Dear David,
We’ve been in our home since 2016 and are finally ready to invest in some landscaping. The issue is that my partner and I disagree on how much we should spend. Our home is worth around $800 thousand. Based on that, I feel it would be reasonable to budget $20 thousand for a proper refresh. My partner feels this figure is excessive, and wants to invest around $10 thousand to achieve our goals. What do you think? – IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN
DEAR GREEN: It’s completely normal for couples to have differing views on budgeting when it comes to home renovation projects, especially for something like landscaping, where the scope can vary so widely. On the positive side, you both agree that the yard needs attention. Now it’s just a matter of agreeing on a budget that is realistic and worthwhile.
When it comes to projects that boost the curb appeal and/or long-term value of your home, many experts suggest investing around five to ten percent of the value of the property. Spending $20 thousand on this project equates to about 2.5 percent of the value of your home, which feels reasonable in light of the fact that a landscaping overhaul is a moderate-level upgrade. Depending on what you have in mind, a $20 thousand budget would likely cover new garden beds, a small patio, improved walkways, and maybe even low-voltage lighting.
If your partner is not comfortable with this level of investment, a smaller budget and a solid plan can also take you far, especially if you focus on cosmetic updates and are willing to put in some of the work yourselves.
To settle the debate and help you move forward, it might make sense to sit down and list your shared goals for the project: is curb appeal, entertaining space, low-maintenance design, or privacy most important to you? Once you know what you’re after, gather a few ballpark quotes from landscapers in your area, just to see what’s possible at each budget level.
If you have champagne taste and still want to keep things reasonable, you may consider breaking the project into phases. Perhaps you could start with $10 thousand worth of work this season, and decide down the road if you want to take things further. There might even be a middle ground (a $15 thousand compromise, for example) that would allow you to enjoy the best of both visions.
PRO TIP: Fortunately, landscaping is one of the few property updates that pays off in both daily enjoyment and resale value. If you and your partner can align your visions with a budget that feels reasonable from both sides, you’ll both benefit, and so will our home. If you need a little extra insight, ask a landscaping expert to weigh in with some creative ideas and advice. When I’m looking for a fresh perspective, an expert opinion rarely disappoints. #Advice #AskDavid #TheNegotiator