Gardening has been well documented as the most popular pastime in America. It can be a very relaxing and rewarding hobby. Many people have a natural talent for creating lovely gardens. Some even will take on building the structural elements of their gardens and landscapes.

For some people they undertake a landscape project on their own without engaging professionals because they have a deep passion for what they are planning and want to create it themselves. Others may be trying to control the project cost. Sometimes it is a combination of both reasons. Whatever the reason you will need to create a budget based on your project needs.

To calculate the necessary amount of soils, mulches, stone, paving stone base, walls, patios, etc. you will need to figure the square foot coverage and depth. With Hardscape materials such as pavers and natural stone you would typically add an additional 10% for waste. For paving stone base material aggregates you will need to over size your base by a least 6” on either side and add 10 – 15% for compaction. Depending on how you plan on purchasing your materials you may need to convert tons to cubic yards or vise versa. You can obtain these conversions in many landscape estimating books or look for them on line.

If you need to excavate soils for your project and remove them from your work area you will also need to plan on 15-20% more soil than you excavate as the soil “fluffs” after excavation and will take up more volume. I have seen this surprise many people that are not used to excavating. This can add extra time labor and equipment needed you were not planning on.

Speaking of equipment, you will probably need to rent some for your project. Your time and back are worth money and renting is the best way to save both of those important things. I would recommend consulting with a rental professional by explaining what you plan on doing and what they would recommend being the most efficient and appropriate equipment they have for the job. I cannot stress enough the old adage of “the right tool for the job”. I know you will thank me later.

Beyond the material and equipment costs will most likely be delivery fees. You can plan on deliveries fees from everyone from the nursery, garden center, stone yard, to the rental center. Quite often with an additional fuel surcharge as well. The fees are to cover the suppliers’ costs of owning, maintaining, and manning their delivery fleet to serve your needs and move their product. Make sure you find out the costs up front so you can include them in your job costing process.

Like every project you will come across those hidden costs, surprises, and changes that always seem to expand your budget. The more diligently you plan your project the more you will be able to plan for these contingencies. Spend time thinking about disposal costs, lawn repairs, sprinkler repairs, lighting repairs, underground dog fence repairs, any needed additional drainage that may be needed, permit costs, and even beer and pizza money so you can bribe your family, friends, and neighbors to help you with all this work. With fall approaching and the weather cooling it is a great time to begin planning your new project. If it all sounds overwhelming you can always resort to hiring a landscape professional to execute your project for you and let them worry about the entire job costing and planning.