Summer months in Winnipeg are short, which makes each summer day very valuable. One of the best ways to enjoy our special summer months is Summer months in Winnipeg are fleeting, which makes each summer day that much more valuable. One of the best ways to spend these special times is by enjoying it in a custom-designed backyard paradise. Imagine having your very own outdoor living space, designed by studio b, with all the amenities and luxuries tailored to suit your lifestyle. 

So how much will my Winnipeg Landscaping project cost?

The reality is, it’s very likely going to cost more than you’ve budgeted for. But don’t worry! Though the majority of us have cash flow limits, we can work within your budget by extending the project timeline through phasing.

Phasing involves completing a project over the course of more than one construction season, and in the hands of an experienced management team this can actually save you money in the long run. The added benefit is that you still get to enjoy each stage of the project while also having opportunities to further tailor future phases.

The majority of our clients have found phasing to be less expensive and more flexible overall.

The majority of our clients complete their landscape renovations in phases.

Return on Investment (ROI):

Most research indicates that spending 10%-20% of your home’s value on landscaping and outdoor improvements can add a return on investment (ROI) within 3-5 years. If you plan to move within 3-5 years, we will instead recommend minimal improvements to maximize short-term value, such as addressing drainage and minor cosmetic issues.

The main factors that influence pricing are material and labour costs, which are highly dependent on style and aesthetic choices. Another consideration will be the desired level of maintenance required; most people fall somewhere between “as hands-off as possible” and “weekend warrior”, but others greatly enjoy the challenges of fully maintaining an outdoor space. A good designer will take all of this into consideration when preparing a master landscape plan.

So what does it all cost?

Broadly speaking a typical residential landscaping project can range from $10,000 to $100,000 depending on the scale and features being developed in the space. Landscape features are generally priced either by square foot, lineal foot, or per item.

Here are some general price ranges to help you ballpark a budget:

Hardscape features (Patios,walls, paver edging and anything masonry related):

Patios typically range from $6,000 to $40,000, with a cost of $20-$30 per square foot. Around 40-50% of the budget will encompass the excavation and preparation of the area, with the remaining 50%-60% being the price of the paving product being used.

Driveways typically range from $10,000 to $80,000, with larger projects usually getting a better price per square foot.

Retaining walls of various sorts can help section off portions of your yard, add aesthetic contouring, and resist lateral earth pressures. A standard 1’ high wall will start around $90 per lineal foot and increase based on material selection and wall height.

Paver edging is typically around $25 per lineal foot, which includes a limestone base, snap edging to keep the paving stones in place, and polymeric sand to fill the gaps between each stone. However, you’ll likely want to budget closer to $29 per lineal foot to account for the sod repair that is typically required afterward. 

Carpentry (Decks, fences, pergolas, and privacy screens):

Pergolas typically range in price from $8,000 to $40,000, with prices varying widely based on size, materials, and features such as lighting and retractable roofing.

Decks start around $40/sqft for treated brown or green material, up to Decks start around $40 per square foot for pressure treated brown/green lumber, and up to $70 per square foot for cedar or a composite material.

Fences are usually chain link, treated wood, cedar, or vinyl, and prices range accordingly. Generally speaking a fence is between $30 to $70 per lineal foot, and up to $90 per lineal foot for aluminum. 

Softscaping (sod, rock/mulch/soil gardens, shrubs, trees, and perennials)

Sod, Rock, Mulch, and soil gardens are also priced per sq ft averaging anywhere from $3-$6-$8/ sq ft.  A typical yard can be developed with softscape areas for anywhere from $2000-$20,000 depending on the total area.

Boulders range from $400 to $600 each.

Trees range from $450 to $800 each.

Perennials and shrubs are priced per item anywhere from $40 to $65 per plant.

Additional yard features:

Rain drains are one of the most common items that we install. They help control eavestrough and sump pump drainage issues, directing water away from your house and foundation. Product and installation is usually $350 per rain drain, but can be lower if multiple units are included in the design.

Lighting can do a lot to transform your yard. It will typically cost between $4,000 to $15,000 to light up your space, depending on the scope of the required electrical work.

Outdoor pool pricing can change drastically based on factors such as size, shape, volume, and ground stability. If you’re looking to install a pool, you’ll need to budget anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000.

An outdoor fireplace can range in price from $20,000 to upwards of $50,000 for more customized pieces. In comparison, a hardscape fire pit can start around $2,000 and go all the way up to $15,000.

What feature will provide the greatest return on investment?  

The Landscape Master Plan.

Why?  A well planned project minimizes your contingency and change A well-planned project minimizes your contingency and change-order costs, saving you thousands of dollars during construction. It typically costs five to ten times as much to make changes during the construction phase than it does to work out the kinks during design and planning.

We recommend you dedicate between 8-10% of your overall construction budget to the design process, where you can work with our experienced design team to create a virtual model of your dream space. A few clicks of the mouse are much easier than repositioning boulders and pavers already in place.

What does a landscape master plan cost?

Our design-build firm charges between $2,500-$5,000 for a typical residential yard, with larger yards and commercial projects costing up to $15,000+. We will always provide a general estimate of the overall project and design costs before you commit to developing a landscaping plan.

Studio b – B. Rocke Landscaping offers complimentary initial consultations, during which we will provide as many pricing estimates as possible. To contact our team and arrange a convenient time for us to meet, simply fill out this form.