Garden Makeover Costs: How Much Does it Cost in Surrey?
Upgrading your garden is one of the most rewarding investments you can make as a homeowner. A beautifully designed outdoor space adds value to your property, creates a place to relax and entertain, and transforms the overall look and feel of your home.
But before you get started, it helps to understand what to expect financially.
Garden makeover costs in Surrey vary considerably depending on the size of your garden, the features you want, and the materials you choose. While a basic refresh might cost a few thousand pounds, a full transformation could run into the tens of thousands. Garden makeover costs can also fluctuate based on design choices and project specifics, so it’s important to consider how these factors affect your budget.
The average cost homeowners might expect for typical projects often falls within a broad range, making it essential to research and plan accordingly. Knowing where your project sits on that spectrum, and what drives the price, helps you plan confidently and avoid unwanted surprises.
As a garden designer in Surrey, Beautiful Spaces offers a wide range of services to clients across the region. We understand that every garden project is unique and therefore offer varying garden makeover costs to our clients.
In this post, we will break down the typical garden makeover costs you may face in Surrey and what causes these. We will also explore the garden design process and offer practical tips for getting the most from your budget.
What Is A Garden Makeover?
Before we can explore the costs you may face for your garden renovation, we first need to explore what a garden makeover actually is and what kind of services this entails. No two garden makeovers are the same, which is why there are no generic garden makeover costs you will face.
The scope of your project will depend on your goals, your outdoor space, and how much you want to change. As a full-service landscaping company, Beautiful Spaces provides a range of services to bring your dream outdoor space to life, and a garden makeover can include:
- Garden design: The initial planning, detailed garden layout plans, and computer-generated images to demonstrate our intentions.
- Patio or paving installation: Hard landscaping, like patios, is a key feature of any garden makeover, adding structure and functionality to your outdoor space.
- Planting schemes: Soft landscaping adds colour and seasonal interest to your garden and is usually designed by local landscape gardeners to ensure success in your Surrey garden
- Fencing and boundary work: Fencing can be installed to add privacy to your garden and keep it separate from the surrounding landscapes.
- Decking: Timber or composite decking is ideal for outdoor living spaces or to create raised seating areas, for dining or entertaining.
- Garden maintenance: Gardening usually follows a garden makeover and can be done on a regular basis to upkeep the health and appearance of your new garden.
Each service adds to the overall garden design price and the total garden makeover costs you will face. In most cases, a full overhaul of your outdoor space that incorporates several of these features will naturally cost more than a targeted refresh of one or two areas.
When working with a professional landscaping company, like Beautiful Spaces, we will break down each service cost and what is required to achieve your desired result.
To ensure we are the right choice for your garden design project, see our post How to Choose the Right Garden Designer in Surrey.
What Factors Affect Garden Makeover Costs?
Understanding what drives costs helps you make informed decisions at every stage of your project. The project’s complexity is a major driver of both cost and potential challenges, as more intricate designs and features often require additional resources and careful planning.
Here are the main factors to keep in mind when determining garden makeover costs:
Garden Size
Larger gardens require more materials, more labour, and more time, all of which contribute to higher garden makeover costs. A compact courtyard and a half-acre plot are entirely different propositions, even if the design brief is similar.
Materials Used
Material choices have a significant impact on the final figure. Natural stone paving, premium hardwood decking, and bespoke garden structures all carry a higher price tag than standard alternatives, but they tend to offer better longevity and visual appeal.
The materials you choose for your garden makeover, from paving to fencing and planting, determine how much you will spend. A professional landscaping company, like Beautiful Spaces, will work with you to determine the best materials for aesthetics, budget, and longevity.
Design Complexity
A straightforward rectangular lawn with a simple patio is far less complex to design and build than a multi-zone garden with flowing paths, planting beds, and integrated lighting. More intricate designs require additional planning time and skilled construction work, which will result in higher garden makeover costs.
To learn more about garden design costs, see our post How Much Does Garden Design Cost?
Ground Preparation
Not every garden starts from a level playing field. Drainage issues, poor soil quality, tree root removal, or uneven ground can all require extra preparation work before the main project begins, which will add to your total garden makeover costs.
When planning your garden makeover, it’s worth budgeting for this possibility, especially in older properties, to prevent issues later down the line.
Access to the Garden
Restricted access can make even a modest project more expensive. If materials and equipment need to be carried through the house or over long distances, expect labour time and costs to rise accordingly.
Average Garden Design Prices in Surrey: Typical Garden Makeover Costs
To give you a realistic starting point, here are typical price ranges based on project scope. Many garden makeover costs are calculated per square metre, especially for elements like turf, paving, or fencing, allowing you to estimate expenses based on the size of your space.
