How to Choose Between Using a DIY Garden Pond Kit and Hiring a Contractor

When it comes to building your own garden fish pond or other water garden feature, choosing whether to do it yourself or hire a professional pond installer is an important decision – one that is easily made after carefully considering several key factors. Using the following guidelines and having a solid, preliminary idea of the kind of pond you want, you can readily determine which option is best for your individual vision and situation.

Things You’ll Need:
- Water gardening and pond building books, articles, etc.
- A preliminary plan for the design of your pond
- A budget
- A water garden pond kit or referrals to quality contractors, depending

Instructions:
Step 1: Determine the scope of your pond project. If your plans include a very large pond (approaching 10 x 15 feet or more in dimension) or a complex series of landscape waterfalls, fountains or other additional features, it is probably best to seek out a professional – especially if you are new to pond-building. If you are looking at a relatively simple and/or small- to medium-sized garden or fish pond design, it is very likely that you will be able to achieve it using a water garden pond kit or other DIY measures.

Step 2: Consult your budget. Especially if you are looking to spend under $1,000, a do-it-yourself pond-building project using a quality water garden pond kit is a great option. Pond kits come in a variety of sizes and styles, and include most, if not all, of the equipment you need (minus any plants, decorative stones or fish) to install a working pond – all for less cost and more convenience than purchasing these items separately.

Step 3: Consider your personal limitations. Regardless of scale, nearly all pond-building projects require considerable physical effort to install. If you feel you are not up to the challenges of digging out and landscaping your pond, by all means consult a professional contractor. Your own level of interest in a do-it-yourself garden pond is an important consideration as well. If you prefer the convenience and added peace-of-mind of relying on an experienced professional’s work rather than a more personally rewarding DIY experience, go ahead and invest the extra money rather than the extra effort.

Step 4: Practice smart follow-through. Once you’ve made your decision, capitalize on your thoughtful planning and research by investing in the best quality pond kit or contracting service your budget will allow. You don’t want to jeopardize the right pond-building choice by cutting corners when it comes to purchasing equipment or installation. Remember, if it is built right – whether by you or a professional – then it will only have to be built once, and you will be able to enjoy your water garden pond or fish pond for years to come.

Listen to our podcast: Building a Pond Pondless Water Feature; Should I hire a contractor or build it myself.