ᐅ Affordable landscaping for a new build – what is the best approach?
Created on: 9 Apr 2022 11:16
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MarkoW.
Good morning everyone,
As some of you may have heard, we are building a semi-detached house as a prefabricated home. As is common with most suppliers, the exterior landscaping is not included in the price. So, we have to take care of that ourselves.
I have read up extensively on the topic but unfortunately keep finding very conflicting prices and cost estimates.
Just a few days ago, there was a thread where someone wanted to spend six figures on their garden—I nearly fell off my chair.
So, about our garden: The area behind the house is roughly 230 square meters (2,476 square feet), a bit over 10 meters (33 feet) wide and just over 20 meters (66 feet) long. We plan to build a simple paved terrace, which will probably be slightly higher than the rest of the garden later on. The house (being timber frame construction) has to be elevated 30cm (12 inches) above ground level. Since we want level access to the terrace from the house, it will be built flush with the door, and the lawn will then be slightly lower. We will also need to install drainage between the terrace and the house to prevent water from running into the building. That shouldn’t be a problem because the rainwater downpipes’ drainage also runs in that area. According to online sources, paving the terrace costs around 100 euros per square meter (approximately $100 per 10.8 square feet).
Regarding the fence, we will of course coordinate with our future neighbors. We’re considering separating the terrace from the neighbor with gabion walls (about 4 meters / 13 feet long). The rest of the garden will be enclosed with a welded wire fence (please no debate about the fence type—the development plan requires hedges, chain-link fencing, or welded wire fencing). On various websites, I calculated prices for this. About 50 meters (164 feet) of fencing (1.8 meters / 6 feet high and 2 meters / 6.5 feet wide per panel), including posts, costs around 4,000 euros. Privacy screening strips might be added, but they can be easily installed by ourselves, so I am leaving those out for now (around 700 euros).
We also want a lawn. I think rolled turf looks best, though I’ve also read about very different prices here. When searching for prices, about 10 euros per square meter (approximately $10 per 10.8 square feet) is displayed. Alternatively, we could sow grass seed ourselves, but then there is the risk that birds will eat it.
No flowers, trees, or shrubs are initially planned. To the right of the house, we want a garage (we have quotes starting at 15,000 euros for an 8 x 3 meter (26 x 10 feet) prefabricated garage with electricity, foundation, and installation).
The driveway / front garden can only be done once the construction access road is removed.
So what makes the garden so expensive? I’ve estimated my calculated costs:
Terrace: 40 sqm x 100 euros = 4,000 euros (possibly a bit more if more base material is needed)
Rolled turf: 200 sqm x 10 euros = 2,000 euros
Fence: 4,000 euros
That brings the total to about 10,000 euros (with the terrace costs including labor).
Then there is additional labor for the fence and lawn installation (unfortunately, I don’t feel confident doing this myself, and none of my acquaintances can either). Is labor really the main factor driving the cost so high? What labor costs would you estimate for these jobs?
Also, does it make sense to install the garage only after completing the garden work? Otherwise, it would be difficult to bring in excavators and other machinery.
What other tips would you have for keeping the garden as affordable as possible?
By the way, the plot used to be farmland, so it’s flat and the soil should be good for this kind of work.
As some of you may have heard, we are building a semi-detached house as a prefabricated home. As is common with most suppliers, the exterior landscaping is not included in the price. So, we have to take care of that ourselves.
I have read up extensively on the topic but unfortunately keep finding very conflicting prices and cost estimates.
Just a few days ago, there was a thread where someone wanted to spend six figures on their garden—I nearly fell off my chair.
So, about our garden: The area behind the house is roughly 230 square meters (2,476 square feet), a bit over 10 meters (33 feet) wide and just over 20 meters (66 feet) long. We plan to build a simple paved terrace, which will probably be slightly higher than the rest of the garden later on. The house (being timber frame construction) has to be elevated 30cm (12 inches) above ground level. Since we want level access to the terrace from the house, it will be built flush with the door, and the lawn will then be slightly lower. We will also need to install drainage between the terrace and the house to prevent water from running into the building. That shouldn’t be a problem because the rainwater downpipes’ drainage also runs in that area. According to online sources, paving the terrace costs around 100 euros per square meter (approximately $100 per 10.8 square feet).
Regarding the fence, we will of course coordinate with our future neighbors. We’re considering separating the terrace from the neighbor with gabion walls (about 4 meters / 13 feet long). The rest of the garden will be enclosed with a welded wire fence (please no debate about the fence type—the development plan requires hedges, chain-link fencing, or welded wire fencing). On various websites, I calculated prices for this. About 50 meters (164 feet) of fencing (1.8 meters / 6 feet high and 2 meters / 6.5 feet wide per panel), including posts, costs around 4,000 euros. Privacy screening strips might be added, but they can be easily installed by ourselves, so I am leaving those out for now (around 700 euros).
We also want a lawn. I think rolled turf looks best, though I’ve also read about very different prices here. When searching for prices, about 10 euros per square meter (approximately $10 per 10.8 square feet) is displayed. Alternatively, we could sow grass seed ourselves, but then there is the risk that birds will eat it.
No flowers, trees, or shrubs are initially planned. To the right of the house, we want a garage (we have quotes starting at 15,000 euros for an 8 x 3 meter (26 x 10 feet) prefabricated garage with electricity, foundation, and installation).
The driveway / front garden can only be done once the construction access road is removed.
