Landscaping Overhaul in Decatur, IL: Costs $3,612 to $60,203

What does landscaping overhaul cost in Decatur? Average $14,449, ranging $3,612–$60,203. BLS May 2025 median wage for Construction laborers: $29.46/hr, 20% above HammerIO's national baseline. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Quick Estimate: Landscaping Overhaul in Decatur, IL

HammerIO estimates a typical landscaping overhaul in Decatur at about $14,449 in 2026, with a planning range from $3,612 to $60,203. The model uses a labor input of $29.46/hr (BLS OEWS May 2025 median hourly wage, Construction laborers, Decatur, IL metro), a modeled materials index of 106, and an estimated national ROI of 80%.

Average Cost

$14,449

Permit Allowance (est.)

$856

Labor Share

$8,669

Timeline

1-4 weeks

Hiring a Landscaping Overhaul Contractor in Decatur, IL

When comparing landscaping overhaul contractors in Decatur, ask each company to quote the same scope, material grade, permit responsibility, cleanup, warranty, and timeline. That keeps the $3,612 to $60,203 local range useful instead of comparing unrelated bids.

Bid must include

Labor hours, material allowance, permit responsibility, disposal, equipment rental, and any change-order rules.

Verify before deposit

License status, insurance, recent local photos, warranty term, payment schedule, and who handles inspections.

Red flags

Cash-only pricing, vague scope, no written warranty, unusually low pump or material allowance, or a large upfront payment.

Decatur, IL Market

+20% vs national

Construction laborers median wage (BLS May 2025)

$29.46/hr

Material Index

106

Permit Allowance (est.)

$856

Typical Home Value (est.)

$186,737

Median hourly wage, Construction laborers, Decatur, IL metro (BLS OEWS May 2025): $29.46

Published Bureau of Labor Statistics medians for the trades that usually do a landscaping overhaul, compared with the U.S. median for the same occupation. These are employee wages, not contractor billing rates (which add overhead, insurance, equipment, and profit); HammerIO uses the local-to-national ratio (1.30 for construction laborers) to scale the labor share of the estimate above.

Trade (SOC)Decatur, IL metroU.S. medianvs U.S.
Construction laborers (47-2061)$29.46$22.66+30%
Carpenters (47-2031)$41.93$29.12+44%
Electricians (47-2111)$38.95$30.38+28%
Plumbers (47-2152)$36.90$30.67+20%
Construction supervisors (47-1011)$36.25$38.42-6%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates for CBSA 19500 (Decatur, IL). Highlighted rows feed the labor input. Full trade table: Decatur construction costs.

In a smaller market like Decatur, Illinois, the pool of contractors specializing in landscaping overhaul may be more limited. Getting 3+ quotes is especially important to ensure fair pricing. At 20% above the national average, Decatur is one of the higher-cost markets in HammerIO's model, driven mainly by an above-national BLS median wage for the trade for the area. At a typical home value estimate of $186,737, homeowners in Decatur should weigh the project cost (7.7% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$3,612

National: $3,000

Mid-Range

$14,449

National: $12,000

High End

$60,203

National: $50,000

Per Sq Ft

$18

National: $15

Duration: 1-4 weeks
DIY: Medium
Permits: Not Required
ROI: 80%

Landscaping Overhaul Cost Calculator for Decatur

Adjusted using the BLS OEWS May 2025 median wage for Construction laborers in the Decatur, IL metro ($29.46/hr) and HammerIO's modeled material cost index (106).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Decatur

$14,449

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Decatur market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (60%)$8,669

Labor share scaled by the BLS OEWS May 2025 median of $29.46/hr for Construction laborers, Decatur, IL metro (30% above the $22.66/hr U.S. median for the trade)

Materials (40%)$5,780

Material cost index 106 (6% above national baseline of 100)

Landscaping Overhaul vs. Home Value in Decatur

MetricDecaturNational Reference (approx.)
Landscaping Overhaul (Mid-Range)$14,449$12,000
Typical Home Value (est.)$186,737$350,000
Project as % of Home Value7.7%3.4%
Estimated ROI80%80%
Median Household Income$55,761$75,000

What Affects the Price in Decatur

  • 1Local wages (BLS May 2025 median $29.46/hr for Construction laborers, Decatur, IL metro)
  • 2Material cost index (106 vs national 100)
  • 3Yard size and access
  • 4Design complexity and drainage
  • 5Plant selection and mature spacing
  • 6Irrigation zones and controls

Popular Upgrades

  • Irrigation system
  • Landscape lighting
  • Native plants
  • Drainage correction
  • WaterSense-style irrigation controls

Planning a Landscaping Overhaul in Decatur

A landscaping overhaul typically doesn't require a permit in Decatur, which simplifies planning. However, always confirm with the local building department before starting, especially for structural changes. Expect the project to take 1-4 weeks to complete.

