A reliable irrigation system is crucial for maintaining a healthy, green landscape regardless of the weather. But with so many Irrigation services in Florida to choose from, how do you pick the right one? Fret not!
In this blog, we will share our top 7 secrets to finding the best Irrigation Services for your home or business in Florida. But first, let’s discuss why hiring professional help is so important.
Why Hire an Irrigation Professional?
Designing and installing an efficient irrigation system requires extensive training and experience that most homeowners simply don’t have. Leaving it to amateurs can result in:
- Wasted water and higher water bills due to improper timing and coverage
- Damaged landscapes from over or underwatering
- Faulty components that don’t last and require frequent repairs
- System inefficiencies that fail to conform to local water regulations
Professional Irrigation Contractors have years of hands-on experience and industry certifications that enable them to:
- Carefully measure your property and landscape to calculate watering needs
- Design a system with the right components in optimal locations
- Program controllers correctly for different plant and soil conditions
- Identify and fix any existing issues to maximize performance
- Provide ongoing service and maintenance to keep it running smoothly
So while hiring a pro may cost a bit more up front, their expertise helps ensure you have a system that efficiently meets your landscape’s needs for many years to come.
- Get Personal Referrals
There’s no better way to find qualified Irrigation Experts than to get referrals from happy customers. Ask your local garden center, neighbors, or Facebook neighborhood group for contractor recommendations. Look for common names that get repeated.
You can also check review sites like HomeAdvisor and Google to see what previous clients had to say. Read countless 5-star reviews with a grain of salt, but consistent 4-star reviews are a good sign of quality work.
- Consider Local Specialists
While big box stores can be convenient for supplies, they typically lack the localized expertise of an independent specialist. Choosing a local Irrigation Contractors Near Me means:
- Familiarity with your city or county’s water regulations
- Experience dealing with any soil or hardscape conditions common to your area
- Knowledge of which plants thrive best with the regional climate and rainfall
- Fast response times for maintenance or repairs when needed
Search online directoy listings for companies serving cities like St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra or Jacksonville. Read their “About” section to ensure local coverage is a priority.
- Check Years of Experience
There’s no substitute for years spent in the field. An experienced irrigation pro has likely encountered and solved most common issues already through hands-on work.
As a general rule, look for contractors with:
- Minimum 5 years doing irrigation installation and maintenance
- Company founders or head technicians with 10+ years in the industry
- Those certified by irrigation associations like CID (Certified Irrigation Designer)
Ask how long they’ve been in business serving your local area specifically. Stability is important for long-term projects and maintenance needs down the road.
- Validate Licenses and Insurance
All professional irrigation companies should maintain active state licensing along with necessary insurance coverages. This protects you from liability risks and ensures standards are being followed.
Check that any contractor you’re considering has:
- A valid Florida irrigation contractors license in good standing
- General liability insurance of at least $1 million
- Workers comp insurance for any employees
- Certifications from EPA WaterSense or other water conservation programs
Don’t hesitate to ask for copies of these documents to validate before hiring them. An established business will readily provide this paperwork.
- Consider Eco-Friendly Practices
As drought concerns rise in Florida, more homeowners want irrigation systems that help conserve water and respect the environment. Look for contractors using eco-friendly techniques like:
- Low-volume drip and micro-spray irrigation to target roots
- Moisture sensors and rain shut-off devices to prevent overwatering
- Proper system inspections and adjustments to optimize water usage
- Reclaimed water systems that cut potable water demand
- Native and Florida-Friendly plant selection requiring less supplemental water
A true water conservation expert can provide solutions tailored to your specific property and local climate conditions.
- Get Comprehensive Estimates
Don’t make your selection based on initial estimates alone, as important details are often left out. Ask qualified contractors for detailed written proposals including:
- A full Residential Irrigation Design and list of all components needed
- Labor and equipment costs broken down transparently
- Expected install timeline from start to finish
- Initial programming and setup of irrigation controller
- Future maintenance plans and service agreement options
- Warranty coverage on all parts and labor
- Permits secured by the contractor as required
Thorough estimates give you confidence you’ll get what was promised within the quoted budget. Be wary of any missing or vague elements.
- Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, it’s important to feel confident working with the business and individuals involved. Consider a contractor’s:
- Clear communication style – do they listen and answer all your questions?
- Professionalism in appearance and paperwork
- On-time performance for estimates and scheduled visits
- Reviews and references speaking to quality of customer service
If a company makes you feel uneasy in any way, keep looking. The investment and long term partnership demands a contractor you’re fully comfortable recommending to others.
Why Choose Aqua Riko Irrigation?
Here in Northeast Florida, Aqua Riko Irrigation is a top choice for residential and commercial Irrigation Design and Installation. With over 20 years of experience, we have the certification, expertise, and fine attention to detail your project requires.
Our licensed and insured technicians are dedicated to sustainable practices that preserve local water supplies. You can trust Aqua Riko to design a customized system addressing your unique property needs. Ongoing maintenance to keep it running at peak efficiency.
Whether you need a new design, repairs, or annual maintenance, contact us today for your free estimate. Let our experienced team make certain your landscape always looks its beautiful best!
