Full Landscape Design in Fort Collins, CO — Costs $5,103 to $51,033
What does full landscape design cost in Fort Collins? Average $18,372, ranging $5,103–$51,033. Labor runs $31.01/hr locally — 2% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.
Fort Collins, CO Market
+2% vs nationalLabor Rate
$31.01/hr
Material Index
101
Avg Permit Cost
$1,411
Median Home Price
$498,357
Fort Collins is a mid-sized city in Colorado with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a full landscape design, which helps keep pricing competitive. Costs in Fort Collins run slightly above the national average, though the gap is modest enough that smart material choices and timing can close it. The median home in Fort Collins is valued at $498,357, putting this project at about 3.7% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 62% ROI.
Low Estimate
$5,103
National: $5,000
Mid-Range
$18,372
National: $18,000
High End
$51,033
National: $50,000
Per Sq Ft
$0
National: $0
Full Landscape Design Cost Calculator for Fort Collins
Adjusted for Fort Collins's labor rate ($31.01/hr) and material costs (index 101).
Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.
Estimated Total in Fort Collins
$17,637
Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Fort Collins market rates.
Local Cost Breakdown
At Fort Collins's average rate of $31.01/hr (3% above national avg)
Material cost index 101 (1% above national baseline of 100)
Full Landscape Design vs. Home Value in Fort Collins
| Metric | Fort Collins | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Full Landscape Design (Mid-Range) | $18,372 | $18,000 |
| Median Home Price | $498,357 | $350,000 |
| Project as % of Home Value | 3.7% | 5.1% |
| Estimated ROI | 62% | 62% |
| Median Household Income | $88,521 | $75,000 |
What Affects the Price in Fort Collins
- 1Local labor rates ($31.01/hr in Fort Collins)
- 2Material cost index (101 vs national 100)
- 3Yard size
- 4Plant selection
- 5Hardscaping
- 6Irrigation
Popular Upgrades
- Landscape lighting
- Irrigation system
- Fire pit
Other Projects in Fort Collins, CO
Full Landscape Design in Other Colorado Cities
Planning a Full Landscape Design in Fort Collins
A full landscape design typically doesn't require a permit in Fort Collins, which simplifies planning. However, always confirm with the local building department before starting, especially for structural changes. Expect the project to take 2-6 weeks to complete.
A full landscape design is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Fort Collins, skilled contractors charge an average of $31.01/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.
With a median household income of $88,521, many Fort Collins residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $18,372 represents 21% of the typical household's annual income.
Financing the project? Compare current rates with Fort Collins mortgage and HELOC rates to estimate monthly payments. For tax implications, mortgage interest deduction may apply — see SALT deduction guide.
Methodology & Local Data Sources
How we estimate full landscape design costs in Fort Collins: Our local cost figure of $18,372 for Fort Collins, CO is calculated by adjusting the national mid-range baseline of $18,000 using two location-specific factors:
- Labor adjustment — 45%% of the project cost is labor. We multiply this by Fort Collins's wage index, derived from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for construction workers (SOC 47-0000). Fort Collins skilled-trade labor averages $31.01/hr, compared to the national construction worker median.
- Materials adjustment — 55%% of cost is materials. Fort Collins's material cost index is 101 (national baseline = 100), based on regional shipping, lumber, concrete, and metal prices tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index for Construction Materials.
- Permit fees add $1,411 on average in Fort Collins. Permit costs vary by project scope, square footage (200 sqft typical), and inspection requirements set by the local building department.
- Cost-per-square-foot for this project in Fort Collins: approximately $92/sqft, useful for comparing bids from contractors.
Authoritative data sources (US gov):
- BLS — Construction and Extraction Occupations Wages — labor rate baseline for Colorado
- BLS Producer Price Index — Construction Materials — monthly materials cost tracking
- U.S. Census Bureau — Fort Collins QuickFacts — household income, demographics, housing
- DOE Building Energy Codes Program — energy efficiency requirements affecting full landscape design permits
- International Code Council (ICC) — IBC, IRC, and IECC code references most Colorado jurisdictions adopt
- EPA RRP Rule — Renovation, Repair, and Painting compliance for pre-1978 homes
Disclaimer: Cost estimates are based on regional averages and modeling — actual quotes from licensed contractors in Fort Collins may vary ±15% based on project complexity, contractor backlog, and material availability. Always obtain at least 3 written bids before committing.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026
Find a Licensed Contractor + Permits in Fort Collins
For a full landscape design in Fort Collins, Colorado, you'll need a state-licensed contractor and (in most cases) a building permit. Use these official lookup tools instead of trusting general directory sites:
Each state has its own licensing board. Verify before signing any contract:
Permit fees vary by jurisdiction within Colorado:
- • Census Building Permits Survey
- • NACo County Explorer
- • Shovels.ai Permit Database
- • Search "fort collins building permit" + your county for direct portal
Verify contractor has workers' comp + general liability:
- • Ask for COI (Certificate of Insurance) before work starts
- • OSHA — Worker Safety Standards
- • Most states require minimum $500K-$1M general liability
Most Colorado jurisdictions adopt these:
Why this matters: Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Colorado can void your homeowner's insurance, leave you liable for worker injuries, and result in code-violation fines. Always verify license + insurance before signing contracts.
Full Landscape Design — National Guide
See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.
All Construction Costs in Fort Collins
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View All Project CostsAcross Our Network — for Fort Collins homeowners
- → Amortio: Home Affordability Calculator — see what Fort Collins home you can afford with this full landscape design cost factored in
- → Jouleio: Electricity Rates by State 2026 — utility cost in Colorado for budgeting your renovation impact
- → Salario: US Salary by City — typical Fort Collins income to budget against renovation
- → Levyio: Tax Bracket Calculator — energy-efficiency renovation tax credits depend on your bracket