We know cost, budget and value engineering matters. Sustainable spaces must not only be within budget but have long-term costs evaluated. Spaces can be beautified with something as simple as a newly planted border. But, what about larger, more complex plans?
We engage in a range of projects, from a few thousand-dollar planting border to a million-dollar total property re-vision. With a delta such as that it can be difficult to gauge where your ideas connect with budget. Materials, site conditions and personal preferences can make a goodly difference within a design budget alone, never mind scope of work.
We have taken a few older projects that keep our client’s privacy, but still help build a general cost analysis on scope. These projects are less about aesthetic and more about cost ranges, project sizes and materials, helping us build perspective for those who are looking at larger outdoor interventions.
At best these are guidelines, as every project can range in cost based on many factors. Use these to build a general concept of scale to help inform a budget. We use those budgets to drive design scope which is a helpful part of our process for keeping within your needs.
-
EXAMPLE #1
This beautiful setting overlooking a golf course is designed for sitting and relaxing. Whether you are grilling in the kitchen space or sitting at the table enjoying what the cook has prepared, the view and surroundings alone invite you to rest and stay a while. And when the sun has set the conversation centers around the nearby fire pit. The intention is clear and the time here well spent, all benefits from investing in design.
The space is planned with a modular brick dry set patio, a simple built-in grilling space, a curved arbor to create enclosure, a wood firepit and patio space for entertaining.
Avg. Cost:
Design - $1,500-2,000
Install - $65,000-95,000
Avg. Time:
Design – 1-2 Months
Install – 1.5-2 Months
Materials: Hanover Chapel Stone dry-set retaining and parapet walls, Hanover modular paver patio, Vista Pro lighting, Fiberglass columns with AZEK custom curved arbor, plantings.
What makes up cost deltas in a project like this?
Wall type and finish
Wood fire pit vs gas
Modular block grill space vs real stone on framing or HDPE built-in
Stone counters vs granite counters
Concrete, modular brick or motored stone patio
Outdoor lighting or lighting and audio
-
EXAMPLE #2
Rooms with specific intentions were thoughtfully designed on every level in this project. Each space plays its individual role. The top deck provides an outdoor space to grill and dine. Under the deck you can soak in the jacuzzi free from the elements or sit under the pergola to enjoy the wooded view. Another patio space with seating walls for soaking up the warmth of the fire is tucked neatly on the hillside.
The scope of this project included a deck with waterproof patio below. A spiral set of stairs connects the two. A hot tub sits below. An arbor protrudes form the deck. In separate areas, there is room for sitting and a fireplace. This site required structural walls to hold all these pieces in place. It was built with masonry and stone. Patio is mortared flagstone.
Avg. Cost:
Design - $2,500-3,000
Install - $150,000-230,000
Avg. Time:
Design – 2-4 Months
Install - 3-5 Months
Materials: Ipe deck, custom rod iron railings, aluminum spiral staircase, Bose sound system, recessed lighting, fiberglass columns, mortared irregular Tennessee flagstone, Eldorado cultured wall stone on structural block walls, plantings and erosion control.
What makes up cost deltas in a project like this?
Wall type and finish, in this case structural
Wood fire pit vs gas
Above ground hot tub vs built-in with auto cover
Composite decking vs Ipe
Concrete, modular brick or motored stone patio
Amount of lighting and audio
-
EXAMPLE #3
Spending time together doing the things they love to do inspired the design of this project. Sports predominantly, among other outdoor activities, shaped it even more. The pavilion serves as a backdrop to the pool, while the jacuzzi is located close enough to enjoy viewing the TV that hangs above the bar. The pavilion is also home to an outdoor kitchen and fireplace. Closet space designed for storage spans the entire back side of the pavilion with access doors on either end. A sport court stands to one side of the yard along with enough lawn space to set up lacrosse nets. Ample patio for sunbathing, diving or dining surrounds the pool on every side. All enclosed within layers of color and texture lending ample privacy with beauty. This space invites the blending of training hard and playing to its equal.
The scope of this project was a full backyard re-vision including: pavilion, built-in pool and hot tub, sport court, fencing and planning enclosure, walks and patio to connect each piece to each other and the house.
Avg. Cost:
Design: $5,000-7,000
Install: $450,000-650,000
Avg. Time:
Design: 4-9 Months
Install: 7-10 Months
Materials: Pavilion = Cultured stone bar, fireplace and grill, gas fed grill and fireplace, granite bar top, panned ceiling, Mortared bluestone floor, Copper roof, lighting and sound. Patio = Geometric bluestone soldier course and inset arcs, Hanover dry-set cobble pavers, surface drains. Pool = Custom gunite pool with integrated jacuzzi, stone border and wall to match landscape & pavilion walls, diving end. Sport Court = Asphalt base, sport court finish top, seating area stucco walls, half court size. Landscape = Vista Pro, irrigation, sod, tree, shrub & perennial plantings for privacy and year-round interest, black aluminum fence.
What makes up cost deltas in a project like this?
Stone finishes and locations
Roof, size and finishes on pavilions
Size and appliances in kitchen
Stone counters vs granite counters
Concrete, modular brick or motored stone patio
Outdoor lighting & audio brand, controls and amounts
Pool type, finishes, size and auto-cover
Sport court size, activities and type
Fencing type