The Phoenix Pond Process

What's Involved With Getting a Pond Designed & Installed?

 INITIAL CONTACT.
You want a pond, or some kind of water feature in your yard.  The first thing that happens when you contact us, is that we can ask you a TON of questions over the phone.  Why do we do that?  So that we can do the best job possible for you, of course!  If we don't ask lots of questions, we can't properly meet your expectations.  For example, if you want a pet-friendly pond, but just tell us you want a "Koi pond" because that's simply the terminology you're familiar with, we might design something completely different than you had in mind.  And if you have a budget of $6-10,000, and we design a pond that will cost $25,000, that's going to be an awkward conversation.

Our number one goal is always to ascertain and exceed your expectations, and we can't do that without information.  So, please be patient with all of our questions because we're doing it for you!

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ARE WE A GOOD FIT?
After we have a handle on your dreams and goals for your pond, or water feature, then we make sure that our company is a good fit for what you want.  Hey, we're not for everyone, and we understand that.  We don't want to jam our company down your throat to make a sale, when in the long run, you won't be happy.  That doesn't do either of us any good in the long run.  Who is NOT a good fit for The Pond Gnome.

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THE ONSITE DESIGN CONSULTATION.
If we all agree that we're a good fit for you, and that we can meet or exceed your goals and expectations, THEN we move forward with an on-site meeting and design.  An experienced consultant will come to your home at a mutually-convenient time to design your pond or water feature.  Yes, we charge for this service (which we apply toward the contract).  Why do you suppose we do that?  

First of all, we hear stories all the time about the contractor who didn't show up for an initial meeting or to give a "free estimate," while the homeowner waited at home for hours, possibly taking time off work, etc.  If we're charging for a service, you can bet that we'll show up when we say we will!

Second, as an accredited and certified pond professional, we have spent hours and hours on continuing education, as well as being mentored by some of the best pond builders in the world.  That education was not free, and we simply can't afford to give away our time.  As much as we would love to hang out with all you cool people and chat the day away, we just can't.  We love what we do, and we do it to pay our bills.

Third, if you are at a point where you are just dreaming about a pond, or are even considering doing it yourself, then paying a professional for their time is appropriate and the right thing to do.

Fourth, and this is the biggie: If we've done our job properly up until then (ascertained your goals, made sure we're a good fit for each other, and had an honest conversation about a reasonable budget), and if you are seriously ready to move forward with your project, the design process goes smoothly, and a contract is written right on the spot, we will gladly waive the fee!

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THE INSTALLATION.
Once a contract has been signed, and a deposit received, we add you to our construction calendar for next in line.  We are typically 3-4 weeks out, sometimes more, depending on the time of year.  You will then receive a welcome email with information on your start date, what will happen next, contact information, etc.

Several days before your project is to begin, your consultant will meet with our Foreman on site to go over the contract with him.  You are absolutely welcome to be at that meeting to meet your Foreman and ask any additional questions you may have.  The meeting will be set up in advance, and you will be notified of it.

Once we begin your project on the pre-approved date, our crew will be on site every day until the job is finished.  The average project takes 1-2 weeks from breaking ground to flowing water.

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AFTER THE INSTALLATION.
Once the installation is complete, your consultant will return to walk through your new pond or water feature with you.  He will make sure that we have met, or preferably exceeded, your expectations.  And he will collect final payment at that time.  You will also be added to our electronic newsletter list so that you receive timely and relevant information about the care and upkeep of your water feature, events that we host, seminars being taught, etc.  We never leave you hanging!

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IN A NUTSHELL.
Well, that's it.  It's pretty simple, and we're happy to hold your hand along the way.  Ready to get started?  Let's go!