YOUR LANDSCAPING
Follow some tips about repairing sprinklers
With the start of spring, homeowners will be focusing on landscaping, and it is important to consider sprinkler repair or installation, if necessary, to maintain a healthy lawn.
A properly designed irrigation system waters your lawn uniformly without wasteful runoff, but even the best irrigation design won’t perform well if installed incorrectly or installed using inferior components.
Accordingly, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers these tips when choosing a lawn irrigation contractor:
Research the business. Go to BBBHouston.org to find a list of irrigation contractors in your area. Be sure to check out their BBB Business Reviews to learn how long they’ve been in business, read customer reviews, and see if there is a history of complaints and, if so, how they were handled. It is important to look for contractors in your area who understand special local climate needs.
Check credentials. Irrigation installation and repair companies in Texas must be licensed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and should include their license number on advertisements, websites, and
any written materials promoting their services.
You may verify licensing at this website: www.tceq.texas.gov. Also, ask if the business is insured and professionally certified and if it provides workers’ compensation insurance for its employees.
Request references.
Be sure to call these references yourself to find out if their systems were installed on time and within budget. Drive by homes where the contractor has installed irrigation systems and see for yourself if the landscapes look healthy.
Ask questions about the installation process.
Be sure to ask detailed questions before the installation or repair process begins. For instance, will the contractor provide one or more designs with prices for materials and installation? Before excavation begins, will the contractor schedule the necessary research to locate buried utility lines on your property?
Will they test water pressure to ensure the right system is installed?
Make sure you understand how the sprinkler system works.
Ask if the contractor can program your irrigation system with several cycles to meet your watering needs year round.
Will the contractor also take the time to show you how to use the controls?
Require a written contract.
The contract should include a complete list of materials and work to be provided. Before signing, read the contract thoroughly and make sure all verbal agreements are included. For sales made at the home, state law allows you three days to cancel the purchase without penalty, if necessary.
The contract should also mention if the business offers after-sale service, such as routine maintenance, repairs, winterizing and spring startup. Check if both the work and materials are guaranteed for a period of time.
Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is BBB VP of operations. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org with address and phone number.