Hiring a Certified Irrigation Contractor

CIClogoInvesting in an irrigation system? Start by hiring an Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Contractor. Residential irrigation systems offer convenience and control in protecting your landscape investment. A vital step in getting a good irrigation system is choosing the right contractor.

An effective irrigation system must be:

  • built with quality products
  • well-designed
  • properly installed
  • regularly maintained
  • operated to respond to the changing water requirement of your landscape

When you hire a Certified Irrigation Contractor (such as Meyerco Sprinklers), you’re hiring someone with experience and in-depth industry knowledge who has passed rigorous testing. An IA Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) is an irrigation professional whose primary business is to install, repair and maintain irrigation systems–according to the specifications and requirements of the project contract.

Certification validates knowledge and skills. IA certifications were designed by irrigation professionals committed to establishing a program that would provide consistent, high standards industry-wide.

The IA Certified Irrigation Contractor Difference

The IA CIC difference starts with experience. Applicants need at least three years of irrigation experience and education. An IA CIC must pass a comprehensive exam and agree to follow a code of ethics. To maintain the certification, an IA CIC is required to renew and continue their training and education annually.

To verify that an irrigation professional is currently certified:

A contractor who is polite, returns calls and keeps appointments is a good initial indicator. Review credentials, references, proposals, and contracts. Ask questions.

Choosing a contractor based on a low bid, a high-pressure sales pitch, or a “nice” guy who doesn’t stop to listen or provide qualifications may quickly lead to headaches. Professional irrigation contractors do not stay in business by offering bids that are too good to be true.

When you choose an IA CIC, you’re choosing a professional who has pledged to support fair, honest and ethical business practices, including contractual and warranty obligations, follow responsible design, installation and maintenance procedures, and promote water, soil and energy conservation through efficient and cost-effective irrigation system design, installation, and management.

Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Contractors are committed to the industry and to growing their business with satisfied customers. A CIC who goes the extra mile to earn and keep their certification will to the same for you.

Tips for Qualifying a Contractor

  • Has the contractor volunteered evidence of proper licenses, insurance and bonding?
  • Has the contractor submitted a written proposal describing the job in detail, including labor, material, local taxes and permits, the dollar amount, a scaled plan, and estimated schedule?
  • Does the contractor offer recent, local references and/or a portfolio?
  • Is your contractor knowledgeable of backflow prevention laws or electrical and plumbing codes… and will ensure that your system will meet those codes?
  • Who will actually install the irrigation system…  how was the individual(s) trained?
  • Is the contractor willing to walk through complete instructions on system care and use of mechanical components, such as controllers and timers? Provide written operating instructions?
  • What is the warranty on components and the system design performance? Who provides the warranty? What is included or excluded? The industry standard is a full guarantee you covering system parts and labor for one year.
  • Does the contractor purchased materials from an authorized product distributor? This is more likely to ensure quality as well as the ability to get replacement parts.
  • to finalize our agreement, have you been presented a written contract? A written contract is a must–for any amount. A contract is a mutual agreement. Read before you sign. Ask questions. Begin only after both parties have signed the contract.

We hope this information helps you choose a qualified irrigation contractor and avoid any issues. For more information, feel free to contact us.