CHOOSING A WATERSCAPE DESIGNER
by Rick Bartel
Professional Pond Builders Association
September 2002
Water has been described as the most difficult element to contain. It always takes the path of least resistance and if there is a way out, water will find it. For this reason you should be cautious and inquisitive in selecting your waterscape designer and installation contractor.
Select one with a reliable, established business and a reputation within the industry and their community. A poorly run business could mean a poorly installed water feature. How long have they been in this particular line of work? How many water features have they designed and installed? Have they ever installed a waterscape like the one you are considering?
Consider a company that specializes in designing and installing waterscapes; a company where water features are their only business. A company like this will probably install 50 to 80 water features per year, giving them valuable experience and keeping them up to date with industry standards, current trends, state of the art equipment and top of the line materials available on the market today. The alternative is a company that offers dozens of services and water features are a sideline. A company like this may only install 2 or 3 water features per year and could lack the knowledge to handle specialized situations that may come up.
Ask for references and to see samples of their work. Specifically inquire about past projects that may be similar to the project you have in mind. Ask to see actual site locations and not just photographs. Keep in mind that many of these water features may be located at private residences, thereby limiting access.
Check to see if they are licensed, bonded, insured and certified in any of the specific areas of waterscapes: water gardens, ponds, koi ponds, fountains, streams, waterfalls, bog gardens, disappearing water features, wall fountains, water walls, and large scale commercial projects.
A quick and easy phone call will let you know if they have a favorable report with the Better Business Bureau.
Ask about low maintenance features that will help make your waterscape more enjoyable by limiting the amount of time you have to spend maintaining it. Water features are meant to be enjoyed, don't become a slave to yours. A properly designed and installed system can have a minimal amount of maintenance with the right equipment.
And ask if they have any affiliation with professional trade organizations or have special accomplishments and/or received awards. This could let you know how serious they are about their business. But most of all, ask them if they enjoy their work, are they taking their time to answer your questions fully, are they knowledgeable about subject matter, do they show respect toward you.
Check the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of POND PROFESSIONALS web site at www.nationalpondpro.org and see if your chosen contractor is a member in good standing.
Check Savio Engineering's web site at www.savio.cc and see if your chosen contractor is certified as an authorized installer of the Worlds most advanced water feature components.
All of these suggestions will help you find the qualified professional that can make your decision to have a water feature installed, a positive and rewarding one. Please take the above information into consideration and have it done right the first time. Congratulations on taking your next step toward a beautiful and relaxing environment.
BOOKMARK US | HOME | GALLERY | FAQs | ARTICLES | SHOWCASE | CASE STUDIES | ABOUT US | TESTIMONIALS | CONTACT US | LINKS
Copyright © Autumn Mist Aquatics LLC. All rights reserved.
Duplication or reproduction of the contents of this web site, including, but not limited to, content,
graphics and source code, is prohibited without expressed written consent by Autumn Mist Aquatics.
Website Hosting and Design provided by Sidetrips Internet Inc.