Additionally, supply costs for materials such as soil, plants, and hardscaping can significantly impact your overall budget, so it’s important to consider these separately from labour costs when planning your project.
Basic Garden Refresh: £1,000 to £5,000
A basic refresh is ideal if your garden is structurally sound but needs some attention. This might include:
- Lawn improvements or reseeding, with natural grass as a traditional option
- Basic planting and border tidying
- Minor paving repairs or additions
- General layout improvements
Even basic projects may require some manual labour, such as clearing overgrown areas or reseeding, which will contribute to the total garden makeover costs you face.
Mid-Range Garden Makeover: £5,000 to £15,000
A mid-range project opens up far more possibilities. At this level, you can expect:
- New patio or paving installation
- Raised planting beds
- New turf or artificial grass
- Decorative planting schemes
- Improved garden layout and zoning
- Upgraded fencing using quality fence panels for greater durability
This is the most common range for homeowners in Surrey who want a meaningful transformation without going to the very top end.
Mid-range garden makeover costs often include the expertise of professional tradespeople for installation and finishing, ensuring a high-quality result.
Full Garden Transformation: £15,000 to £40,000+
For a complete redesign from the ground up, costs can reach £40,000 or more. A full transformation typically involves:
- Complete garden redesign with bespoke layouts
- Multiple seating and entertaining areas
- High-quality natural stone paving
- Lighting and irrigation systems
- Custom landscaping features
These projects are often carried out over several weeks and require close collaboration between the homeowner and a dedicated gardening team. The result is an entirely reimagined outdoor space that is built to last.
How to Budget for Garden Makeover Costs
Good budgeting starts well before you contact a landscape gardener. Careful planning is essential to budget effectively and avoid overspending on your garden makeover.
These steps will help you approach the process with clarity and ensure you understand what kind of garden makeover costs you will face:
- Prioritise your must-haves: Decide which features are non-negotiable and which are nice-to-haves. This helps you make trade-offs if needed.
- Set a realistic budget range: Knowing your upper limit before you start getting quotes keeps conversations focused and prevents scope creep.
- Allow for contingency: Set aside 10–20% of your total budget for unexpected work, particularly if your garden has drainage challenges or requires significant ground preparation. This contingency helps cover additional costs, additional fees, and hidden costs that may arise during the project.
- Focus on structure first: Paving, fencing, and retaining walls form the backbone of any garden design, so make sure to get these right before spending on decorative elements.
Be sure to anticipate additional garden makeover costs that may not be included in initial quotes, such as waste removal, groundwork, or site clearance, to avoid surprises and manage your budget effectively.
Ways to Reduce Garden Makeover Costs
If your budget is tighter, there are smart ways to keep costs manageable without compromising on quality:
- Phase the project: Rather than doing everything at once, tackle the most important elements first and add features over time.
- Choose cost-effective materials: Durable, attractive materials don’t always have to be the most expensive option. A knowledgeable landscaper can point you towards alternatives that perform well and look great.
- Keep the layout simple: Straightforward designs are quicker to build and easier to maintain. Clean lines and thoughtful planting can be just as impactful as complex layouts.
- Reuse existing features: Retaining a sound existing wall, reusing old paving, or repurposing established plants can reduce both material and labour costs.
To help prioritise your garden makeover, consider the features that will offer the most value to your home or lifestyle. See our post The Best Landscaping Investments for Your Outdoor Space to learn more.
Conclusion
A well-planned garden makeover can dramatically improve your outdoor living space, boost your property’s kerb appeal, and make your garden a place you genuinely want to spend time in.
With the right approach, a garden makeover can help you achieve your dream garden, tailored to your personal vision. The key is understanding what you want, setting a realistic budget, and working with professionals who know how to deliver it.
Beautiful Spaces is a local landscaping company based in Surrey with many years of experience helping homeowners create a beautiful outdoor space that is both functional and inviting. From initial design consultations to full project management and ongoing maintenance, their team handles every stage of the process.
Whether you’re planning a simple refresh or a complete garden transformation, we offer the local knowledge, craftsmanship, and attention to detail your project deserves.
Contact Us Today
Get in touch with us today for a consultation and a detailed quote tailored to your garden.
FAQs
What are typical garden design prices in Surrey?
Garden design prices can range from a few hundred pounds for an initial consultation and planting plan to several thousand pounds for a full bespoke design. The overall project cost will depend on how many elements are included in the build.
Is a garden makeover worth the investment?
A professionally designed garden can meaningfully increase property value, improve outdoor usability, and enhance the overall appearance of your home. For most homeowners, the long-term benefits far outweigh the upfront cost.
How long does a garden makeover take?
Timescales vary based on project scope. A basic refresh might take a few days, while a full garden transformation could span several weeks. A professional landscaper will give you a clear timeline
