Garden pond and water feature builder

Homeowners with a garden project in mind, plus landscapers and garden designers who sub-contract pond work.

Fixed quote per project covering labour and materials, with a margin on liners, pumps and rock. Small ongoing income from servicing and repairs.

• Hands-on digging and landscaping
• Basic plumbing and pump setup
• Sketching a design and quoting accurately

• Public liability insurance, and check whether your state requires a licence for the work you do
• Pool fencing and barrier rules: check with your local council whether a pond needs a fence or cover, as deep water rules vary by state
• Electrical work for pumps and lights usually needs a licensed electrician, so check your state's rules and line up a partner
• Call Dial Before You Dig and check for underground services before excavating
• Heavy physical work and rental equipment costs, so build them into your quotes

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the tools and equipment you buy or rent, your vehicle setup and your insurance. These are estimates, so price your own setup before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many builds you take on, the size of each job and the hours you work. Build equipment hire and materials into your quotes.

Things to check: public liability insurance, whether your state requires a licence for your work, council rules on fencing or covers for deep water, licensed electrician rules for pumps and lights, and Dial Before You Dig.