Cost Tip

The cost of maintenance will vary depending on the strategy employed. For example, subsurface or drip irrigation systems can be more difficult to maintain, because malfunctions are more hidden.

The design cost of a drip irrigation system is generally comparable to a standard system. However, installation might be more expensive for drip irrigation, particularly as plant

Look for local incentives for sub-grade irrigation, efficient irrigation, irrigation controls, and/or irrigation sub-metering. For example, one city provides up to $7,000 per acre-foot of water saved, and another program provided rebates up to $1,000 per acre for weather-based irrigation controls. Some municipalities even support “cash for grass” programs that provide rebates for the replacement of turf and with native plantings. For example, one pilot program provides $1.00 per square foot of replaced turf grass.

Starting the LEED calculations early, along with early completion of a compliant landscape design can avoid costly redesign due to non-compliance.

Using alternative water sources for irrigation may add costs compared with conventional irrigation. For example, a rainwater cistern will be an added cost, and space must be found for it.

Renovation and restoration are labor-intensive specialties and may represent added costs, although costs for new materials and for waste disposal may be reduced.

Local incentives and historic tax credits can make historic rehabilitation more attractive. The baseline definition of “historic” is typically an age of 50 years or greater. These incentives may require a certain level of preservation of interior spaces or finishes, in keeping with the building’s character and historic fabric, but do allow for a significant amount of adaptation.

Reusing building elements is often labor-intensive, due to restoration needs and needing contractors to work around these elements. However, avoiding the purchase of new materials while reducing construction waste can lead to significant cost savings. Doing a budget comparison between restoration and new construction costs will help building owners make informed decisions.

If in-house staff perform preventative maintenance, costs will be minimal.

Replacement of traditional fixtures with high-performance alternatives may require higher upfront costs. However, these fixtures will conserve water as well as energy (from hot water), and will generally offer a favorable payback.