Most Canadians enjoy spending time outdoors in their backyard–hosting barbecues, swimming in the pool, tending to the garden, or just relaxing on the back patio with an ice-cold beverage; there’s nothing better!
A well-maintained lawn and garden can be a great place to relax and entertain guests. But keeping your yard looking its best requires hard work–and sometimes expert help.
One way to keep your lawn looking lush and inviting is to install a top-quality irrigation system. An irrigation system can help you water your plants and grass evenly and efficiently, making it easier to keep your yard looking its best.
But before you hire an irrigation contractor to install a new system in your yard, there are a few important questions you need to ask.
Let’s go over some of those questions so that you can begin your journey to a beautiful, fresh landscape!
Table of Contents
What Services Do You Offer?
First and foremost, you need a clear understanding of what your irrigation contractor can offer. Some companies may only offer installation services, while others may provide a complete package that includes design, installation, and maintenance. Make sure you know what services are available, so you can choose the right company for your needs.
As a side note, it’s also worth noting whether the company will handle any future problems that may arise. After all, you don’t want to be stuck with an irrigation system that isn’t working properly–and no one to call for help. Inquire about some of the most common irrigation issues that pop up and how you can possibly avoid any breakdowns in the future.
Do You Charge By the Hour or By Job?
The pricing structure of an irrigation company is important to understand before you commit to their services. Some companies charge by the hour, while others may charge a flat rate for the entire job. Make sure you know how your contractor charges and then you can budget accordingly.
How Long Will it Take to Complete the Project?
No two irrigation projects are alike, which means that the answer to this question can vary quite a bit. In general, however, most projects can be completed within a few weeks. Of course, the exact timeline will depend on the size and complexity of the project.
For example, a small residential project may only take a week or two to complete, while a large commercial project could take several weeks. In any case, your irrigation contractor should be able to give you a more specific estimate once they have had a chance to assess the job.
Are There Any Additional Costs That May Arise During or After the Project is Completed?
In some cases, there may be additional costs that arise during or after an irrigation project is completed. It’s always best to be prepared for any eventuality, and knowing what might pop up will help you plan and budget accordingly.
Here are a few things that could cause additional costs:
- Poor soil conditions: If the soil on your property is poor, it may not be able to support the weight of an irrigation system. This could lead to extra costs for system reinforcement or replacement.
- Unforeseen obstacles: There could be underground utility lines or other obstacles that weren’t detected during the initial assessment of your property. These could lead to extra excavation costs.
- Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions (heavy rain, drought, etc.) can put extra strain on an irrigation system. This could lead to higher water bills or repair/replacement costs down the road.
Asking about potential additional costs upfront will help you be better prepared for your irrigation project. So don’t hesitate to bring it up with your contractor!
Do You Offer a Warranty on Your Work?
You should always ask for a warranty when you’re hiring someone to do work in your home. If something goes wrong with the installation and it’s not due directly from negligence on their end, then this may provide some relief or at least give peace of mind knowing that if anything happens they’ll be able to get back up again soon!
Most contractors will offer some type of warranty on their work. It’s simply a matter of finding out what is included in the warranty and for how long it’s valid.
Do You Have Any References That I Can Contact?
Any reputable contractor will be able to provide you with a list of references from past clients. These references can give you valuable insight into the contractor’s work ethic, quality of work, and overall customer satisfaction. When contacting references, be sure to ask about their experience with the contractor and if they would recommend them to others.
So there you have it! These are just a few of the things you should keep in mind when hiring an irrigation contractor. Asking the right questions upfront will help ensure that you have a positive experience with your contractor and that your project is completed to your satisfaction.