Choosing a Contractor
The design and installation of your sprinkler system are critical to its success. That’s why it is so important to have a professional contractor do the work.
How your irrigation system is designed and installed will make the difference between a system that is reliable and keeps your lawn green and healthy, and one that is troublesome, wastes water and leaves your lawn brown and unhealthy. Here are a few tips that will help you select a contractor who will guarantee a job well done.
1) Know what to expect. There are differences from company to company. An efficient, well organized contractor will:
- Provide the information and clearly explain all aspects of the design and installation needed to make an informed decision.
- Visually walk your property and determine soil conditions, water source gallons per minute and pressure, planting materials, and more
- Ask you about private utilities (dog fence, pool equipment, electric to sheds, etc.)
- Present a custom design and detailed proposal
- Explain what type of products used and why
- Explain future service work needed
- Explain warranties on the system
2) A professional contractor will encourage your to ask questions and participate in the sales process.
3) Watch out for low bidders or incomplete proposals. This is a huge red flag! They may not be licensed or insured, and they may take shortcuts that can jeopardize your lawn and shorten the life of your system. Some of these shortcuts may be:
- Not including a backflow preventer to protect your drinking water in the house.
- Installing sprinklers too far apart causing brown spots.
- Not designing head to head coverage.
- Not separating planting beds from turf, which have different water requirements.
- Not using adequate water-proof wire nuts and valve boxes to protect from short circuits and corrosion.
4) Choose someone you can trust and who also makes you feel comfortable. We’re happy to visit you on-site and provide a free consultation and estimate for our services.
