One of the most often reported customer complaints about contractors is lack of response. Second is a lack of trust that a good job will be received. Hiring a contractor for work at your home has risk. The tendency to hire based solely on price must be tempered with a little homework so you are aware of the company you might be doing business with.

Contractors in all trades have a reputation. The best route in hiring a contractor is to find out what their customers think of their work and their service. A good strategy is to talk to people you know who have hired the type of contractor you need. Research until you can isolate 2-3 companies with the reputation you are comfortable with. Then you are ready to call for a bid. The Yellow Pages are OK to find a phone number, but usually tell you nothing of the quality you can expect.

The worst company in town can still buy the largest ad!

Other sources of information are readily available to research a contractor’s reputation. The Better Business Bureau will let you know if there have been complaints, The Irrigation Association web site lists Certified Contractors, and local suppliers (like us) can tell you who they believe most professional. Take a little time to protect your investment.

When speaking with your candidates, ascertain how responsive they are. If they don’t respond when trying to earn your business what will happen when you have a problem? Responsiveness also involves listening. Do you get the sense that they care about what you are saying or asking for?

Next you will be analyzing their proposals. Yes price is important, but should never be the only reason you select a contractor. Many times over the years I have spoken with unhappy homeowners, but after seeing their irrigation system and asking what they paid all I could say is they got what they paid for.

You don’t get a premium system when hiring the lowest priced contractor. If they tell you differently it’s because they are unscrupulous or incompetent. Not exactly the characteristics you are looking for!

Ask for evidence that they are current with Workman’s Compensation, have general liability insurance, and their trucks and equipment are insured. Look for at least $300,000 of liability insurance. Some areas require contractors to be licensed, if so in your area then ask for a copy of the license.

Get everything in writing. Good contractors usually provide all of this in their bid package, but some need to be asked. Insist a contract be signed that you are comfortable with. Some contractors ask for a deposit and most homeowners are reluctant to pay it. Legitimate reasons for a deposit are to help pay for materials and to demonstrate you are serious about doing the job. But a deposit also may indicate financial weakness of the contractor. Most deposits range from 10-25%.

A sticking point may be the timing for the installation. Landscape and irrigation contractors book up quickly in the spring months in our part of the country. A job signed for in May might not get installed until July. If you want the system operational at the beginning of the season then consider having it installed during the fall or winter. At least get the installation booked before spring so you are first in line. Most contractors like booking systems during the fall for winter and early spring installation to fill in low revenue months and give them a head start for the coming season.

Take your time when picking a contractor. Find the person you feel comfortable with and has proven a degree of customer service. Enjoy your irrigation system!