How to Find the Best Turf and Irrigation Contractor

A professionally installed automatic sprinkler system helps simplify your lawn and garden maintenance. And your irrigation system is an important factor to consider to ensure an efficient and reliable automatic sprinkler system. Although you can develop your own irrigation system and install your own automatic sprinkler system, you can also hire a contractor to create and install these systems for a healthy lawn.

Of course, choosing a contractor is a big decision so it’s critical to think all about the factors you need to consider before hiring one. In today’s post, we are giving you tips to help you select the best contractor and guarantee a job well done.

Expectations, Skills, and Site Assessment

You’ll have to go through the credentials of a potential contractor to see if he has what it takes to get the job done. A well-organized contractor should provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

After reaching out to the contractor, discuss your expectations and listen to the professional advice of the contractor. The contractor would assess the space, check the soil condition, water pressure, and water sources. He should check the planting materials and provide a formal estimate of the plan he wants to do. He should provide a complete breakdown of the price for the design, materials and installation of the system. Generally, installation of an automatic sprinkler and irrigation system should take less than a week. There should be minimal disruption to existing foliage too.

Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. Asking questions will help you understand what type of sprinkler system you are getting for your money. You can also learn different types of systems and determine what to expect from your contractor. If you’re unsure what questions to ask, start with what types of products your contractor need for the job. The contractor should tell you what type of spray heads, rotors, valves and controllers to get, etc.

Ask if there are any after-sale services they offer and what you can expect from such incentives. If there’s a system warranty, ask about it. Finally and most importantly, ask for references. A professional contractor should provide you with several contact information of former clients who are satisfied with his service. Get in touch with these people and ask about the credentials and expertise of the contractor.

Rates

An affordable rate is not always an indication of getting more value for your money. If a certain contractor is willing to bring his rates down at not-so-normal price range, think twice before taking him up on his offer. Some contractors will use cost-cutting measures to compensate for the cheap service rate. And this may affect your lawn and shorten the life of your system. Some low bidders might not have the license or insurance to operate as a contractor. That’s why you have to dig deeper instead of taking things at face value.

Some of the most common cost-cutting techniques used by turf and irrigation contractors include the lack of a backflow preventer, sprinklers that are installed too far apart and the lack of special watertight connectors and a protective valve box in a system.

Reputation and Confidence

Always go for a reputable contractor that you trust. If your gut tells you that a certain contractor is not the best choice, then go with what you feel. Laying out irrigation and sprinkler system is a very complex process. Installation is best left to the professional. Installing all the smaller components of these systems is a lengthy, complicated one. Essentially, choose a knowledgeable contractor that fits all your requirements, one that you are confident will do an excellent job.