Watering Made EASY

When choosing a contractor, don't just choose the one with the lowest price. Take time to find a contractor with a competitive price and a good reputation. Your system will require some service from time to time and you want to be sure your contractor will be around in five years.

Look for a contractor who promptly returns phone calls (especially during the busy season), knows the product, and presents himself in a professional manner.
Be sure to compare apples to apples. If you have one contractor who says he will do the job with 20 sprinklers and another with 15 sprinklers, be careful. Not to say that 20 is the right number, but be suspect of the 15 and ask questions of why the difference.
Ask if the contractor is part of an association in the irrigation field. Most reputable companies will be members of the Irrigation Association of New England or a landscape affiliate.

Ask for references. Your contractor should be able to provide you with names and telephone numbers of references for you to call. You should feel confident that your contractor can provide you with excellent service no matter what time of year. Insist on getting a certificate of insurance that says your contractor has both liability and worker's comp.  If a contractor is not properly insured, you may be personally liable for on-the-job injuries.

Ask for brochures of the products. Many manufacturers produce competitive, comparable components. However, some also make inexpensive items too. If it looks flimsy and cheap, it probably is.
Make sure your contractor is installing a backflow preventer and that it is the proper one for your yards installation. Different elevations in land mean that different backflows may be needed. Be sure that permits are issued if they are mandatory in your town. Ask if a licensed plumber will be doing the work. 
Be sure the contractor gives you a written estimate. The bid should describe the product to be used, the quantity of each, at least on major parts such as sprinklers, valves and controllers. Insist on a rain sensor to stop watering in rainy conditions.

If designed and installed correctly and with quality products, a sprinkler system will give you many years of service and value with minimal maintenance.