Choosing a quality contractor to install an automatic sprinkler system for your lawn and landscape is one of the most difficult decisions to get right for a homeowner in Northern Virginia. That may seem like a bold statement, but let’s explore why we believe that’s the case.
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Why It’s Important to Find a Trustworthy Contractor
Consider how hard it is to find a qualified contractor from the many available in our area. Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing the cheapest option but can sacrifice getting the expected results if they’ve selected the wrong contractor. Are you familiar with the old saying “you can’t see it from my house”? It’s the punch line of an old joke about bad contractors. It is the answer a carpenter’s helper gets from his less-than-concerned boss when said assistant points out that they messed up. Of course, the implication is that the homeowner can see it from their house … if they would just take the time to look.
Avoid Subpar Underground Sprinkler Installations
Most home improvement project flaws will be uncovered if you inspect the finished product closely. You don’t have to be a stonemason to see that a patio is uneven nor a plumber to tell if a good job was done on the bathroom remodel. However, over 90% of a sprinkler system is buried out of sight. When a contractor completes the job, all you can see is the control box on the wall and (hopefully) water shooting out of the sprinkler heads. The pipes, valves and other components are hidden away underground. You need to have faith that the contractor took the time and used the best materials before tamping down the ground above.
Value-Engineered Projects Cost You in the Long Term
Combine this with the fact that two-thirds of the cost of a sprinkler should be in the labor it takes to install properly and you can easily end up with a “value-engineered” installation if you don’t pick the right contractor. What is value engineering? It’s a euphemism some contractors use for deciding what corners to cut when installing an underbid job so they can still make a profit. This situation is a testament to the kids that you do need math in the real world. You take how much the job was sold for, subtract the cost of parts, overhead and profit, and the remainder tells them how long they have to finish before they need to load up and head back to the shop (or storage unit or hole in the ground).
Pick a Qualified Contractor to Enjoy a Durable, Efficient Sprinkler System for Years
This scenario is, of course, possible with all manner of home improvement projects. If you don’t pick a quality outfit to do the work, any job can become a nightmare. The point though is that an underground sprinkler system is unique in that there are so many more possible corners to cut that you as the homeowner cannot see. A properly designed and installed sprinkler should work for decades with minimal regular upkeep. So, take your time, do your research and ask questions. If you do your due diligence, you’ll pick a winner.
When you need a trusted, local sprinkler installation contractor that has served Northern Virginia for decades, contact BG Outdoor Services. As Certified Irrigation Contractors with over 35 years of success, we’ll design and install an irrigation system customized to your property for maximum efficiency and water conservation. Contact us today for your free sprinkler installation estimate.
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