What does a garden renovation really cost?

Average
Cost Items (indicative prices per m² / per project)

Example projects – Garden renovation up to 100 m²

A. Small renovation – 50 m²

• Top up + level: €500 – €750
• Concrete tiles (35 m²): €1,750 – €4,200
• Turf (15 m²): €120 – €225
• Planting (10 m²): €150 – €400
• Total cost: approx. €2,520 – €5,575

B. Standard family garden – 80 m²

• Backfill + drainage: € 1,600 – € 2,400
• Ceramic paving (40 m²): € 2,000 – € 4,800
• Turf (30 m²): € 240 – € 450
• Beds (15 m²): € 225 – € 600
• Fence (12 m): € 840 – € 1,800
• Garden lighting (basic): € 250 – € 750
• Total estimate: between € 5,155 – € 11,800

C. Luxury renovation – 100 m²

• Backfilling + drainage + design: € 2,500 – € 3,500
• Luxury paving (natural stone/ceramic) (50 m²): € 2,500 – € 6,000
• Artificial grass (30 m²): € 900 – € 1,500
• Extensive borders (20 m²): € 400 – € 1,600
• Fence (15 m): € 1,050 – € 2,250
• Lighting + paving inside: € 500 – € 1,200
• Total indication: € 7,850 – € 16,050

What influences these costs?

• Accessibility: hard-to-reach gardens increase labor hours.
• Substrate: clay or peat requires more civil engineering preparation.
• Material choice: from inexpensive concrete to luxury natural stone or composite.
• Design complexity: corners, level differences, raised elements.

Summary Table

Conclusion

For an average garden renovation up to 100 m², you should budget between approximately €2,500 and €16,000, depending on the desired level of finish. By planning well in advance, comparing quotes (for example, via jeofferte.nl), and cleverly using materials or DIY work, you can save significantly — without compromising on durability and quality.

Why 60 m² as a guideline?

A garden of approximately 60 m² is very common: large enough for a comfortable terrace, lawn and planting, but still manageable in budget and planning. Below you will find three scenarios: from functional to luxurious.

1. Basic renovation – Functional and affordable

Included work:

• Raising/leveling with sand (10 cm)
• Concrete tiles (35 m²)
• Grass sods (15 m²)
• Simple borders with plant mix (10 m²)

Cost estimate:

• Elevation: 60 m² × €10 = €600
• Paving: 35 m² × €60 = €2,100
• Lawn (sod): 15 m² × €12 = €180
• Planting: 10 m² × €25 = €250

Total: €3,130
Average price per m²: ± €52

2. Standard Family Garden – Practical with Extras

Extra components on top of basic:

• Drainage or infiltration
• Garden gate or wooden fence (approx. 8 meters)
• Garden lighting (3 basic fixtures)

Cost estimate:

• Elevation + drainage: €600 + (60 m² × €25) = €2,100
• Paving (ceramics): 35 m² × €90 = €3,150
• Lawn (sod): €180 (as above)
• Planting (10 m²): €250
• Fence (8 m): 8 × €100 = €800
• Lighting (fixtures): €500

Total: €6,980
Average price per m²: ± €116

3. Luxury garden – Comfort, atmosphere and sustainability

Extras added:

• Luxury natural stone or ceramic terrace
• Artificial grass (20 m²) instead of sod
• Raised borders (15 m²) with planting
• Canopy or structure (10 m²)
• Advanced lighting and outdoor socket

Cost estimate:

• Elevation + drainage: €2,100 (as standard)
• Luxury paving (natural stone): 35 m² × €120 = €4,200
• Artificial grass: 20 m² × €40 = €800
• Planting in raised borders: 15 m² × €60 = €900
• Canopy (10 m²): €4,000
• Lighting + electricity: €1,000

Total: €13,000
Average price per m²: ± €217

Overview table

Explanation of tariff differences

• Materials: Concrete tiles are cheaper than ceramic or natural stone; artificial grass is slightly more expensive than sod, but easier to maintain.
• Extra facilities: Drainage, fencing, roofing and lighting significantly drive up the total price.
• Labor intensity: More complex or heavier work costs more in labor.
• Aesthetics & sustainability: Luxury elements last longer and offer more comfort, but require a higher investment.

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Savings tips

1. Start with a clear sketch design, so that double work is avoided.
2. Compare quotes via jeofferte.nl, so that you get direct insight into price-quality per gardener.
3. Choose the materials specifically: keep luxury finishes to visible zones and keep the rest simple or self-executable.
4. Do preparatory work yourself, such as removing old paving or reusing plant parts.

