ᐅ Always these outdoor areas. We need your experience.

Dear forum,

You have probably heard this question many times by now, but we really need your experience since we are building for the first time.

What still causes major uncertainty for us is the budgeting for the exterior landscaping. We are planning to pave 70m2 (750 sq ft) for the driveway leading to the property in the Wennigsen Hannover area. In addition, the path from the driveway to the main entrance (7m / 23 ft) and a small platform will be paved. Everything is standard – simple concrete paving stones in anthracite color will be sufficient.

Next up is the double carport and 250m2 (2,690 sq ft) of turf and a 35m2 (377 sq ft) terrace. How would you roughly estimate the costs? Do you even have good contacts with Polish contractors or reliable local companies?

Are the following costs realistic?

Double carport 6x5 m (20x16 ft) and a small shed including installation = 12,000 euros

Paving work including driveway and terrace = 15,000 euros

Turf (roll-out lawn) = 5,000 euros

The plot is fairly flat without major elevation changes.

We look forward to your assessment.

Welcome to the forum,
we had planned the costs for the landscaping as a reserve/buffer during the house construction.
Only after the house was completed and the bills were paid did we start working on the remaining tasks.
That included the fence with gate, paving, terrace, carport, shed, flower beds, pathways, lawn, and possibly preparations for sprinkler systems, robotic mowers, etc.
In total, more than 30,000€ (about 30,000 USD), more likely two to three times that amount.
But none of this has to be done immediately—you have time, the house is more important.

MarvinHH1988 schrieb:

You’re probably tired of this question by now.

No, why? That’s what the forum is for.

MarvinHH1988 schrieb:

What still causes a lot of uncertainty is the cost estimation for the landscaping.

That’s completely justified, at least from a financial perspective. People tend to downplay it by telling themselves, “I just want it simple” or “only the basics,” but even the “basic” options cost a lot of money. This area is probably one of the hardest to predict and can hide expensive pitfalls during construction.
From experience, I’d say you should budget about twice as much because there are many uncertainties and variables, especially in your case.
I know people who bought a small used excavator and then sold it again, also a trailer. They learned how to operate the equipment themselves and carried out complex projects. Likewise, some people want to do their landscaping on their own but end up just directing or managing the work, like a conductor with a baton. There is a wide spectrum in between, and mostly it depends on where you place yourself.
“In the past,” for us, it was also common to do it ourselves or with friends over several years, often reusing demolition materials or creating attractive and affordable solutions unconventionally, which I still see as great and cost-effective today. Nowadays, speed tends to be more important, and houses are expected to look sharp within 1-2 years. Everyone has their own expectations, and the cost of paving is usually a minor part of the overall budget.
Based on your previous description, no one will be able to give you a reliable figure.

MarvinHH1988 schrieb:

Double carport 6x5 m (20x16 ft) and small shed including assembly = 12,000 Euro

That could work, depending on the materials and roofing.

MarvinHH1988 schrieb:

Paving work including driveway and terrace = 15,000 Euro

That might be tight. With the terrace, we’re talking over 100 m² (1,076 ft²), and if everything is to be edged with curbstones, that means a lot of labor, even if you choose inexpensive materials. Judging by the username, you’re from the Hamburg metropolitan area, which tends to be more expensive. Maybe it’s possible if you’re in a very rural location.

MarvinHH1988 schrieb:

Sod lawn = 5,000 Euro

That seems reasonable, although I don’t have personal experience with it...

MarvinHH1988 schrieb:


Rolled turf = 5,000 Euro

The plot is flat without significant elevation changes.

We look forward to your assessment.

Sowing 250 sqm (2,691 sq ft) of lawn yourself – €120 (professional seed, electric handheld spreader, borrowed roller, 60 minutes of work) – just did this myself.

Tolentino schrieb:

Judging by the username, you are from the greater Hamburg area,

MarvinHH1988 schrieb:

Region Wennigsen near Hannover.

Wennigsen is located near Hannover. Teresa Orlowski lived there for several years. Just a bit of extra information.

Outdoor landscaping is challenging. Don’t forget the basic edging around the house. You can combine that with any flower beds using paving edging. The good thing is that you can do a lot gradually yourself. You should budget properly for the major work and materials though, as hedges, shrubs, and 4-5 main plants can get quite expensive. If the weed growth is moderate, I would sow grass seed myself.

Regarding costs, I cannot give specific figures: we paid a flat rate that included laying the terrace, installing some dry stone walls, gravel/crushed stone as surface material for paths and driveway, and the curbstones. We supplied the premium materials like slate and granite ourselves.