Backyard pond and water feature builder

Homeowners with a yard, plus landscapers, HOAs and small commercial properties wanting a water feature.

Fixed quote per project based on size, materials and labor, often with a deposit up front. Add-ons include lighting, fish and plants.

• Digging and moving heavy materials
• Basic design and measuring
• Pumps, plumbing and simple electrical know-how
• Quoting jobs and managing customers

• Check your state's contractor licensing rules and whether a landscape or general contractor license is needed at your job size
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Electrical work for pumps and lighting may need a licensed electrician in your state, check locally
• Local rules on pond depth, fencing and permits, since ponds can be a safety risk for children
• Call 811 before digging to have underground utilities marked
• Weather and ground conditions can delay jobs, so build this into your quotes

Startup costs are typically around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on the tools, pumps and trailer you need to buy and how much equipment you already own. The size of the jobs you take on also affects your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many builds you complete, the size of each job and the hours you work. Weather and ground conditions can delay jobs, so build that into your quotes.

Check your state's contractor licensing rules and whether a landscape or general contractor license is needed at your job size. Also check whether pump wiring needs a licensed electrician, and local rules on pond depth, fencing and permits.