Installing Irrigation System in Winter
For many parts of the country installing an irrigation system during the winter it pretty much impossible, but in the southern regions of the U.S.A. it is very doable. There are actually some advantages to getting your system installed in the winter months.
First of all, if you are hiring a company or somebody to do it, you will get better prices than you do in the summer time. Everyone waits until spring or summer to get their new systems installed, so at this time irrigation contractors are “swamped” or overwhelmed with work. If you plan on having your system installed during the busy months, you should plan on waiting anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the company.
The turn-around time in the winter is significantly better. The average wait is cut down from 1 – 2 weeks. The wait time really isn’t even the main advantage here. As a consumer your main benefit is the pricing. Labor prices will be lower during the winter months because there is not as much of a demand and these guys (including myself) need the work! Keep this article in mind as this definitely leaves some bargaining room for you.
Please don’t misunderstand me here and think that you are going to get it for dirt cheap (although dirt isn’t that cheap anymore), but what I am implying is that you will get a better deal during the irrigation off-season. If someone bids too low, I would be worried about their quality and professionalism. I’ve been outbid in the past by guys who don’t carry insurance, workers comp, and have all the overhead that I do, but these kind of guys won’t be in business long.
If you choose a non-professional or non-licensed company or individual to do your work you will probably regret it later as it will cost you more money in the long run. Not to mention, you’ll be calling my company or a company like mine to fix your screwed up system after Joe Blow goes out of business. My repair rates aren’t cheap either, especially when I’m working with a messed up design!
If you have been thinking of getting an automatic lawn sprinkler system installed, then the next few winter months are the best time of the year to get one installed. I know that Christmas is coming and we all need money for presents, but think about using some of your tax return money in January or February to get your system installed. If you wait too long, myself and fellow irrigation contractors are going to be very busy again and our prices will go back up…this I promise!
Scott Young
http://www.autolawnsprinklers.com
