Why Ignoring Landscaping Costs Could Cost You Tens of Thousands After Your Home Build

When planning a new home build in Australia, most people focus on the house itself — the design, materials, and construction costs. Yet one of the most overlooked expenses is landscaping. Many homeowners move into their new property only to discover they need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on driveways, turf, fencing, retaining walls, drainage, and outdoor living spaces. These costs often come as an unwelcome surprise, blowing out budgets and causing stress.

Including landscaping in your original build price offers clear financial and planning benefits. It allows you to budget properly from day one, avoid nasty surprises after handover, and roll landscaping costs into your construction finance instead of paying cash later. This approach also means you can move straight into a finished, usable home instead of a dirt block, and avoid rushed or compromised landscaping decisions caused by post-build budget pressure.

This article explains why landscaping is a commonly forgotten cost, shares real-world examples of budget blowouts, and highlights the advantages of planning landscaping upfront.

Why Landscaping Costs Are Often Forgotten

When people budget for a new home, the focus is usually on the house itself. The excitement of choosing floor plans, fixtures, and finishes can overshadow the practical needs of the outdoor space. Landscaping is often seen as a “nice to have” rather than a necessity, so it gets pushed to the bottom of the list or left for later.

Many homeowners assume landscaping will be a minor expense or something they can do gradually over time. Unfortunately, this mindset leads to underestimating the true costs. Site works alone — including earthworks, soil preparation, and drainage — can be expensive. Add in driveways, fencing, turf, retaining walls, and outdoor living areas, and the total can quickly reach tens of thousands of dollars.

For example, a client might budget $500,000 for their home build but forget to include $30,000 to $80,000 for landscaping and site works. After moving in, they face the reality of paying these costs out of pocket, often under time pressure to make their outdoor space functional and safe.

The Real Costs Behind Landscaping

Landscaping involves more than planting a few shrubs or laying turf. Here are some common elements that add up:

• Site works: Clearing, leveling, and preparing the land for construction and landscaping.

• Driveways and paths: Concrete, pavers, or asphalt to create access and parking.

• Retaining walls: Needed for sloped blocks to prevent erosion and create usable garden areas.

• Fencing: For privacy, security, and boundary definition.

• Turf and planting: Grass, trees, shrubs, and garden beds.

• Drainage: Essential to prevent water pooling and damage to the home and garden.

• Outdoor living areas: Decks, patios, pergolas, and BBQ spaces.

  
  

Each of these can cost thousands of dollars. For instance, a basic concrete driveway can cost $5,000 to $10,000, while retaining walls can easily add $10,000 or more depending on height and materials. Turf installation and landscaping plants vary widely but can add up to $15,000 or more for a typical suburban block.

How Including Landscaping in Your Build Price Helps Your Budget

Adding landscaping costs to your original build price allows you to plan your finances clearly from the start. Here’s why this approach makes sense:

• Budget clarity: You know the total cost upfront, so you can make informed decisions about your home and outdoor space.

• Avoid surprises: No unexpected bills after handover that disrupt your finances.

• Roll costs into construction finance: Instead of paying cash later, you can include landscaping in your home loan, spreading the cost over time.

• Move into a finished home: Your property is ready to live in, with usable outdoor spaces from day one.

• Better landscaping decisions: Without budget pressure after the build, you can choose quality materials and designs rather than rushing or cutting corners.

  
  

Real-World Examples of Budget Blowouts

Many Plan Haus clients have shared stories of how landscaping costs caught them off guard:

• One family carefully budgeted for their new home but did not include site works or fencing. After moving in, they faced a $45,000 bill to complete driveways, retaining walls, turf, and fencing. This expense delayed other plans and caused financial stress.

• Another client underestimated the cost of drainage and outdoor living areas. Their landscaping costs blew out to $80,000, forcing them to take on additional loans and delay landscaping projects.

• A couple who included landscaping in their build price avoided these issues. They moved into a fully finished home with a driveway, turf, fencing, and a patio ready to use. Their budget was clear from the start, and they avoided surprises.

  
  

Planning Landscaping Upfront Aligns with Smart Building Practices

Plan Haus believes in planning upfront to avoid delays, budget blowouts, and stress. Including landscaping in your build price fits this philosophy perfectly. It means:

• Accurate cost estimates: Builders and consultants can provide realistic quotes when landscaping is part of the scope.

• Smooth construction process: Landscaping can be scheduled alongside the home build, reducing downtime.

• Peace of mind: You know what to expect financially and practically.

  
  

Tips for Including Landscaping in Your Build Budget

To avoid surprises, consider these practical steps:

• Get detailed quotes: Ask your builder or landscaper for itemised costs covering all aspects of landscaping.

• Include site works: Don’t forget earthworks, drainage, and soil preparation.

• Plan outdoor living early: Decide on patios, decks, and other features before construction starts.

• Consult professionals: Landscape architects or consultants can help design functional and cost-effective outdoor spaces.

• Review your finance options: Talk to your lender about including landscaping in your construction loan.

  
  

Landscaping is not just an add-on; it is a vital part of your new home. Ignoring these costs can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected expenses and stress. Including landscaping in your build price helps you budget clearly, avoid surprises, and move into a complete, usable home from day one.