Info & Tips

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Services provided by sprinkler system companies include design, installation, maintenance and repair, and long-term service plans. The company working on your irrigation system should be licensed by their State, if applicable.

LANDSCAPING

Landscaping companies design flower-beds and gardens by selecting the appropriate plants and trees and installing them.

LAWN MAINTENANCE

Services available with most landscaping and lawn care companies include mowing, edging, weeding of flower beds, treating for insect disease, weed control, trimming of shrubs, irrigation systems checks, and fertilizing. Various licenses are required depending on the state.

INTERIOR PLANT MAINTENANCE

Indoor plant maintenance companies offer such services as design, watering, fertilizing, pruning, trimming, insect and disease control, and cleaning or dusting. Some companies lease indoor plants, including blooming plants, with decorative containers.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHERE TO FIND REPUTABLE CONTRACTORS

If you’re planning on calling an indoor or outdoor landscaping company to look at your property and give you ideas that you will later do yourself, expect to pay a service/design fee.

Contractors will generally assess what work needs to be done and give you a free cost estimate. If you want more detail, a fee may be charged for additional design ideas of rough sketches. Usually, if the company gets the job, all fees for the design will be credited toward the final cost of the job.

After you have determined what services you will need, you should begin the process of selecting a company. Some reliable sources for locating the names of companies are:

Friends, neighbors, other business
Internet searches, but confirm that the company is established.
Smarter Warranty America(www.smarterwarranty.org).
Professional Business Associations.

DECIDING WHO TO USE

When talking with irrigation companies, evaluate their professionalism.

Before taking any bids, you should provide the companies with the scope of work. This includes defining the area to be worked on and what you want installed. When getting bids don’t compare apples with oranges. Make sure that each company has included the same services. Evaluate the company and their warranty. Often the lowest price is not the lowest cost of ownership when you factor in maintenance, repairs, and modifications. Also,

Here is a list of steps to follow as you talk with companies to find out about their prices for performing work on your home, business, or commercial property:

Do the companies you are considering have a business address and telephone number? Check to see if the companies are listed in the current telephone directory in your area. This will tell you if the companies have been in business for more than a year.
Make sure that you understand what is included in the price and what is not included. Ask questions.
Always get receipts for any money paid. If full payment is made in cash, be sure to obtain written verification of payment from the company.
Be certain that the quantity, size and the types of plants to be used are stated in the contract and in the plans.
Is the guarantee or warranty disclosed? Is the entire job under warranty or only certain materials? Is labor included in the guarantee? But remember a guarantee is only as good as the company that gives it.
Does the contract provide for a completion date? Be certain that the contract contains all topics discussed and promises made.
Is the company a member of any National or Local Associations? If so, their memberships and affiliations increase their credibility.
Remember to get copies of anything you sign.