When is the Right Time to Start a Project?
Luckily, we are blessed with mild weather in the SF bay area, which means that any time of year is the right time to begin. As for planting, we typically avoid planting on the hottest or the coolest days, but we always take care to prep the soil accordingly to the weather forecasts.
Now that you don’t have to worry about Nature specifically, there are a couple of other things to consider when choosing your timing. First are there any major events like a graduation party, wedding, or birthday party that you are planning? If yes, please contact your landscape designer 6-12 months prior to the event to begin your plans.
Secondly, when will your finances be available? Do you need to sell stock or apply for an equity line? Landscape contractors will be paid in progress payments typically by check, so liquid funds are the key to pulling the trigger.
Lastly, the bay area is an expensive place to live and we only see building materials going up in the market. Even things like sand, gravel, wood and concrete costs can affect backyard construction greatly. So I guess my advice is…. Why wait?
Speaking of $, how much should I budget?
You should treat your landscape installation as you would any other house-remodeling project. You are essentially building several “outdoor rooms”, so your backyard remodel could cost the same or more than your interior remodel.
If this is the first time you are considering redoing your backyard, you may want to check out some of our pricing tips here. While this is not a full reflection of every landscape contractors pricing in the industry, our aim is to match you with the landscape contractor who we feel will give you not only quality, but value. Most clients only redo their backyards every 20-30 years, so we want you to enjoy yours for many decades and be fooled with inferior quality by choosing a landscape team that was the “cheapest.”
The most expensive part of your backyard project will be the new hardscape. Patios, decks, walkways, retaining walls and built in planters/benches can eat up roughly 60-70% of your total installation budget. The remaining budget then goes to demo, grading, drainage, irrigation and plants.
If you’d like to add extra amenities like outdoor kitchens, fire pits/fireplaces, water features/pool/hot tubs, arbors or putting greens/artificial turf, it’s best to consult a design up front for a realistic budget plan. Plans with added amenities are often six-figure projects. However, we can also creatively add some features in phases when needed.
Ready to discuss your future backyard? I am here to help. Click here if you’d like to talk to me to brainstorm ways we can get started.