $100-a cost usually included in consultancy fees. Plans will take from one week to one month depending on the size and complexity of the project. An experienced skilled designer takes time not only to plan the layout but also to decide the best types of trees for the soil, the best plants for the environment, and the best variety of vegetation for color and depth, all with potential growth in mind. The cost of soil testing, if necessary, is usually included in the designer rate.
Fees for Designing Small Gardens or Yards
The small cost of the garden varies in scale, location, and complexity. After installation, you’ll pay anywhere from $4 to $18 per square foot. Project costs vary from $0.05 to $0.75 per square foot, or around 5% to 10% of project costs. Complex urban gardens tend to operate at the higher end of the scale, with a basic one being the least costly in rural areas.
Are You Considering Hardscape for Your Front Yard or Backyard?
At DPG Design and Build, we’ve been providing our customers with specialized Landscape and Hardscape Design and Build services for over 30 years. DPG Design and Build, headquartered in Walnut Creek, California is the best curb appeal and outdoor living space designer and installer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Appearing on HGTV’s Curb Appeal and featured on Discovery Channel’s program Renovation Nation, our team of skilled designers and landscape engineers provides top-quality service and professionalism our customers love. DPG Design and Build offers 2-D and 3-D conceptual home and landscape design plans that allow you to visualize your dream space and make that dream concept a reality. If you are considering hard landscaping projects (like interlocking concrete pavers) that cover the entirety of your yard contact DPG Design and Build to schedule your free consultation today!
