Landscape renovation budgets in Southeast Michigan span a wide range — from about $5,000 for small-scale projects to $50,000 or more for a complete transformation. Where you land depends on how much softscaping, hardscaping, and outdoor living you're adding. Here's how the costs break down.
Softscaping
Planting work generally falls in the $2,000 to $15,000 range. Lawn renovation runs about $1 to $3 per square foot, comprehensive planting $10 to $15 per square foot, and native plant gardens $5 to $8 per square foot.
Hardscaping
Patios and walkways run $15 to $30 per square foot; retaining walls $25 to $50 per square foot. A simple fountain is around $2,000, while a custom pond can exceed $10,000. Irrigation systems run $2,000 to $5,000, with smart-control tech adding $500 to $1,500.
Outdoor living spaces
Outdoor kitchens range from $5,000 to $25,000+, fire pits and fire features $2,000 to $10,000+, and pergolas or pavilions $5,000 to $20,000.
The hidden costs
Budget for the extras that don't show up in the brochure: permit fees ($50 to several hundred), site preparation ($1,000 to $5,000), drainage solutions ($2,000 to $8,000), and utility work ($500 to $2,000). A 10% contingency buffer is smart on any renovation.
Maximizing value
A well-executed landscape renovation can return 150% to 200% at resale. Plan on annual maintenance running roughly 10% to 15% of the installation cost to protect that investment.