Budjeting for your Water Feature

Budgeting for Your Water Feature

Anyone that has ever constructed a water feature will tell you
that it can be surprising how quickly the cost of installing
such a feature can escalate. For this reason it is imperative
that careful planning takes place BEFORE you rush in and begin
constructing your dream water feature. Such planning can prevent
nasty shocks from occurring.

Design

The first, and often overlooked, consideration should be having
a plan put to paper by a Water Feature Specialist. Frequently,
your vision and a tradesperson's vision of what your feature
should look like is a matter of interpretation. Plans put this
issue and any other conflicts to rest. Also, Water Feature
Specialist can advise you on important issues such as the best
style of water feature to suit your space, placement, material
choice and practical considerations (eg: location of underground
services, water tables, safety, site specific issues etc).
Ultimately employing the services of a Water Feature Specialist
to design and/or construct your water feature not only avoids
costly mistakes but ensures that you will be delighted with the
end result!

Material Choices

This is the area that will absorb most of your budget. If you
have employed the services of a Water Feature Specialist then
you will already have a list of materials that you need to
purchase that has been designed to suit your budget.

If you are designing and constructing the feature yourself
there are many ways to save money on materials without
compromising too much.

A few examples are:

• Reproduction stone instead of natural stone

]]>

• Facia a wall rather than construct from stone

• Rendered and painted Besser Blocks rather than more expensive
blocks

• A liner pond rather than a concrete one

• A solar pump in a small feature eliminates the need for an
electrician

• Second hand bricks/pavers can be replaced with modern
imitations

Be creative and spend more time at this stage, you will be
amazed at how much money you can save.

Buying Equipment

Purchasing Pumps and Filters for Water Features can be a
daunting task. It is best to always seek professional advice
here as mistakes can be very costly. In order to get
professional advice you will need to be able to answer the
following questions:

1. What size is your pond/water feature (or volume, if known)?

2. What is the ‘head height' of your water (ie. The height your
pump will need to push water)?

3. How often and for how long do you intend to run your pump?

4. What other features must your pump run (eg: Spitters, Filters
etc)?

It is wise to buy the best pump that you can afford as this is
the heart of your feature. Buy a pump that is large enough to
run your feature (consider future additions also). Imagine a car
where motor that wasn't quite powerful enough to run it, your
water feature is no different. If you skimp now you may need to
buy a new pump later on, a costly mistake.

Construction

When considering your budget it is prudent to consider the
types of skills required to complete construction of your
feature as the construction of a water feature often requires
many skills. Be realistic about your skill level and decide if
it is best to call on the assistance of a Water Feature
Specialist.

If constructing the water feature yourself you should make
allowances for tool hire/purchases as you will most likely not
have all tools required on hand.

Other costs to consider:

Tip / Skip fees - you need to dispose of waste, especially if
excavating

Electricity supply - always employ a suitably qualified and
licensed electrician. As all mains power must be at least 600mm
below ground level you may elect to dig the trench yourself to
save money or consider hiring a trenching machine.

Aquatic Plants & Soils / Fish - Often overlooked at this stage

Delivery Fees - plan and co-ordinate delivery of materials well
so that you do not overspend on delivery fees

Consumables - don't forget tubing, fittings, nails, screws, glue
etc

Nets / Water Quality Test Kits and Treatments etc - all
essentials for owning a water feature

Estimating Time

Often the time required for construction of a water feature is
not sufficient and more often than not, twice the amount of time
originally estimated is actually required. When planning how
much time you will spend on your project add time for ordering,
visiting suppliers, phone calls, inclement weather, late
deliveries from suppliers and other factors outside your control.

Remember that set-up and pack-up also adds time onto your day.
Allow yourself plenty of time and be realistic in your
expectations of yourself and make creating your water feature
and enjoyable experience.

25ft Economical Vinyl Hose 1" ID -pond-water garden feature-tubing-tube-flexible

US $47.75 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday May-17-2012 16:43:46 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $69.75 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday May-17-2012 16:43:51 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $49.85 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday May-17-2012 16:44:24 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $74.75 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday May-17-2012 16:44:32 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $74.75 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday May-17-2012 16:44:40 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

Related posts:

1. Water feature
2. How To Choose A Water Feature
3. Water Ripple Complete Ornamental Water Feature Kit
4. Water Feature 5
5. Selecting the Right Water Feature for your Garden