[davidn]

Im looking at a courtyard villa that is an end unit that has quite a bit of grass in front that I would rather not deal with. I understand that one must get ARC approval, but Im not sure how much it would cost to remove the grass and replace it with landscaping and mostly rock. Its a large area, maybe 1500 sq feet. Has anyone done such a large area and will to offer up how much theirs cost for their square footage? Thanks.

[Dana1963]

Originally Posted by davidn

Im looking at a courtyard villa that is an end unit that has quite a bit of grass in front that I would rather not deal with. I understand that one must get ARC approval, but Im not sure how much it would cost to remove the grass and replace it with landscaping and mostly rock. Its a large area, maybe 1500 sq feet. Has anyone done such a large area and will to offer up how much theirs cost for their square footage? Thanks.

Just get estimates prices from various landscapers.

[davidn]

Originally Posted by Dana1963

Just get estimates prices from various landscapers.

Im not there, so trying to do this remotely. Just looking for someone else who has done this and is willing to give a rough cost of what it cost them for their specified square footage. Are we talking $1000, $5000, $10,000, $20,000? I really have no idea.

The landscapers want to come out and give an estimate, which is fair, but I don't own the property and Im not even there now.

[billethkid]

Call Dirt Cheap in Summerfield. Tell them the square footage and the desired depth and they will calculate tonnage required. Over a certain weight (I forget the minimum) they will deliver to your curb. Then just get landscaper labor or DIY.

If you don't know what type rock you want, just go to Dirt Cheap and look at all they offer (a lot).

[Debfrommaine]

Originally Posted by davidn

Im not there, so trying to do this remotely. Just looking for someone else who has done this and is willing to give a rough cost of what it cost them for their specified square footage. Are we talking $1000, $5000, $10,000, $20,000? I really have no idea.

The landscapers want to come out and give an estimate, which is fair, but I don't own the property and Im not even there now.

Call Southern Aggregates in Wildwood 352-689-0069. Tell them your sq ft and they will tell you approx cost of just rock and delivery, perhaps even recommend a landscaper. Husband and I had 6 yds delivered of seminole rock. We decided to do it ourselves, which you can't since you don't live here. We did it for $800 versus 3k landscapers wanted. Took about 5 hrs of steady work! I will add landscapers said we needed 9 yds, we got 6 and could have done with 5 yds.

[ditka41]

Agree that it's best to have the landscaper look at it and give you an estimate, even though you aren't here.

HOWEVER, Do NOT give any of the landscapers a deposit or you can easily become another of the many homeowners here who have been victimized by landscapers! If they can't afford to finance their "inventory", they shouldn't be in business. Pay only after you see the satisfactory job. Otherwise, they want a deposit and then fail to show on time, if at all. Also, make sure you have the proper approvals or you may be removing the new stone. Check with "Seniors against crime" for an idea of how many complaints have been registered for their scams.

[davidn]

Ok, thanks everyone for their answers.

[Topspinmo]

If you got a lot of bushes especially hollies rocks may not be the low maintenance you think they are? Leaves are hard to get out of rocks, along with twigs. Weeds will still pop up. I agree not as much maintenance as grass, but, it not maintenance free as some claim.

[retiredguy123]

I don't have an end unit, but I got five quotes when I first moved in. They ranged from $800 to $5,200. The highest quote was from Jamies Landscaping, and he was only guy that I would have hired. Don't go by price alone. But, whatever you do, do not pay any money in advance.

[villagetinker]

OP, you may have others costs, your irrigation was setup for grass, you will probably need to have this modified at a minimum. As for all rock, you will of course need a weed barrier, and then after 1, 2 or 3 years you will be weeding the rocks. Also as you noted, you will need ARC approval. We converted several hundred square feet of mulched landscaping to rock, weeds are worse in the rocks...........

[CanTho]

[QUOTE=villagetinker;1834519]OP, you may have others costs, your irrigation was setup for grass, you will probably need to have this modified at a minimum. As for all rock, you will of course need a weed barrier, and then after 1, 2 or 3 years you will be weeding the rocks. Also as you noted, you will need ARC approval. We converted several hundred square feet of mulched landscaping to rock, weeds are worse in the rocks.........

This advice is without doubt the best. If it is possible wait until you get here.

You need to take the advice of this person, everything that he said, take it to the bank, many people have learned the hard way, by not getting prior approval

I live in an end unit, zero grass, and I managed to add an oversize golf cart garage.

You made a wise choice, end units are rare and much sought after.

I wish you all the best, go slow, your landscaping is not a big deal, eliminating the grass not a problem, and adding rocks is the best solution w/heavy duty matting.

PS: Preen works well for me, and on occasion a squirt or two of vinegar/water.

Weeds and Fire Ants hate me.

[Bill1701]

Whatever you do, be sure to get it approved by ARC.

[gwenhwalker@yahoo.com]

Depending on your district. Arc is not allowing full rock replacement anymore. I tried with no luck on a patio villa


[/U]

Originally Posted by davidn

Im looking at a courtyard villa that is an end unit that has quite a bit of grass in front that I would rather not deal with. I understand that one must get ARC approval, but Im not sure how much it would cost to remove the grass and replace it with landscaping and mostly rock. Its a large area, maybe 1500 sq feet. Has anyone done such a large area and will to offer up how much theirs cost for their square footage? Thanks.

[Debbraham]

Originally Posted by davidn

Im not there, so trying to do this remotely. Just looking for someone else who has done this and is willing to give a rough cost of what it cost them for their specified square footage. Are we talking $1000, $5000, $10,000, $20,000? I really have no idea.

The landscapers want to come out and give an estimate, which is fair, but I don't own the property and Im not even there now.

We have an end unit that had grass in front and back. To remove it and add palms and rock it was around $12k.

[eddie888]

I have an end unit with no grass in front. It also has a double garage. I am looking to sell in six months.