While some experienced DIYers in Decatur take on a landscaping overhaul, the 1-4 weeks timeline and specialized skills involved mean most homeowners hire a contractor. With BLS reporting a median wage of $29.46/hr for Construction laborers in the Decatur, IL metro (contractor billing rates run higher to cover overhead and profit), professional installation adds about $8,669 but ensures quality workmanship.

For the median Decatur household earning $55,761/year, this project at $14,449 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.

Financing the project? Compare current rates with Decatur 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 landscaping overhaul costs in Decatur: Our local cost figure of $14,449 for Decatur, IL is calculated by adjusting the national mid-range baseline of $12,000 using two location-specific factors:

  1. Labor adjustment, 60% of the project cost is treated as labor. That share is scaled by the ratio of the BLS OEWS May 2025 median hourly wage for Construction laborers in the Decatur, IL metro ($29.46/hr) to the U.S. median for the same occupation ($22.66/hr), a factor of 1.30. BLS publishes employee wages, not contractor billing rates, so only the ratio is used; the wage itself is not a quote.
  2. Materials adjustment, 40% of cost is treated as materials, scaled by HammerIO's modeled material cost index for Decatur of 106 (national baseline = 100). The BLS Producer Price Index tracks national construction-material price trends; it does not publish a city-level index, so this regional factor is an estimate.
  3. Permit fees are shown as a modeled allowance of $856 for Decatur. Actual permit costs follow the local fee schedule and vary by project scope, valuation, and inspection requirements set by the local building department.
  4. Cost-per-square-foot for this project in Decatur: approximately $18/sqft in HammerIO's model, useful as a rough check when comparing contractor bids.

Authoritative data sources (US gov):

Disclaimer: Cost estimates are based on regional averages and modeling, actual quotes from licensed contractors in Decatur can vary widely from these figures based on project complexity, contractor backlog, and material availability. Always obtain at least 3 written bids before committing.

Reviewed by Rowan Ashby · Last updated 2026

Find a Licensed Contractor + Permits in Decatur

For a landscaping overhaul in Decatur, Illinois, verify whether the contractor or specialty trade must be licensed, registered, insured, or permitted locally. Use official lookup tools and the local building department instead of trusting general directory sites:

🏗️ Verify Contractor License

Each state has its own licensing board. Verify before signing any contract:

🏛️ City/County Permits

Permit fees vary by jurisdiction within Illinois:

🛡️ Insurance & Bonding

Verify contractor has workers' comp + general liability:

  • • Ask for COI (Certificate of Insurance) before work starts
  • • OSHA, Worker Safety Standards
  • • Ask for the policy limits in writing; minimum insurance rules vary by state and locality
⚡ Energy & Building Codes

Most Illinois jurisdictions adopt these:

Why this matters: Hiring an unqualified or uninsured contractor in Illinois can create insurance, inspection, warranty, and code-compliance problems. Always verify license or registration requirements, insurance, permit responsibility and inspection closeout before signing contracts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a landscaping overhaul cost in Decatur, IL?
A mid-range landscaping overhaul in Decatur, IL is estimated at $14,449 in 2026. HammerIO's planning range runs from $3,612 for a basic project to $60,203 for a high-end scope. The model places Decatur about 20% above HammerIO's national baseline of $12,000. These are modeled estimates, not local contractor quotes.
What is the labor rate for contractors in Decatur?
The labor input for Decatur, IL is the BLS OEWS May 2025 median hourly wage for Construction laborers in the Decatur, IL metro: $29.46/hour, 30% above the U.S. median of $22.66/hour for the same trade. That is an employee wage published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not a contractor's billed rate, which also covers overhead, insurance, equipment, and profit; HammerIO uses the local-to-national ratio to scale the labor share of the estimate. For a landscaping overhaul, labor typically accounts for 60% of the total cost, which is approximately $8,669 in Decatur.
How do I choose a landscaping overhaul contractor in Decatur, IL?
Ask Decatur contractors for a written scope, labor and material split, permit responsibility, warranty terms, proof of insurance, and recent local references. Compare at least three bids using the same project assumptions so the $14,449 local estimate can be checked against real contractor pricing.
Are materials more expensive in Decatur?
HammerIO's model assigns Decatur a material cost index of 106 (national baseline = 100). That assumes materials run about 6% above the national baseline. For a landscaping overhaul, materials account for 40% of the cost, approximately $5,780.
Do I need a permit for a landscaping overhaul in Decatur?
A landscaping overhaul usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Decatur, IL. Always verify with the local building department. HammerIO's modeled permit allowance for Decatur (when a permit is required) is $856; actual fees depend on the local fee schedule.
Is a landscaping overhaul a good investment in Decatur?
A landscaping overhaul provides an estimated 80% ROI nationally. In Decatur, using a typical home value estimate of $186,737, this project costs about 7.7% of your home value. This is a moderate investment relative to home value, focus on features that appeal to buyers in the local market.

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