Hey, spent the past month researching pond construction, stocking, aerators, etc etc, and thank god I finally joined this forum. I could have saved alot of time from misleading magazines and books about the topic and should have just joined this forum 3 weeks ago.

Ill be calling up a few contractors this afternoon to try and schedule a time for someone to come down here and give me an estimate. Do you guys have any advice for a newbie when calling up a contractor? I really don't want some inflated price and I want someone that knows what theyre doing...any tips would be appreciated.

Have them provide you with a list of references... then contact those folks and see how they like their ponds, and if any issues have arisen. I would like to go and see the contractor's work first-hand. Maybe some ponds that are 8-10 yrs old too, not just his newer work.

@sprkplug: good idea, it would definitely be worthwhile to go and check out some of his past work and talk to former customers. top notch advice

go to the Pond Boss main page and order the book Perfect Pond; want one.

I completely agree that seeing their work first hand is the best way to evaluate a contractor. However, you might have to drive a little ways. I recently purchased a piece of property in KY, and there is a perfect place for a pond. I have been shopping myself. Other than this site, have you looked online for references? The closest I've found is Indianapolis. Can anyone recommend any Indianapolis contractors?