Landscaping

Just when you think you have accounted for everything in your budget you get to the landscaping. Keep in mind when visiting a model that almost universally models have a significantly upgraded landscaping package shown with the home. Builders many times will include a limited landscaping budget or allowance with the base price of a home. This package is generally very basic. It is important that you make yourself aware of what a basic package consists of. Realize that nursery installed landscaping is drastically more expensive then home improvement store prices.

If you want to upgrade your landscaping package consider doing it independently after construction. You may consider having a landscape architect design a master landscaping plan for your home and then work with your builder on what items in the basic landscaping package you will have installed by the nursery. Nurseries can produce landscaping plan designs but it will not be as complete and customize to your particular needs as it will be done by a landscape architect. The cost for having a master plan designed by a landscape architect will generally run between $300 and $500.00.

Resource Links

Florida Nurserymen and Landscape Association
Southern Gardening
Florida Plants Online - Guide to Florida Plant Life
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Florida Chapter - information, products, and services for landscape architects and related design professionals.

Last Updated: August 06, 2005 09:57 PM