If your land was totally flat which it is not and you dug the entire 1/4 acre 10 ft deep that is 4033 yds of dirt. Given that the price per yard is generally just over a dollar at least here in Texas I'd say go with your friend. If all fails you will still have the money to install a liner. I have no experience with the cost of a liner but I would not think 1/4 acre is all that expensive at least not 9k to 17k as the first to quotes are. Good luck Vic keep us posted. And save those rocks you'll have great landscaping for the pond.