 

1. Size of the Garden

The surface area largely determines the amount of materials and labor hours required.

Larger gardens are more expensive overall, but cheaper per m² due to economies of scale.

2. Accessibility of the garden

A well-accessible garden lowers the labor costs. Does everything have to go through a narrow passage, through the house or over a yard? Then the costs increase considerably.

3. Current State of the Garden

• Removing old tiles, gravel or plants takes time and disposal.
• Sunken gardens often need to be raised with sand and leveled.

4. Material selection (major influence)

The choice of paving, fencing, lighting and planting directly affects the material costs.

5. Labor intensity and complexity

Some gardens require more craftsmanship and time, such as:

• Level differences
• Steps or raised borders
• Custom pergolas or canopies
• Drainage or rainwater drainage
• Electricity or underground cables

Extra working hours = higher costs, on average € 40 – € 60 per hour per gardener.

6. Design and Preparation

A professional garden design prevents errors and failure costs.

A good design pays for itself: it prevents extra labor and material consumption.

7. Timing and season

• Gardeners are busy in spring and summer: higher rates, longer waiting time.
• Autumn and winter offer a chance of discounts, especially for preparatory work such as raising or foundation.

Seasonal discount: up to 10–15% possible outside the peak season.

8. Fixed and variable costs (example structure)

Summary graphic (textual)

Example: total renovation costs 60 m² = € 7,500

• € 3,750 labor costs (± 50%)
• € 2,600 materials (paving, fencing, grass, planting)
• € 600 transport and disposal
• € 550 design and preparation

Conclusion

The costs of a garden renovation are determined by:

• the size and accessibility of the garden,
• the condition of the subsoil,
• the choice of materials,
• the complexity of the design
• and the seasonal planning.

Anyone who is well prepared, chooses materials wisely and compares quotes (for example via jeofferte.nl), can count on a thoughtful and efficiently executed project — with control over the budget and the result.

1. What is a garden design?

A garden design is a visual plan that describes the layout, functions, materials and planting of the garden. The design is often drawn up by a landscape architect or gardener, and forms the guideline for the execution.

Content of a professional garden design:

• Floor plan (scale drawing with layout)
• Terrace, paths, borders, lawn, boundary
• Material proposals (paving, wood, planting)
• Optional: planting plan, lighting plan, 3D impression

2. Types of garden designs and average costs (2025)

3. What determines the price of a garden design?

4. Why a design pays off

• Prevents costly mistakes during construction (such as incorrect material choices or poor drainage)
• Clear plan for the gardener: less miscommunication, faster execution
• Helps with budgeting per phase (e.g. first terrace, later borders or lighting)
• Offers the possibility to construct parts in phases
• Works more efficiently and is often cost-saving in the long term

5. Example scenario – Garden design for an 80 m² family garden

Wishes:

• Terrace, lawn, borders, fence, planting
• Low-maintenance, modern
• Image of the end result desired

Approach:

• 2D design with zones, layout, material selection
• Planting plan + maintenance advice
• Optional: 3D impression

Costs:

• 2D design: € 1,100
• Planting plan: € 450
• 3D impression: € 700
• Total: ± € 2,250 (incl. VAT)

6. Common Mistakes in Garden Design

• Not having a design made (leads to illogical layout)
• Executing everything in one style/materials without contrast
• Not taking into account sun exposure, views, or drainage
• No plan for maintenance (too much planting or vulnerable species)
• Too small or narrow walkways and seating areas

7. Garden Design & Quote Request via jeofferte.nl

At jeofferte.nl you can post garden design assignments to recognized gardeners and landscape architects in your region. You will then receive several proposals, in which design, working method, style and costs are clearly presented side by side. This way you can specifically choose the party that suits your garden and budget.

Conclusion

A garden design is essential for a successful garden landscaping or renovation. The price varies from approximately € 450 to € 4,800, depending on the level of detail and the desired visualization. By investing in a well-thought-out design in advance, you save money, time and maintenance in the long term.

Do you want quick insight into the possibilities and prices? Then request several quotes without obligation via jeofferte.nl and compare professionals on experience, style and approach.

1. Why preparatory work is crucial

Preparation prevents problems during or after construction. Consider:

• Subsidence due to insufficient elevation or leveling
• Poor drainage without drainage
• Damage to paving by tree roots
• Incompatible subsoil for planting or foundation

A well-prepared garden is structurally stable, easy to maintain and cost-effective in the long term.

