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Unfortunately, many contractors in the
irrigation business will tell you you can save money by taking
a few shortcuts. Or, they simply won't tell you, take a few
shortcuts and pocket the money. In either case the customer
always loses - by paying higher repair and maintenance costs
and a poor quality lawn.
Here are a few things to look out for:
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Here Today, Gone
Tomorrow |
To
often contractors will perform work for you, and then when a
problem arises you call, and find their number disconnected.
Ask about their experience, years in business and references. |
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A Job Quote Without
Details |
Many contractors will quickly walk your yard and ask you
how much you would like to spend. They'll quote you a price
without furnishing the details on zone, spray head and pipe
placement. Stay away from these contractors - either they
will overcharge you or they will take shortcuts to meet
their bid.
Without a detailed bid you'll have a hard time convincing
the contractor to fix water shooting over your grill or
into a corner of your home, ruining your paint. Always demand
a detailed quote.
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"You don't
need a warranty" |
This
is an instant red flag. All reliable parts manufacturers warranty
their parts, and all reliable irrigation contractors warranty
their work. |
"We
mix our sprinkler system parts - each manufacturer has their
own strengths"
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This
is contractor code for "we'd like to save money by dumping
our excess parts on unsuspecting customers". Your contractor
should always use commercial-grade parts. High-quality commercial-grade
parts manfacturers design their components to work well together.
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"Parts are pretty much the same,
the manufaturer doesn't matter"
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Manufacturers
do matter, and quality varies dramatically. Insist on commercial-grade
parts from a respected manufacturer - they will last longer
and require far less maintenance. |
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"You Don't
Need A Backflow Preventer" |
Backflow preventers are legally required,
and ensure your sprinkler system water does not backup into
your drinking water.
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Your Prospective
Contractor Does Not Talk About Lawn Disturbance |
Your contractor should talk
with you about lawn disturbance. A quality, reliable contractor
will ensure your property is in pretty much the same shape as
they found it. This takes more time - to tamp in heads, put
displaced sod back and water in holes to prevent future settling.
You're making an investment in your lawn, and your contractor
should take the the time to make it look good. |
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The Contractor
Does Not service Their Systems |
This
is another red flag. A reliable contractor should always service
the systems they design and install. If they don't, this tells
you they probably won't be in this business long, and they definitely
are not installing a quality system. |
