Best way for homeowner to find an irrigation professional?

[NJHomeowner]

I'm interested in getting a lawn, and maybe also a drip irrigation system for my residence. Any suggestions for how to select firms, compare quotes, or essential questions I should ask?

Is simply asking neighbors with systems for recommendations sufficient, or is there more I need to do? I know in life you usually get what you pay for - how do I make sure I get good quality and value?

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

I praise you. Most homeowners come on here with the wrong attitude.

Here is a guide I put up for search engines.
http://irrigationandwaterconservation.com/?p=26

interview a few referrals. See if you can find one that graduated from Rutgers in turf science.

Bring your info here and we'll fight like cats and dogs but some how will steer you right.

[1idejim]

Originally Posted by NJHomeowner

I'm interested in getting a lawn, and maybe also a drip irrigation system for my residence. Any suggestions for how to select firms, compare quotes, or essential questions I should ask?

Is simply asking neighbors with systems for recommendations sufficient, or is there more I need to do? I know in life you usually get what you pay for - how do I make sure I get good quality and value?

contact the supply houses, they know the good, the bad and the ugly.

[Wet_Boots]

You want quality care, so ask about a recommendation for some older installs.

[1idejim]

Originally Posted by Wet_Boots

You want quality care, so ask about a recommendation for some older installs.

good point, i'll see you when i see you guys, back to he hills, the pastures and the cows. i think i'll be a goat herder when i grow up

[Kiril]

Originally Posted by Wet_Boots

You want quality care, so ask about a recommendation for some older installs.

Just because someone has been doing something for xx years doesn't make them an expert .... or for that matter even qualified to advise (witness this forum).

@the homeowner

Educate yourself in order to ask intelligent questions designed to test the contractors knowledge and experience Interview multiple contractors before you choose one.

[NJHomeowner]

Thank you gents, for some great feedback.

[Mike Leary]

No "gents" that I know of on this forum. The only suggestion I could make, with a prospective installer, would be to ask for references AT LEAST three years old. That usually weeds out the eggsuckers, But like Kiril says, you never know.

[Kiril]

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

That usually weeds out the eggsuckers, But like Kiril says, you never know.

Tis true ... you do never know. I have been burned by "30 year professionals" that came highly recommended.

[txirrigation]

I know here in TX, the way our licensing works, it matters more about the experence of the Tech than the irrigator.

By the way if you cant have everything about resi installs figured out after 3-4 installations you need to go back to throwing trash into trucks.

I am sorry but if I gave out a referral 3 yrs old, the referral would be PISSED that I have been giving out his number for that long.

The only people I use for referals are the people that ask for them. I tell them when they ask for 3 referals that the only way I will do it is if your willing to be a referral and take phone calls for the next 3 people that ask.