2. Overview of common preparatory work

3. Timetable and order

A good preparation knows a logical order of phases:

1. Removal of old elements (tiles, borders, plants)
2. Disposal of rubble, sand, green waste and other materials
3. Application and distribution of fill sand
4. Leveling the terrain

Depending on project size, this phase takes 1 to 5 days.

4. Savings tips during preparation

• Remove old plants, stones or gravel yourself, if you have the time and resources
• Reuse usable materials, such as old concrete tiles, clinkers or sand
• Combine waste disposal with neighbors or multiple projects (shared container)
• Request a specification from jeofferte.nl of which preparations you can carry out yourself
• Plan the preparatory phase in the spring or autumn: better soil condition and availability of gardeners

5. Example project: Preparation 80 m² garden

6. What determines the price?

• Degree of hardening: removing paving is more labor-intensive than planting
• Accessibility of the garden: without back entrance increases the price (more lifting)
• Waste volume: the type of waste (rubble, green waste, sand) determines container costs
• Structure of the subsoil: in clay or peat soils, extra measures are needed (e.g. drainage)

7. Summary

Soil improvement

€ 10 – € 20

Drainage / infiltration

€ 20 – € 40

Conclusion

Preparatory work is essential for a solid, stable and sustainable garden. They account for a significant part of the costs — on average € 20 to € 40 per m² — but deliver many times the quality and lifespan. By planning smartly, doing some of the work yourself and comparing via jeofferte.nl, you avoid problems and save on the construction costs.

Do you want to know exactly what is needed in your garden? Request a substantiated quote without obligation via jeofferte.nl and receive advice from experienced professionals.

1. Fence or boundary

Function:

• Privacy, boundary, windbreak

Materials:

• Wood (spruce, pine, Douglas fir)
• Concrete (with wood combination)
• Hardwood or composite (durable, low-maintenance)

Costs (including placement):

2. Canopy or veranda

Function:

• Dry seating area, extension of the house, luxurious appearance

Types:

• Freestanding or against the facade
• Flat roof, shed, gable roof
• Wood, aluminum or steel

Price indication:

Keep in mind that a permit is required for canopies >30 m² or height >3 meters.

3. Garden wall or raised border

Function:

• Separation of zones, absorption of height differences, decorative

Materials:

• Stacking blocks, masonry, natural stone, corten steel

Cost indication:

4. Garden shed or storage

Function:

• Storage, hobby room, outdoor area

Versions:

• Wood, plastic, metal
• With or without roofing or insulation

Price indication (incl. assembly):

Extras such as electricity, insulation and foundation can cost up to € 3.000 extra.

5. Pond or Water Feature

Function:

• Atmosphere, biodiversity, cooling, fish pond

Types:

• Natural pond, reflecting pond, koi pond, waterfall, fountain

Price indication:

6. Pergola or garden structure

Function:

• Vertical lines, shade, support climbing plants

Materials:

• Wood (Douglas fir, oak), steel, aluminum

Price indication:

7. Lighting & Electrics

Function:

• Safety, atmosphere, orientation

Elements:

• Ground spotlights, wall lamps, lanterns, string lights, sockets

Price indication:

Underground cables, switches and excavation work are usually calculated separately.

8. Moving or smart element (optional)

• Automatic sprinklers: € 600 – € 2,000
• Smart garden lighting (app-controlled): € 900 – € 2,500
• Movable awning: € 1,000 – € 3,000

Summary table

Conclusion

Elements and constructions largely determine the style, comfort, and functionality of a garden. They often constitute a significant portion of the total budget but also increase the value and usability of your outdoor space. By making smart choices, prioritizing wishes, and comparing professionals via jeofferte.nl, you can realize a sustainable and well-thought-out garden with any budget.

Ensure that the design and execution align to avoid unexpected costs – and build your garden from a strong, structural foundation.

A garden renovation or landscaping is a serious investment. Yet, there are many ways to limit costs without compromising sustainability, quality, or user comfort. With the right preparation and choices, you can save tens of percent on the total costs. The overview below provides you with practical and professionally substantiated tips for an efficient approach.

1. Always work with a good design

A professional garden design prevents unnecessary costs during execution. Many failure costs arise from illogical layout, superfluous materials, or work that needs to be revised afterwards.
A good design:

• Ensures a logical, practical, and future-proof layout.
• Prevents material surplus or shortage.
• Offers the possibility to build in phases.
• Makes offers more comparable with each other.

