When hiring a pond builder what are important questions to ask? Need encouragement!

[Mmathis]

@GBBUDD @Lisak1 and anyone else who has input (we might be doing it this year, finally!).

We DIY’d our first/last pond. This time we’re going to have it built. I have some general ideas and features I want. I think that my biggest fear will be, getting my ideas across so that the builder and I will be on the same page. (For example, we got an estimate a few years ago, and not only was it way over our budget…..but most important is that the builder didn’t take any of my ”requirements” into consideration when he drew up the design. I was very disappointed, and depressed…..and intimidated.)

I will have picture examples and my own drawing ideas (I’m a 100% visual person, so I have to “show” rather than “tell.). I am prepared to change my expectations depending on estimated cost, so I am being somewhat realistic. But I do have some very specific requirements.

Help me have the courage to DO THIS!

 

[GBBUDD]

youtube youtube and more you tube. While I did have a drawing i made of the pond it did and did not resemble the final outcome.
I loved youtube and what you can do is if you find a video that has an area you realy like , the videos all have a clock / timer that tells you where you are in the video.
i would find something i'd like in my pond on a video then use the favorites to save the video and i would add to the name of the video the minutes to the exact spot and maybe what i liked like say pond edge with overhang for feeding.

but by far the most important thing to building a pond in my eyes iss finding an artist,{but i am picky} most just dig a circle dig down a foot or two make the shelf and come in a foot or two then drop another foot. making for a 3 dimensional bullseye.

in my opinion thats shouts man made but it is also inexpensive. as the pond get more detail and less of the traditional bullseye the time required go up.

but like i found out having an area where the fish can go swim out of sight {doesn't need to be far} it just needs to block the eye from seeing the fish. Then the mind stays tuned wondering when the fish will come back.

I use to think i was just crazy thinking this way but then i heard brian from aquascapes saying the same in his videos so maybe i am still crazy but i'm in good company.

i'd suggest taking this post a little broader. Take a few pictures of your yard showing everything , tree, shrubs, shed, house, patio what ever made be close to the new pond. and give us an idea of how big your thinking.

what are your wish items.

Here's to the birth of a new pond

 

[Lisak1]

My first three questions - before I even invite them to my home -
1. How many ponds have you built?
2. Who trained you in pond building?
3. Can I have names of 3-5 owners you've worked who would be willing to talk to me or perhaps even let me see their pond? And then I would call every one of those people.

I would not hesitate to say "we are prepared to spend $XXX on this pond - what can we expect for that price tag?" Many pond builders have started to sell by a "package" price - check out Jaak Harju of Atlantis Water Gardens on Youtube. They have a whole display garden with price tags. Much less intimidating when you can see what you SHOULD be able to expect in a certain price range. "This is our Serenity Package - this will cost you $8,000" or whatever the case might be. If they have experience they can price that pond out very quickly - how big, how deep, how many rocks, how many waterfalls. Biofalls? Skimmer? Negative edge? Lights? A good pond builder can give you a very good ballpark figure very quickly. If it's way over your desired price, ask what's driving the price up. Size? Type of rock? Components? And then you can make your adjustments from there.

Anyone who gave me a quote that didn't include my "dream" items would lose the deal. That's on him - not you. If he's not familiar with what you're asking for - I know a habitat for your turtles is important to you - then he should ask: "How does that work? How can we include that?" Make a list of your absolute must-haves and don't waiver from that. The artistic part I would leave to him. (I keep saying him - I realize it MAY BE A HER! haha) But if you want a big rock in a certain spot to sit your butt down on, then tell him that. Planting pockets in certain areas both in and out of the pond? A nice mix of edging work that includes rocks, wood and plants? Steps for easy in and out? It's your money - you tell him how you want to spend it.

I'm with @GBBUDD on the drawing part - our finished pond looks very little like what we imagined, but it's still fun to draw the pictures!