How Much Does Garden Design and Landscaping Cost in Nottingham?
When it comes to transforming your outdoor space into a beautiful, functional garden, the design and landscaping process can seem very challenging, not least because of the cost involved. If you're based in Nottingham, you'll find that prices for landscaping services can vary significantly depending on the scope of work, the level of expertise, and the company you choose.
However, in this blog post, we’ll break down the cost of landscaping in Nottingham, comparing our services at Aspen Garden Design with others.
So, let’s get in!
Understanding the Cost Breakdown of Garden Design and Landscaping
Before comparing, it’s important to understand the general cost structure of garden design and landscaping. Typically, landscaping work is divided into two main categories:
Soft Landscaping: This includes planting, turfing, and anything else that involves ‘softer’ elements like plants, trees, and flowers. Costs for soft landscaping usually range between £100-£200 per square meter (m²).
Hard Landscaping: This includes the construction elements such as patios, decking, walls, driveways, and water features. Hard landscaping costs are higher, ranging from £250-£450 per m², depending on materials and complexity.
Additional services such as lighting, irrigation systems, and bespoke features for larger garden designs will also factor into the overall cost.
Our Design Fees at Aspen Garden Design
At Aspen Garden Design, we offer a comprehensive and transparent pricing model that reflects our high-quality service and expertise. Our design fees include:
Hard Landscaping Plans: Starting from £2,000.
Planting Plans: Starting from £1,000.
Lighting Plans: Starting from £750.
Unlike others, our fees include crucial aspects such as site surveys, which are often charged separately by other designers. We believe that these are integral to delivering a high-quality design that meets your needs, so we include them in our pricing structure.
Key Factors That Influence the Cost of Garden Design and Landscaping
Several factors can affect the cost of your garden design and landscaping project in Nottingham. Understanding these factors will help you plan your budget better and avoid unexpected expenses. Here's a closer look at what influences the price of a garden project:
Size of the Garden
The larger the garden, the higher the cost, as more materials and labour will be required. Larger spaces also need more complex designs and planning, which adds to the overall cost.
Type of Landscaping
As mentioned earlier, soft landscaping (planting, turfing, etc.) tends to be less expensive than hard landscaping (patios, walls, decking). If your design focuses heavily on hard landscaping, like installing a large patio or stone pathways, you can expect to pay more.
Material Choices
The quality and type of materials used, whether it’s natural stone, premium decking, or plants, can significantly impact the cost. High-end materials like sandstone or oak timber are more expensive but offer durability and a premium look.
Complexity of Design
More intricate designs, such as multi-level terraces, water features, or lighting systems, require more work and expertise, which can increase the price.
Site Conditions
Difficult access, poor soil, or drainage issues can make the project more labour-intensive, leading to additional costs for soil preparation, drainage solutions, or machinery.
By knowing these factors, you can better estimate the cost of your garden project and understand why prices can vary between different companies and different projects.
Potential Hidden Costs in Garden Design and Landscaping
One of the biggest challenges for homeowners looking for garden transformation is the number of ‘hidden’ or unexpected costs that can arise during the process. These costs can significantly increase your budget, leaving you with a project far exceeding your initial financial expectations.
So, here’s a breakdown of potential hidden costs and how they differ between Aspen Garden Design and others.
Site Surveys
At Aspen Garden Design, we include site surveys in our upfront design fees. This important step ensures we thoroughly understand your space by assessing factors like size and scale, existing structures, height changes, and site access before beginning any design work. It is imperative to produce an accurate design.
However, generally, site surveys are considered an extra cost, with prices ranging from £300 to £750 depending on the size and complexity of the site.
Project Management Fees
Project management is essential for making sure that the landscaping work progresses smoothly and stays on schedule. However, some landscaping companies in Nottingham charge separate project management fees, which can add between 5% and 15% to your overall project cost.
But, at Aspen Garden Design, we work closely with trusted contractors and ensure that the design and execution phases are well-coordinated. We do not charge an additional fee for project oversight, which gives you peace of mind without increasing the overall cost.
Material Costs
The type of materials used in hard landscaping can significantly affect your investment. For example, stone walls as opposed to timber sleepers for walling can raise the cost per m². Some companies may offer you lower initial quotes but will use less durable, low-quality materials.
At Aspen, we are transparent about the material options we provide, and we always work around your budget to find the highest quality solutions in relation to your budget that ensure longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Planning Permissions and Legal Costs
If your garden project involves substantial structural changes, such as building walls or terraces, you may require planning permission. Some companies will leave it up to you to manage these legalities, which can involve fees and time-consuming processes.
We advise our clients through any planning requirements from the start, ensuring there are no surprises along the way.
Value for Money: What You’re Really Paying For
When choosing a landscaping company, it’s important to look at more than the headline price. The real value lies in what is included in that price and how well the company understands your needs. Here are some of the key reasons why Aspen Garden Design offers exceptional value for money:
Expertise: With years of experience in high-end garden design, we know how to deliver projects that are both visually stunning and practical.
Attention to Detail: Our site surveys are thorough, ensuring that your garden is designed with all the necessary technical considerations in mind.
Personalised Solutions: We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our designs are tailored to your personal tastes, your home's character, and the garden space's practicalities.
Transparency: No hidden costs. No surprises. We provide clear and detailed pricing from the outset, giving you complete control over your budget.
Conclusion
Transforming your garden is a big investment, but it can also bring you joy for years. It can add value to your home and give you a space to relax and enjoy with family and friends. At Aspen Garden Design, we are committed to delivering high-quality work at a fair price. Our design fees start from £2,000, and our clear pricing means no hidden costs.
So, if you’re considering redesigning your garden, contact us today to discuss your ideas. We can help turn your outdoor space into a garden you’ll love!
