Landscaping and renovations are completely different home improvement projects. Landscaping focuses on outdoor spaces like gardens, lawns, and patios. Renovations deal with indoor structural changes like kitchen remodels and bathroom updates. They serve different purposes, cost different amounts, and require different permits.
Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.
What Is Landscaping?
Landscaping transforms your outdoor spaces. It’s everything that happens outside your home’s walls. Think plants, soil, hardscaping, and outdoor design.
Landscaping includes:
- Planting trees, shrubs, and flowers
- Installing lawns and garden beds
- Building patios and walkways
- Creating outdoor lighting systems
- Installing irrigation and sprinkler systems
Soft landscaping deals with living elements. Plants, grass, trees, and soil work fall into this category. It’s the green stuff that grows.
Hard landscaping covers non-living elements. Patios, retaining walls, driveways, and outdoor structures fit here. These features don’t grow but they frame your outdoor space.
What Are Renovations?
Renovations change your home’s interior structure and systems. They’re about making indoor spaces work better or look different.
Renovations include:
- Kitchen and bathroom remodels
- Basement finishing projects
- Room additions and expansions
- Flooring replacements
- Electrical and plumbing upgrades
Structural renovations change your home’s bones. Moving walls, adding rooms, or changing layouts fall here. These projects need permits and professional help.
Cosmetic renovations update appearances without changing structure. New paint, flooring, or fixtures count as cosmetic work. You can often DIY these projects.
The Gray Areas That Confuse People
Some projects blur the lines between landscaping and renovations. Here’s where things get tricky for New Jersey homeowners.
Deck building feels like landscaping because it’s outdoors. But it’s actually a renovation since you’re building a structure attached to your home.
Outdoor kitchens mix both worlds. The hardscaping and design elements are landscaping. The plumbing and electrical work? That’s renovation territory.
Pool installation combines landscaping and renovation work. The excavation and surrounding landscape design are landscaping. The pool structure and mechanical systems are more like renovations.
Cost Differences You Need to Know
Landscaping costs in New Jersey typically range from $3,000 to $25,000 for most projects. Basic lawn installation runs $1,500 to $5,000. Elaborate garden designs can hit $50,000 or more.
Renovation costs start higher and climb faster. Bathroom remodels run $15,000 to $40,000. Kitchen renovations often cost $25,000 to $80,000. Basement finishing projects range from $40,000 to $120,000.
Why the difference? Landscaping materials cost less than renovation materials. Soil, plants, and basic hardscaping materials are cheaper than premium tiles, cabinets, and fixtures.
Labor costs differ too. Landscaping labor runs $50-75 per hour in New Jersey. Renovation contractors charge $75-150 per hour depending on specialization.
Permit Requirements Are Totally Different
Landscaping permits are rare in New Jersey. Most plant installations and basic hardscaping don’t need permits. You might need permits for major grading work or if you’re affecting drainage.
Renovation permits are almost always required. Any structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing modifications need permits. Expect to pay $200-2,000 for permits depending on project scope.
When landscaping needs permits:
- Major grading or excavation work
- Work near wetlands or protected areas
- Installing permanent structures over certain sizes
- Projects affecting municipal drainage
When renovations always need permits:
- Structural changes and additions
- Electrical and plumbing work
- Kitchen and bathroom remodels
- Basement finishing projects
Timeline Differences
Landscaping projects move faster in good weather. Most residential landscaping takes 1-3 weeks to complete. Weather affects timelines more than renovations.
Renovation projects take longer regardless of weather. Bathroom remodels take 2-6 weeks. Kitchen renovations often run 6-12 weeks. Basement finishing can take 8-16 weeks.
Planning time differs too. Landscaping projects can often start within weeks of planning. Renovations need more advance planning for permits, materials, and contractor scheduling.
Which One Adds More Value?
Both landscaping and renovations add value to your New Jersey home. But they do it differently.
Landscaping returns typically range from 50-75% of your investment. Great landscaping boosts curb appeal and makes your home more attractive to buyers.
Renovation returns vary wildly by project. Kitchen remodels often return 60-80% of investment. Bathroom renovations return 50-70%. Basement finishing adds livable square footage.
The catch: Landscaping value depends on maintenance. Neglected gardens lose value fast. Renovations hold their value better over time.
When to Choose Landscaping
Pick landscaping when you want to:
- Improve curb appeal quickly
- Create outdoor living spaces
- Solve drainage or erosion problems
- Add privacy with plants and structures
- Work with a smaller budget
Best timing: Spring and fall work best for most New Jersey landscaping projects. Summer heat stresses new plants. Winter limits what you can accomplish.
When to Choose Renovations
Pick renovations when you need to:
- Add functional living space
- Update outdated systems
- Fix structural problems
- Improve indoor comfort
- Increase your home’s square footage
Best timing: Interior renovations can happen year-round. Plan major projects during seasons when you can handle temporary inconvenience.
Can You Do Both at the Same Time?
Yes, but plan carefully. Renovation work can damage new landscaping. Heavy equipment and construction debris don’t mix well with fresh plants and lawns.
Smart approach: Complete renovations first, then tackle landscaping. This protects your outdoor investment from construction damage.
Exception: If you’re doing both, coordinate with contractors. Some landscaping work can happen during renovation downtime.
DIY vs. Professional Help
Landscaping DIY potential is higher for basic projects. Planting flowers, laying mulch, and simple garden work are DIY-friendly. Leave irrigation, major grading, and hardscaping to pros.
Renovation DIY potential is lower and riskier. Cosmetic work like painting and simple flooring might be DIY territory. Structural, electrical, and plumbing work needs professional expertise.
Safety matters: Landscaping mistakes usually cost money. Renovation mistakes can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Consider your goals first. Want to enjoy your outdoor space more? Landscaping makes sense. Need more indoor room or updated systems? Renovations are your answer.
Budget reality check: Landscaping gives you more bang for your buck on smaller budgets. Renovations need bigger investments but add more functional value.
Timeline considerations: Landscaping projects finish faster. Renovations take longer but solve bigger problems.
Maintenance requirements: Landscaping needs ongoing care. Renovations are mostly set-and-forget once completed.
The bottom line: landscaping and renovations serve different purposes. Know what you want to achieve, then pick the right approach for your New Jersey home.