So what makes the garden so expensive? I’ve estimated my calculated costs:
Terrace: 40 sqm x 100 euros = 4,000 euros (possibly a bit more if more base material is needed)
Rolled turf: 200 sqm x 10 euros = 2,000 euros
Fence: 4,000 euros
That brings the total to about 10,000 euros (with the terrace costs including labor).
Then there is additional labor for the fence and lawn installation (unfortunately, I don’t feel confident doing this myself, and none of my acquaintances can either). Is labor really the main factor driving the cost so high? What labor costs would you estimate for these jobs?
Also, does it make sense to install the garage only after completing the garden work? Otherwise, it would be difficult to bring in excavators and other machinery.
What other tips would you have for keeping the garden as affordable as possible?
By the way, the plot used to be farmland, so it’s flat and the soil should be good for this kind of work.
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allstar839 Apr 2022 12:25Making a hedge yourself is really simple. You can order bare root plants online. It costs, but not much.
Tilling, sowing, and rolling the lawn is also simple and cheap if the ground level is suitable. Birds don’t eat the seeds. Just water and sunlight, and you’re done.
Building a terrace is definitely more work. I would rather have that done by professionals.
A fence is always a question of whether you really need it. Often, people see it differently afterward. There are also screening options made from willow or similar materials that are less labor-intensive.
Recently, someone asked me which landscaper did our garden... Me, with two small kids alongside.
Tilling, sowing, and rolling the lawn is also simple and cheap if the ground level is suitable. Birds don’t eat the seeds. Just water and sunlight, and you’re done.
Building a terrace is definitely more work. I would rather have that done by professionals.
A fence is always a question of whether you really need it. Often, people see it differently afterward. There are also screening options made from willow or similar materials that are less labor-intensive.
Recently, someone asked me which landscaper did our garden... Me, with two small kids alongside.
B
Benutzer2009 Apr 2022 12:27MarkoW. schrieb:
And are hedges really that affordable?A 50m (165 feet) long beech hedge, 125mm (5 inches) in size, costs about 500€. Sure, it’s not completely opaque right away. But do you have to live in a prison? Just think about the appearance when a small garden is completely enclosed with a fence that’s waist-high and fully blocking the view. For me, that’s not exactly attractive.H
Hausbautraum209 Apr 2022 12:38So far, we have currently paid €15,000 for the terrace and pathways using concrete paving stones.
We originally planned to do it ourselves, but we had the money left over and no patience anymore...
€4,000 seems very cheap to me.
Otherwise, the question is what exactly you mean by "garden." There are pathways, flower beds, terrace roofing, awnings, railings, entrance canopies, garage, driveway, gates, walls, outdoor lights...
We originally planned to do it ourselves, but we had the money left over and no patience anymore...
€4,000 seems very cheap to me.
Otherwise, the question is what exactly you mean by "garden." There are pathways, flower beds, terrace roofing, awnings, railings, entrance canopies, garage, driveway, gates, walls, outdoor lights...
Benutzer200 schrieb:
A 50m (164 feet) long 125mm (5 inches) beech hedge costs about 500€. Sure, it’s not completely privacy-screening right away. But do you have to live in a prison? Consider how it looks if a small garden is fully enclosed with a waist-high privacy fence. To me, that’s not very attractive. At least at the back, the property borders a field, and a path will be created there. This means anyone could look into the garden from that side. And beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
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WilderSueden9 Apr 2022 16:32Make a garden plan. Sketch out what you want and then let it sit for a while. After that, create a cost estimate: 30m (100 feet) drainage strips, 50sqm (540 sqft) paving for the driveway and carport, 10sqm (110 sqft) paving for pathways, 20sqm (215 sqft) paving for the terrace, a subbase for 80sqm (860 sqft) of paving, 10m (33 feet) of hedge, and so on. If you plan to do it yourself, don’t forget about the tools. A small excavator also costs a few hundred.
Next, look at what items you absolutely need (drainage strips) and where you can save money (expensive paving only on the terrace). Otherwise, it’s all about doing it yourself and being patient. You either wait a month for the lawn to grow or go for turf at a significantly higher cost. You either hire professionals for the paving or spend a few days doing heavy manual work yourself.
Some things can also be bought cheaply instead of rented. A compactor plate from a hardware store rents for about 90€ per week plus a rubber mat. I found a similar used one for 250€ through classifieds and can sell it again for a similar price. Borrowing a trailer privately is also a good idea. Large items will be delivered, but you’ll often need bigger tools or something dirty or bulky that won’t fit in the car.
Next, look at what items you absolutely need (drainage strips) and where you can save money (expensive paving only on the terrace). Otherwise, it’s all about doing it yourself and being patient. You either wait a month for the lawn to grow or go for turf at a significantly higher cost. You either hire professionals for the paving or spend a few days doing heavy manual work yourself.
Some things can also be bought cheaply instead of rented. A compactor plate from a hardware store rents for about 90€ per week plus a rubber mat. I found a similar used one for 250€ through classifieds and can sell it again for a similar price. Borrowing a trailer privately is also a good idea. Large items will be delivered, but you’ll often need bigger tools or something dirty or bulky that won’t fit in the car.
MarkoW. schrieb:
At least at the back, the property borders a field, where a path will be created. This means that from there, anyone could look into our garden. And beauty is in the eye of the beholder.Uh, sorry. You’re talking about a welded wire fence and want privacy screening? Any properly planted hedge, whether with hedge plants or shrubs, will be fully dense and provide privacy within about 4 years. A fence does not offer privacy screening. Maybe you should take a walk through a completed residential area with open eyes. By the way, a lawn is the most maintenance-intensive area a garden can have. You can’t just lay down a meadow on rolls.
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