Commercial property managers know the truth of the phrase: “The Devil is in the details.” It’s all too easy for your day to become consumed with putting out small fires—the bathrooms have run out of toilet paper again, a tenant turned their air conditioner so low that the office next door is complaining about the cold.
The last thing you need to be concerned about is whether the plants on your property are being properly watered. Hiring the right irrigation installation professional will take at least one worry off your plate. Here’s what you need to know before signing a contract with an irrigation installer:
- How long have you been in the irrigation business? Irrigation installation is one of those areas where experience definitely counts. A provider with years of practice will have the knowledge necessary to prevent most problems and quickly troubleshoot any unforeseen issues with your system.
- Is your company insured? You never want to work with any kind of contractor who doesn’t have at least basic liability coverage and workman’s compensation policy. Ask for proof of insurance before you sign a contract.
- Is your wiring waterproof? It may seem like an obvious question to ask an irrigation installation professional, but wiring that hasn’t been properly waterproofed is one of the most common causes of technical issues with irrigation systems.
- What is your warranty and repair policy? Don’t just ask; read the contract carefully. A one-year warranty simply won’t cut it. Making sure your irrigation system is protected by a good warranty can end up saving you a lot of money later on.
- Do you have backflow preventer certification? Many local governments require irrigation systems to have a backflow prevention device to keep the water supply clean. Irrigation installation professionals must obtain a special certification to install and maintain backflow preventers.
- Are you part of any professional organizations? Professional organizations outline best practices and maintain high quality standards for irrigation installation professionals who are part of their network. GroundsCare is proud to be a member of the Irrigation Association of New Jersey and the Professional Landcare Network, among others.
- Do you offer seasonal inspections? This is especially important for commercial property owners in Maryland and New Jersey, where harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on delicate irrigation equipment that isn’t properly winterized.
- What is your philosophy on sustainable landscaping? The goal of a properly designed irrigation system is to mimic natural rainfall patterns, so it makes sense that such a system should have minimal environmental impact. A good irrigation installation professional will be able to employ cutting-edge sustainable landscaping practices to make sure your property isn’t harming the environment.
- Do you have any references? Anyone you’re considering doing business with should be able to provide you with several references from clients who’ve benefitted from their work.
- Do you do anything else? An irrigation installation professional who offers other services such as landscape design, landscape maintenance, and turf management will have a well-rounded knowledge of what it takes to create and maintain a beautiful commercial property.
Knowledgeable irrigation installation and landscaping services in MD & NJ
You need more than just water to make the grounds around your building beautiful; you also need a customized landscape design and maintenance plan that fits your unique needs, because the difference is in the details.
For more information about irrigation installation and landscape maintenance in MD or NJ, call GroundsCare Landscape today at 888-588-8451.
