| Q: |
What exactly does Roman Fountains do? |
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Roman Fountains designs, manufactures and supplies a wide range of architectural fountain equipment, components and systems primarily sold for commercial use nationwide and internationally. This includes nozzles, submersible lighting and junction boxes , drain and return fittings, level control systems , pump and filter systems and electrical controls. |
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| Q: |
How long has Roman Fountains been in business? |
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Roman Fountains was founded in southern California in 1959, over 50 years ago, and relocated to New Mexico in the late 1960's.We are the oldest continuously operating privately owned architectural fountain company in the U.S. We are structured as a 'C' corporation under the name Volcano Industries Inc. 'dba' Roman Fountains. The current owner has worked in the company for more than 30 years and is involved in daily operations and management. |
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| Q: |
Where is Roman Fountains located? |
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Our corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We also have regional design and sales offices in Atlanta, Georgia ( also an embed stocking facility) and outside Los Angeles, California. In addition we have a field office in Phoenix, Arizona and a distribution affiliate in San Juan, Puerto Rico. |
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| Q: |
What insurance coverage does Roman Fountains carry? |
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We carry broad form coverage including products liability and professional design liability insurance. A copy of our insurance coverage form can be viewed and printed by clicking here. |
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| Q: |
Does Roman Fountains offer products and systems for residential home use? |
| A: |
While we are primarily a commercial manufacturer and supplier to the landscape architectural and commercial construction industry, we do have products and systems that are used in high end residential projects. We recently introduced our 'beer budget' sequencing fountain kit for customers with a limited budget but who want a quality, easy to install sequencing interactive fountain system. We also supply a small line of products for swimming pool applications. Click here for additional information on 'fountains for pools'. |
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| Q: |
How much does a fountain system cost? |
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Each system can be very different in terms of size and complexity and pricing can vary widely. Roman Fountains offers pre- engineered kits starting around $5000 and sells many commercial systems costing $500K and more. The 'average' cost of our complete commercial system (design and equipment) is currently $35K-$50K.Remember to add the cost of the fountain structure (e.g. pool and pump room) and the cost of equipment installation to your estimate. |
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| Q: |
Does Roman Fountains install? |
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No. We are not in the installation business and are not licensed or insured to perform installation or supervise such work. Structural, Mechanical and electrical Installation is performed by an installer qualified, selected and hired by the purchaser or owner of the fountain system equipment using our detailed shop/installation drawings. In certain cases we may suggest installers in your area, but you are responsible for their qualifications and work. |
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| Q: |
How can I get a catalog of your products? |
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Contact any of our offices and we will process your request. We offer a CD catalog free of charge, or a printed version in a binder for $25 (as part of our 'green' initiative we are discouraging printed catalog requests). You can also view our catalog on the website. |
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| Q: |
Does Roman Fountains have test facilities? |
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Yes, we have an indoor-outdoor test tank in Albuquerque. This test facility is used to 'QC' all critical equipment items, to run tests on certain effects to ascertain appearance, function, flow and pressure data, and to run specific mock up tests for customers who request and purchase the service as part of their order. Otherwise, there may be a cost involved for mock up and testing based on time and materials required to run the test. A video clip can be provided of the test results if requested. |
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| Q: |
How can I purchase Roman Fountains products and services? |
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You can contact any office to obtain a price quote and to place an order. All products are shipped from Albuquerque. An acceptable written purchase order is required and all orders are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions of sale and warranty form. In an effort to keep our prices fair and our customer service response time fast we do not, as a rule, sell through independent agents or representatives. |
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| Q: |
Are your design services 'free'? |
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Depending on the nature of the request and complexity of the project we may charge a design fee that can be credited against the purchase of the complete system from Roman Fountains. We also offer 'design services only' for a fee for those clients who require very detailed technical information for evaluation and bidding purposes, but who cannot commit to a bona-fide equipment purchase order. Contact us for details. We are always available to provide unlimited telephone consultation and advice. |
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| Q: |
Will you manufacture a custom or special item for me? |
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We are happy to evaluate your request and provide a price estimate on receipt of a full and detailed drawing of your item. In certain cases it is not cost effective or in our best interests to do so and we will advise you accordingly and may direct you to another company for assistance. |
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| Q: |
Does Roman Fountains furnish shop/installation drawings with its equipment? |
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On general parts orders we include a product data and component installation sheet. On full system orders we furnish a complete set of shop/installation drawings after the order has been officially placed and all terms and conditions satisfied. Our shop drawings include complete product installation details, general installation notes, full plan, section and elevation views, piping diagrams, wiring diagrams and general installation details. Shop/installation drawings are a billable item on a system order and once issued and billed, are not refundable. System orders also include three copies of project specific Operation & Maintenance Manuals. If you already have a fountain system drawing from an architect it is important that we review it to be certain what is designed and specified is complete, accurate and applicable for the project. Often it is incomplete. |
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| Q: |
Does Roman Fountains issue engineer stamped/sealed shop drawings? |
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As a rule, no. We are a specialty design and manufacturing company. We are not a PE firm. Further, most states require a licensed PE to personally oversee and directly supervise drawings that will receive a PE seal or stamp. If this level of shop drawing review and certification is required, the customer is responsible for obtaining such service and paying all associated costs. |
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| Q: |
How can I get an estimate on my project? |
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The most accurate and fastest way is to send us as much detailed information in the form of sketches, drawings and layout as is available. Describe what you want to 'see' in terms of nozzle effects and heights when you turn your fountain on. Let us know if you want lighting for evening viewing and where the pump and control equipment will be located. Otherwise just give us a call and we will get you started by asking a few key questions. |
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| Q: |
What are your payment terms? |
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Most casual transactions for component items are paid with a major credit card. However, do to the highly specialized and often 'custom' nature of a system project an advance deposit payment is required to enter an order and progress payments may be required thereafter. Each project and customer is evaluated to determine the most appropriate payment method. |
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| Q: |
What is your return policy? |
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Standard (non custom) catalog products and materials may be returned freight prepaid for account credit in accordance with our returns policy and RMA procedure. Time limits may be imposed and a restocking fee may be charged. All warranty claims are subject to our warranty claims and verification procedure. Returns made without an RMA number will be returned to sender. All returns for credit are subject to factory inspection of the return item. Products must be received unused and in original packaging. |
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| Q: |
What is the average shipping time for your products and systems? |
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It can vary. Most standard component items can be shipped within three days. Larger and more complex system orders will have longer lead times. Typically concrete pour embed items can be shipped within 10 work days with the remainder of the equipment in 30 work days. Formal approvals may be required prior to fabrication and shipment and can extend lead times. |
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| Q: |
Does Roman Fountains belong to any industry associations? |
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We are corporate members of ASLA, AIA, APSP and USGBC. (Click for more information on these organizations). We strongly believe in supporting the organizations and members who specify and purchase our products and services. |
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| Q: |
When is the best time to get Roman Fountains involved in my project? |
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Immediately! The sooner we are involved the better the outcome. From our many years of experience we are able to ensure the project gets started on the right track so the outcome meets everyone's expectations. If necessary and warranted we can meet with you in person to review the project and offer preliminary design input. And you always welcome to visit us at any time to inspect our facilities and operations and satisfy yourself that Roman Fountains is your best choice for your next fountain project! |
