Frequently Asked Questions

Freedom Stone + Pondscapes was established in 2019. Founder Bob Kerr has 25+ years of experience in hardscape, excavation, and water features, which is the foundation behind every project we deliver.

Yes, we are fully licensed and insured in Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas. We carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.

Owner Bob Kerr has over 25 years of hands-on experience designing and building custom water features, hardscaping, and outdoor living spaces. With 500+ completed projects across Kansas City and Northwest Arkansas, our team brings deep expertise to every build.

We serve the Kansas City metro area (including both Missouri and Kansas sides) and Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, and surrounding communities).

Yes, we offer warranties on both materials and workmanship. Specific warranty terms vary by project type and components. All equipment carries manufacturer warranties, and we stand behind our installation work.

Koi ponds typically range from $15,000 to $75,000+ depending on size, features, and site conditions. A basic 8x11 ecosystem pond starts around $15,000, while larger, more complex installations with waterfalls, streams, and premium features can exceed $75,000.

We recommend a minimum depth of 24 inches for most of the pond, with deeper zones (36-48 inches) in the Midwest climate. These deeper areas allow koi to overwinter safely by getting below the frost line.

No. Properly designed ponds in our region allow koi to overwinter safely outdoors. We include proper depth zones, and we recommend an aerator or de-icer to maintain a hole in the ice for gas exchange.

Regular tasks include feeding fish (spring through fall), checking water quality periodically, cleaning skimmer baskets weekly, and performing a spring clean-out annually. Most pond owners spend about 30 minutes per week on maintenance.

It depends on the pond's design. Koi need proper filtration, depth, and water volume. We can evaluate your existing pond and recommend modifications if needed, or help you understand if it's suitable for koi as-is.

Swim ponds use aquatic plants and biological filtration in a 'regeneration zone' instead of chemicals like chlorine. They look like natural ponds but include a designated swimming zone with a clean, plant-free bottom.

Yes. The regeneration zone with aquatic plants naturally filters the water through biological processes, keeping it clean and safe for swimming. This is the same process that keeps natural lakes and ponds healthy.

Natural swimming ponds typically range from $125,000 to $500,000+ depending on size, depth, and features. The regeneration zone and specialized construction requirements make them a premium investment.

Yes, many swim ponds include fish. They are typically kept in the regeneration zone rather than the swimming area, where they help with the biological balance and add visual interest.

Swim ponds require regular maintenance of the regeneration zone plants, occasional sediment removal, and monitoring of water quality. Overall maintenance is comparable to a traditional pool but without chemical costs.

A pondless waterfall is a recirculating water feature where water flows over rocks and disappears into an underground basin filled with gravel and a pump vault. You get all the sights and sounds of a waterfall without an open pond.

Pondless waterfalls are ideal when you want water sounds without the maintenance of a pond, have safety concerns (young children, pets), have limited space, or simply prefer the lower maintenance option.

Pondless waterfalls typically range from $8,000 to $35,000+ depending on size, rock selection, and complexity. A modest single-tier waterfall starts around $8,000, while elaborate multi-tier features with streams can exceed $35,000.

Yes! Pondless systems can be designed with future pond conversion in mind. If your lifestyle or preferences change, we can add a pond basin to your existing waterfall feature.

We offer free phone consultations where we can discuss your project and provide rough budget ranges. For detailed on-site design consultations, there may be a fee that is credited toward your project if you proceed.

Timeline varies by project type: Fountainscapes take 1-2 days, pondless waterfalls take 3-5 days, koi ponds take 1-2 weeks, and swim ponds or large projects can take 4-8 weeks. We'll provide a specific timeline in your proposal.

Yes, we partner with financing providers to offer payment plans for larger projects. Options include 12-month same-as-cash and extended payment plans with competitive interest rates.

Typical payment structure includes a deposit to secure your spot on our schedule, a progress payment at the midpoint, and final payment upon completion. Specific terms are outlined in your project proposal.

Yes, we can work year-round depending on weather conditions. Some projects are actually easier in winter when ground conditions are favorable. We'll advise on the best timing for your specific project.

Yes, we offer spring clean-outs, fall winterization, and ongoing maintenance packages. We can also train you to maintain your own feature if you prefer a hands-on approach.

A thorough spring clean-out is recommended annually. This includes draining the pond, power-washing rocks, cleaning filters, and refilling with fresh water. Regular weekly maintenance (skimmer cleaning, water quality checks) keeps things running smoothly.

We provide warranty service on all features we install. For out-of-warranty repairs, we're available to diagnose and fix issues. We also service water features installed by other contractors.

We focus primarily on design and installation, but we can help you source quality supplies and equipment for your water feature.

We build both structural and decorative retaining walls using natural stone (with our in-house stone milling capability) and manufactured block. We can match existing stonework or create entirely new designs.

Retaining walls typically range from $150 to $300+ per linear foot depending on height, material selection, and site conditions. Walls requiring engineering for structural support are at the higher end.

Absolutely! Many of our projects combine water features with patios, fire features, and outdoor living spaces. This integrated approach creates cohesive outdoor environments.

Yes, we design and build complete outdoor kitchens including built-in grills, countertops, storage, and utility connections. These range from $15,000 to $75,000+ depending on size and features.