Would you have a landscaper build your koi pond?

[koiczar]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mike T One of the posters to this tread is John Sprinkle TBT of Naples... He builds one heck of a proper koi pond... Would you believe he's a flower shop owner On the other hand, I know of a koi dealer/pond builder who doesn't have a clue... Aloha! Mike

Mike T

You're absolutely correct!! Just because you have a contractors license to be a landscaper doesn't necessarily mean you can't or don't know how to build a "proper" koi pond. Here in California, you're supposed to have a Landscape Contractor's license to be able to build ponds. Does that mean that ALL landscapers are bad pond builders? NO! It only means that the ones who don't wish to take the time to learn something different or new are the problems. It shouldn't be a "hit and run" business, but all too often people are taken advantage of by the opportunist who sees the chance to make a "quick buck" from the ignorant. I blame both the client and the builder. Both are equally responsible for these failed "koi ponds". DO YOUR HOMEWORK FOLKS - or find a reputable builder through word of mouth advertising. It's the best way!!

Mike

[ucpondguy]

I would be more than willing to have a fellow hobbyist redo my pond as I have seen how they have done their ponds themselves and it was constructed better than I could do myself or the contractor I hired to do my first "koi" pond.

That and I am "pond builder challenged". Like many have said earlier, do your homework. You cannot blame anyone but yourself if you did not and wind up with something you did not want. Admittedly, I did not do my hw the first time around and ended up with a very small water garden.

[PapaBear]

...So no matter who you hire, you'd better know what you want and need. I'm a contractor too (but I only build ponds at my house) and I basically run into 3 types of customers. Those who know their stuff but have no time or talent to do the work themselves , those who know just enough to be dangerous... but are convinced they are experts , and the ever-present clueless . Unfortunately contractors tend to fit the same 3 definitions .
If I was going to hire someone to build a pond it would only take about a 15 min interview to figure out how much they really know about koi-keeping. That would tell me what level of guidance I would have to provide for each part of the project. To me that is the key to any type of project. The homework done in advance is a good predictor of the final product.

[MikeM]

Papa: I'm imagining the combinations of contractors/customers your 3 categories give.... the koi pond done for the clueless customer by the clueless contractor would be interesting.

[mitten]

And common.

[Dwight]

Sounds like an ADI pond , and they are supposed to be professional builders. Not to rag on ADI but there is a guy here , not associated with any organization or business but his oyn , who advertises that he is a pond professional. If you fit Pappa's last ( ignorant ) catagory he'll sell you a pond that has nothing but a skimmer and filter falls and stock it with plants and Pest Mart Koi. If you are knowledgable you'd throw him out of your house after about 5 min of his spleal. POINT : the term " professional koi pond builder " is a meaningless as the term " landscaper ". Without actually seeing what each has done ( never take their word ) they are both just salesmen


Dwight

[lildude]

THE ONLY PEOPLE I would hire to create my koi pond would be PSkoi, this business is owned by some pretty knowledgeable people and they are so friendly.

I dont care who else wanted to build my pond, these people have done so much for me in the past, I just need to make it up to them.

[PapaBear]

Quote: Originally Posted by MikeM Papa: I'm imagining the combinations of contractors/customers your 3 categories give.... the koi pond done for the clueless customer by the clueless contractor would be interesting.

I think they call them "Pet Cemetaries"
The most interesting combination to me would be if the homeowner and contractor both fell into the 2nd category. Can you picture the daily fun of 2 self appointed experts butting heads throughout the project followed by the inevitable lawsuits. Exhibit A would likely be a dead shiro muji that was a $10K "tategoi" kohaku before the contractor killed it .

[B.Scott]

Quote: Originally Posted by PapaBear ...A would likely be a dead shiro muji that was a $10K "tategoi" kohaku before the contractor killed it .

Once they are dead aren't they all?
B.Scott

[koiczar]

That sounds too much like the fisherman's tales about the one's that get away!!LOL