Preferably have a design drawn up before you request quotes or order materials. The investment in a design often pays for itself many times over.

2. Combine work in one project

By combining work such as raising, paving, and fence placement in one working week, you save on transport, start-up costs, machines, and labor. After all, each separate job entails fixed costs (such as travel, earthmoving, or disposal). The more you have done in one phase , the lower the average price per m².

3. Choose cost-efficient, low-maintenance materials

Not every part of the garden has to consist of high-quality or luxury materials. By cleverly choosing where you invest and where you can save, the whole remains within budget:

Choose sustainable materials for functional or heavily used areas (such as fencing or patio), and keep the rest simple and affordable.

4. Do preparatory work yourself

A significant portion of the costs is in preparing the garden. Consider:

• Removing old tiles or gravel
• Digging out borders
• Moving sand or soil
• Demolition waste disposal to recycling center or container

Self-employment can reduce costs by up to €10 to €20 per m². Discuss this in advance with the gardener so that the division of labor is clear.

5. Compare quotes via jeofferte.nl

Always request multiple quotes and compare them not only on price, but also on approach, use of materials, planning and included activities. At jeofferte.nl you will receive clear, specified proposals from recognized gardening companies in your region.

When comparing, pay attention to:

• Hourly rates versus project prices
• Included material costs
• Number of working days and delivery date
• Accessibility and transport costs

6. Reuse existing materials

Many used materials are excellent for reprocessing:

• Old concrete tiles as curb stones or walkway
• Decorative stones and clinkers as decorative border or border separation
• Healthy plants can be rearranged
• Sand can sometimes be reused as a base layer

Reuse is not only cost-saving, but also sustainable.

7. Work in phases, with priorities

If the budget is not sufficient for a complete renovation, it is wise to tackle the garden in phases:

• Start with raising, drainage and foundation
• Then finish the main structure (terrace, paths, fencing)
• Planting, lighting and decoration can be added later

In that case, make sure that the design takes this structure into account from the start.

8. Choose the right time of year

In the high season (spring and early summer), gardeners are busy, which can result in higher rates or limited availability. In autumn or winter:

• Gardeners are often more available
• Transport and container services are cheaper
• Groundwork and raising are excellent to perform

Preparatory work in particular is ideal for the colder months.

9. Use standard sizes and simple shapes

Customization not only increases material costs, but also labor costs. Preferably choose:

• Standard format garden tiles (e.g. 60×60 cm)
• Rectangular or square shapes
• No excess of corners, curves or height differences

Simple design = efficient execution = lower costs.

10. Avoid hidden or repair costs

Cheap often turns out to be expensive afterwards when essential basic measures are missing. Think of:

• Poor drainage → flooding → repair work
• No filling sand → sunken tiles within one year
• Poor accessibility → extra work and waiting time

Invest in a solid and correct base to avoid repair and maintenance costs.

Summary checklist: where can you save smartly?

• Work with a functional design (possibly in 2D)
• Combine multiple jobs in one execution
• Always compare multiple gardeners via jeofferte.nl
• Carry out preparatory work partly yourself
• Reuse materials where possible
• Phase the project with a limited budget

Conclusion

With a well-thought-out approach, it is quite possible to keep the costs of a garden renovation manageable. By making conscious choices in design, execution, materials and timing, you save up to 30 to 40 percent of the total budget – without sacrificing quality. Via jeofferte.nl you get direct insight into what is feasible within your wishes and possibilities.

A garden renovation or landscaping is an investment that not only increases your living pleasure but also enhances the value and sustainability of your home. Whether it's a small refresh or a complete redesign, those who approach their garden smartly and in phases can count on a long-term result and a controlled budget.

The total costs depend heavily on the size of the garden, the accessibility, the chosen material, the complexity of the design, and the method of execution. Well-prepared projects – with clear plans, logical phasing, and substantiated choices – lead to better quality at lower costs.

It pays to invest in a good design in advance and to take the preparatory work seriously. Those who also consciously opt for reuse, standard materials, and clear communication with professionals save considerably on execution and maintenance.

By requesting quotes via jeofferte.nl, you can easily compare the approach, rates, and advice of several recognized gardeners and designers. This way, you keep a grip on the process, choose based on quality and costs, and realize a garden that suits your wishes, home, and budget.

In short:

·         Start with a clear design and a realistic plan.

·         Combine activities to reduce costs per m².

·         Choose materials that suit the use, not just the appearance.

·         Save where possible, but invest in a durable base.

·         Always compare multiple professionals on experience, price and approach.