New Construction Landscaping

Common Landscape Planning Problems

We realize that new home construction can be a stressful process with multiple complicated decisions. Over the years, we have worked on many projects that were completed in conjunction with the construction of a new home. 

We’ve found there are two planning mistakes that most people make when building a new home:

Planning Mistake #1: Under-funded Landscape Budgets

A wooden structure is being built next to a pool.

When you are at the beginning stages of planning and budgeting for your new home, landscape and hardscape design and construction budgets are almost always under-funded.

Builders will often allocate minimal amounts for a front landscape in their overall construction cost. Their reasoning behind this is they don’t know exactly what you desire but feel they should allocate at least a small allowance. This is usually enough to do some small foundational planting in the front of the home and a concrete sidewalk.

History has proven time and time again that new-home construction customers will usually end up spending 8% of the cost of the home on landscape and lawn installation. Another 10% of the cost of the home will usually be spent on hardscape, which will include your front/back walkway and a patio.

While these are preliminary numbers, it will comfortably deliver an average to slightly above average landscape/hardscape project that will contour comfortably with the size of the house. Of course, this doesn’t need to be done right away, but over time this is a fairly accurate rule of thumb of the costs you will incur.

Planning Mistake #2:  Outdoor Living Design as an Afterthought 

An aerial view of a large house with a swimming pool surrounded by trees.

Significant future dollars are wasted by not planning early enough in the construction process for future landscape and hardscape design considerations. Our experience shows that the landscape and hardscape phases of the building process are, in most instances, not only the last items to be completed but also their design and implementation, which are very often not considered until the very end.


Many times, this results in design compromises and increased costs. This is unfortunate because many elements for a future hardscape and landscape project can be planned and built into the existing home and surrounding property, which will facilitate future construction and definitely save money down the road.


The key to making a future project (or a current project done in stages) as cost-effective as possible is to involve us early in the process. We will coordinate with your builder to incorporate the appropriate planning into the project to ensure a successful result.


For more help and information on planning your new home landscape and hardscape design, contact us for a DreamBuilder Workbook. This helpful resource will enable us to work together to plan an ideal outdoor space for you and your family! If you're still looking for more inspiration, check out some of the projects we've completed in our gallery. When you're ready to discuss the design of your outdoor living areas, contact us for a free consultation.
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