How much should I spend on Landscaping

• Most home owners can expect to budget between 9.8 to 14% of the value of your home. This will provide an average landscape and focus on short term investment in relation to property value. Exceptions will apply and the finished product must match with the surrounding landscapes and style of neighboring homes.
• If you plan to remain in your home for more than 3 years your budget may reflect a higher amount, as you are also investing more in your enjoyment of the property.
•  If your budget is above 14% of your home value ensure a landscape plan is completed.

What type of Return On Investment can I expect

• The average rate of return on your landscape in the first 3 years is between  92% to 100%.
• With care as trees and plantings grow you can expect your return on investment to grow from 92% to 108% by the 3 year mark.

Know when to hire the professionals

• The three most important parts of your landscape include the base preparation, grading and water management. Although a landscaping project may seem simple new home owners or  inexperienced contractors may overlook these three crucial components. A professional landscaper will know how to plan and prepare a foundation for your project.
•  Landscape material is heavy and requires machinery, specialty tools and safety equipment to effectively create your project. On average a projects require moving more than 20 tonnes of material.
• A landscape professional can assure all of these elements come together in a timely process to achieve a beautiful landscape that is build right.

Pay for what is provided, not for what is promised

• Please Do Not pay for any landscaping or provide deposits for work that is not completed. Know what you are paying for by setting up a payment schedule for completed work. Avoid bad contractors that provide inferior work, don’t meet time lines or take money and fall through on promises. See our How To Hire A Contractor section for more details.

Avoid costly mistakes

• Landscaping is a combined trade of construction knowledge, design, safety and compliance with local building codes and regulations. As Landscaping in Canada is an unregulated industry it is important to ensure your landscaper is knowledgeable and ethically dedicated to providing the best possible service for your investment. Each year Create Escape rebuilds many landscapes that have been improperly installed by other contractors that could have been avoided by simple ground preparation, construction knowledge or ethical dedication. Some of the most common mistakes are:
  • Improper ground identification, drainage and preparation of rock, clay and soil materials.
  • Improper installation or the use of improper material for the project application.
  • Failure to ensure the landscape provides usability as well as return on investment.  
  • Lack of knowledge or ethical dedication to provide a lasting/quality product.
  • Improper or lack of calculations for water usage and electrical installation.
  • Lack of permits or adherence to restrictive covenants, By-laws and building codes.

Treat each item as a separate investment

• Landscaping an entire property can seem like a large task to plan and budget for. Look at each item individually to review usability, aesthetics and importance in the development of the landscape

Consider a landscaping drawing

• If you are considering the possibility of completing the project in phases or would like a clear overview,  a landscape drawing will become essential to create your escape. In combination with a clear itemized estimate it will show an understanding of the work to be completed, prioritise project materials, access to the yard and allows for items to be constructed as your budget permits.

When to landscape a new property

• After the purchase of a new home a grade certificate must be received before any landscaping can take place on the property. The grade certificate is issued from the City and the builder is responsible to obtain an approved certificate by completing the preliminary grading of the property. This grade offers basic  conditions for water runoff and must be carefully adheared to as the new landscape is developed.
• It is strongly recommended that the ground directly around the house or any other location that excavation has occurred is left to settle for one season (freeze and thaw) before any type other than basic landscaping is completed.

Common items that are included in landscapes

• Ground cover (Mulch and gravel)
• Decks
• Patio stones
• Retaining walls
• Trees, Plantings & Sod
• Pond less watefeatures

Create curb appeal first

• For a new home and a smaller budget, consider adding landscaping to the front of the property first. This will generate the largest return on your investment, creating a first impression to the property. For an established home, focus on outdated items such as on old deck, fence or other noticeable items that are in need of repair.

Protect the Environment

• Although a professional landscaper should educate and incorporate environmentally friendly practices into your landscape it is important to realize the impact of material choices. Create Escape can help you with selecting products that will contribute to the environment such and rain water harvesting, irrigation water reduction, ground cover, native plantings and trees.

Visit our Questions section on our website, our How to Hire a Contractor section or contact us directly for more tips on responsible landscaping practices.

www.CreateEscape.Ca or 403 237-6300