Landscape Project Investment Guide | Minnesota
Transparent pricing for every scope of work. From focused enhancements to complete property transformations, understand what to expect before we begin.
Why We Are Transparent About Costs
Most landscape contractors will not share pricing until after a consultation. We believe you deserve a realistic understanding of costs before you pick up the phone. Every project is custom, so these are ranges based on hundreds of projects across the Lake Minnetonka area since 2009. Your actual investment depends on site conditions, material selections, and project complexity.
Three Levels of Outdoor Living
Most of our clients fall into one of three investment categories. Each represents a different scope and level of transformation.
Focused Enhancement
- Basic paver patio (200-350 sq ft)
- Simple retaining wall (under 3 ft height)
- Foundation plantings refresh
- Path lighting (6-10 fixtures)
- Basic steps (4-6 risers)
Ideal for homeowners looking to improve a specific area: a new patio for grilling and dining, a retaining wall to reclaim a sloped section of yard, or a front entrance upgrade. Typically completed in 1-2 weeks.
Get a Signature EstimateComplete Outdoor Room
- Multi-level patio (500-800 sq ft)
- Retaining walls with terracing
- Fire pit or fireplace
- Pergola or shade structure
- Complete landscape lighting package (15-25 fixtures)
- Privacy screening and ornamental plantings
- Integrated steps throughout
The most popular tier for Lake Minnetonka homeowners. Creates a complete outdoor room with distinct zones for cooking, dining, lounging, and fire. Typically completed in 3-5 weeks. This is where most of our clients find the balance between investment and transformation.
Get an Estate EstimateTotal Transformation
- Complete outdoor living transformation
- Full outdoor kitchen with grill, sink, fridge
- Outdoor fireplace (masonry or stone)
- Multi-level terracing with engineered walls
- Pool integration and surrounds
- Premium landscape lighting throughout (30+ fixtures)
- Comprehensive softscape and specimen plantings
- Premium materials throughout (natural stone, custom masonry)
For properties where the outdoor space should rival the interior in quality and detail. These are the projects we are best known for. Typical build time: 6-12 weeks. Often phased across two seasons by design preference, not budget necessity.
Get a Legacy EstimateCost Breakdown by Service Type
Individual service costs for when you need a specific element rather than a complete project.
| Service | Typical Range | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Paver Patio | $8,000 - $25,000 | Excavation, Class 5 base, Belgard pavers, polymeric sand, edge restraint. Price varies by size (200-600 sq ft) and material grade. |
| Retaining Wall | $3,000 - $20,000+ | Excavation, base prep, drainage, block or boulder, backfill, cap units. Engineering for walls over 4 ft is additional ($800-$1,500). |
| Fire Pit | $3,500 - $8,000 | Fire pit structure, gas line (if gas), burner kit, cap, and surrounding seat wall prep. Standalone or integrated with patio. |
| Outdoor Fireplace | $12,000 - $25,000+ | Full masonry or veneer construction, chimney, hearth, gas or wood-burning, stone veneer, mantle. |
| Landscape Lighting | $3,000 - $15,000 | Design, transformer, wiring, fixtures (10-30), timer/controller. LED fixtures with manufacturer warranty. |
| Pergola | $8,000 - $35,000+ | Footings, posts, beams, rafters, hardware. Cedar ($8K-$18K), vinyl ($10K-$22K), aluminum ($15K-$35K+). |
| Deck (Composite) | $10,000 - $30,000 | Footings, framing, composite decking, railings, stairs. Price per sq ft: $35-$60 installed. |
| Steps & Stairs | $1,500 - $12,000 | Base prep, material (block, stone slab, or composite), risers, treads. Price varies by width and number of risers. |
| Planting Design | $3,000 - $20,000+ | Design plan, soil amendment, plant material, installation, mulch. Foundation refresh ($3K-$6K), full property ($10K-$20K+). |
| Front Entrance | $8,000 - $25,000 | Walkway, entry patio, plantings, lighting. Add stone columns or retaining walls for grade changes. |
All prices are installed costs for the Lake Minnetonka area as of 2026. Prices include materials, labor, equipment, and cleanup. Permits and engineering (when required) are additional. Every project receives a detailed, itemized proposal before work begins.
What Affects Your Project Cost?
Site Conditions
Grade changes, soil quality, drainage issues, and access difficulty are the biggest cost variables. A flat, well-drained lot with easy equipment access costs less to work than a steep hillside with clay soil and a narrow side yard. Properties near Lake Minnetonka often require additional erosion control measures and may fall within watershed district jurisdictions that add permitting requirements.
Material Selection
The difference between standard Belgard pavers and premium natural stone can double the material cost of a patio. Similarly, a cedar pergola costs roughly half what an aluminum louvered system does. We present material options at multiple price points so you can make informed decisions about where to invest and where to economize without compromising the overall design.
Project Complexity
Curves, angles, multi-level transitions, and custom features (outdoor kitchens, water features, pool surrounds) require more design time, more cutting, and more skilled labor than straightforward rectangular installations. The design-build approach helps control complexity costs because the team building the project also designed it, eliminating the disconnect that occurs when a separate designer creates something that is impractical or expensive to build.
Timing
Our peak season runs June through September, when lead times are longest and scheduling is tightest. Projects scheduled for spring (April-May) or fall (October-November) may benefit from slightly shorter lead times. Winter is our design season. Starting your consultation in January or February means your 3D design is complete and your spot in the build schedule is secured before spring demand peaks.
Frequently Asked Investment Questions
A general guideline is to invest 5-10% of your home's value in landscaping. For a $500,000 Lake Minnetonka home, that is $25,000-$50,000, which falls squarely in our Estate tier. However, many homeowners start with a Signature project ($10,000-$20,000) and add features over multiple seasons. The most important thing is to design the complete vision upfront, even if you plan to build in phases, so each phase integrates seamlessly with the next.
Yes. The National Association of Realtors estimates professional landscaping increases property value by 5-12%. A $50,000 landscape investment on a $600,000 home could add $30,000-$72,000 in value, a strong return even before accounting for the years of personal enjoyment. Well-maintained hardscaping (patios, walls, steps) retains value better than softscaping alone because it represents permanent, visible infrastructure.
As a Belgard Authorized Contractor, we can connect you with Belgard's financing partners who offer terms specifically for landscape construction projects. Options typically include 12-month same-as-cash and extended payment plans up to 84 months. Many homeowners also use home equity lines of credit (HELOC) for landscape investments since the improvements directly increase property value. We are happy to discuss payment structure during your consultation.
Absolutely, and we encourage it when appropriate. The key is designing the entire vision in Phase 1 so that utility conduits, drainage provisions, and structural elements are built into early phases even if they serve later additions. A typical phasing approach: Phase 1 (Year 1) covers retaining walls, patio, and basic drainage. Phase 2 (Year 2) adds fire feature, pergola, and lighting. Phase 3 (Year 2 or 3) completes plantings and finishing touches. This approach spreads investment while maintaining design coherence.
Every proposal includes a full 3D design rendering, itemized cost breakdown by scope category (excavation, base, material, labor, lighting, planting), projected timeline, material specifications (specific products, colors, patterns), and payment schedule. We do not use allowances or vague line items. You see exactly what you are getting and exactly what it costs. If the proposal exceeds your budget, we work together to adjust scope or phase the project without compromising the core design.
See What Your Investment Creates
Eden Prairie — Estate Tier
Plymouth — Estate Tier
Industry Certifications & Partnerships
Get Your Custom Project Estimate
Every property is unique. Schedule a consultation with Charlie Kraemer and receive a detailed 3D design and itemized proposal tailored to your vision, your property, and your budget.