Below are items that should be of concern to you in choosing the right contractor for your proposed work:

1. Does the contractor own all the equipment used on the job site? Owning is important as it indicates a long-term commitment to you.

2. Is there a warranty period on parts and labor for a minimum of 12 months? Make sure any warranty includes both parts and labor.

3. Will a double-check backflow preventer be installed by a licensed plumber? Avoid single check valves and make sure you have a double-check with test ports installed by a licensed plumber. When backflow testing eventually starts, this will preclude extra expenses to you on a replacement backflow.

4. Will the contractor maintain liability insurance during installation? Do not allow any one to work for you without liability insurance. Should someone get hurt on your property, you may be liable. Ask for a written statement that indicates liability insurance will be in force during any work on your property.

5. Does the contractor maintain workers compensation insurance for employees? Workers compensation insurance is required by law. Ask for a copy showing proof of insurance before signing any agreement.

6. Has the contractor been in the irrigation business for at least 5 years? Avoid using anyone with less than 5 years experience in ownership. Longevity is important in honoring warranty periods and servicing your system.

7. Will you be offered at least 3 referrals prior to signing a contract? Make sure you have seen written statements or talked to at least 3 people concerning the following information: Did the contractor do what he said he would? Was the job started on time? Would you use the contractor again? How has the service afterwards been? 

8. Are the products used name brands such as Toro, Rainbird, or Hardie? Insist on being shown the products during the sales phase. You should have a complete understanding of what type of product you are buying. Are they user friendly, maintenance free, and easily serviced?

9. Prior to signing a contract will the contractor supply you with a detailed drawing (after accurately measuring your property) showing the type and location of each sprinkler head? Probably the single most important issue in choosing a contractor. Just as any construction would not begin without a blue print, insist on seeing a detailed plan showing the exact number and location for each type of sprinkler head. Make sure the contractor measures your property accurately. The measuring should take approximately 1 to 2 hours.

10. Did the contractor promote twelve-inch underground sprinkler heads for shrubbery watering vs. drip irrigation? Generally avoid drip irrigation. Admittedly  it is more efficient (when it works), it is a significant maintenance problem. In nearly each case where Creative Exteriors has performed service work on irrigation systems installed by other contractors, drip irrigation, if installed, was disliked and removed. Twelve-inch pop-up heads are a must for maintenance-free watering.

11. Do you have proper coverage? For large turf heads this means spacing sprinkler heads no greater than 33 feet apart. On small turf heads, no greater than 15 feet apart. Shrubbery head-to-head is not required. Proper coverage is a must to avoid dry spots in your lawn.

12. Will the contractor provide you with an as-built drawing upon completion? This is very important, as it provides you with a final drawing of where all your sprinkler heads are at and where your valve and pipes run underground. Should there ever be any work performed in your yard, the as-built will serve as a valuable piece of paper to keep from damaging your system.

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