If you’re thinking about adding a backyard pond, a pondless waterfall, or a custom water wall to your home, it helps to understand what goes into water feature construction. From the first conversation to the moment your feature starts running, each phase plays a role in how your feature will look, function, and fit into your landscaping. It’s more than just digging a hole and putting in a water pump. Proper water feature construction takes planning, skilled installation, and attention to detail.
In this article, we’re discussing what to expect during the water feature construction process from the initial design consultation to site prep, excavation, plumbing, and the final finishing touches. We’ll also help you with some questions to ask your contractor, and why working with professionals like our NVS Waterscapes team makes a big difference when it comes to building a feature that lasts.
What Goes Into Water Feature Construction Planning
Planning is the foundation of any successful water feature construction project. Before any digging happens, it’s important to think about the layout of your yard, how your water feature installation will be used, how much maintenance you’re okay with doing, and the overall look you’re going for. That’s a lot to handle, but it’s not as daunting as it may sound.
Different parts of your water feature construction project will include:
- Water feature design consultation
- Yard preparation for water feature construction
- Excavation for water feature installation
- Plumbing and electrical work
- Finishing touches for your water feature
1. Water Feature Design Consultation
The first step in water feature construction is a design consultation. This is where we talk through your ideas, take a look at your yard, and help you decide what type of water feature best fits your landscaping. The consultation part of the process helps set the direction for everything that follows. We’ll consider things like sun exposure, elevation changes, existing hardscapes, and how you want to use your water feature.
If you’re unsure of the best kind of water feature for your yard, our team of professionals will help you determine what will work best with the space, your budget, and how much maintenance goes into how to keep water features clean so you’re not overcommitting. More than just your water feature, our team will also talk to you about surrounding landscaping to give your water feature construction project the perfect finished look.
2. Yard Preparation for Water Feature Construction
Once we’ve settled on a design that fits your vision, we’ll get started on site prep. This part of water feature construction includes marking out the area for the installation, clearing any grass, plants, or obstructions, and making sure we’ve got access for any equipment needed.
Depending on your yard, our team may need to level uneven ground or manage drainage patterns to make sure the water flows and recirculates properly. Good site preparation also includes identifying underground utilities so we can dig safely and avoid any issues.
3. Excavation for Water Feature Installation
Excavation is where things start to take shape. We’ll dig out the area for your pond, water reservoir, or streambed, based on the dimensions outlined in the final design. For example, if we’re doing a backyard pond installation, this might include shaping multiple depths to make it deep enough for fish or aquatic plants. For pondless waterfall features, we create space for the reservoir that will hold and recirculate the water without being seen. Each step is done carefully to make sure we’ve got the right slope and support for the water feature we’re installing to function properly.
4. Plumbing and Electrical Work
Depending on the type of water feature you’re installing, plumbing and electrical work may be required. Pumps need power to run, and some water feature designs might include lighting, automatic fill valves, or filters. This is where our team runs conduits, installs outlets if needed, and sets up the proper plumbing for water circulation. All of this is done in a way that’s both code-compliant and built to last against the different Upstate NY seasons.
5. Finishing Touches for Your Water Feature Construction
The final phase of a water feature construction project is where your installation comes to life. Some of the finishing touches include placing rocks and gravel, planting around the edges, and adding any other elements like lighting. Our team will also check the water flow to make sure it’s exactly how you want it while also looking for any leaks or imbalances. Once everything is flowing the way it should, we walk you through the feature’s basic operation and how to maintain a water feature after installation so you can enjoy it right away.
What To Ask Your Water Feature Construction Professionals
Before you break ground on your water feature construction project, it’s worth having a detailed conversation with your contractor. Asking questions during the early stages of water feature construction sets realistic expectations, avoids surprises, and makes sure you’re choosing outdoor water feature ideas that fit your style. Our team welcomes your questions and will give you clear, honest answers to help you make informed decisions.
Here are a few good questions to ask during the water feature construction consultation:
- How much will the total project cost, and what’s included in that estimate?
- What kind of weekly upkeep will my water feature require?
- How long will the installation take from start to finish?
- What materials are being used, and how durable are they?
- Will my water feature need seasonal maintenance services?
Let’s Build Your Water Feature Construction Project
Your water feature construction project is a collaborative process, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From planning and design to expert installation and finishing details, our team at NVS Waterscapes makes the process smooth so you won’t need to stress. Whether you’re wanting a backyard pond, a bold water wall for your patio, or anything in between, we’re ready to help you bring that vision to life.
Contact NVS Waterscapes to get started on your water feature construction. We’ll take care of the hard part, so you can focus on enjoying the results!
