Lawn Sprinkler System Installation: Concerns & Benefits
Is It Worth It to Install a Sprinkler System?
Lawn sprinkler system installation in Cincinnati is an investment– so many homeowners want to know, “Is it really worth the money and effort?” At Paramount Lawn + Landscape, we want everyone to love their lawn and landscaping. We know that a high-quality irrigation system is one of the easiest, most convenient elements of a lush lawn, healthy trees and stunning garden beds.
Homeowners’ main concerns about lawn sprinkler system installation are usually cost and the potential for property damage.
Lawn Sprinkler System Installation Concern 1: Cost
Before getting any quotes, homeowners often think a lawn sprinkler system is going to be extremely expensive. And this assumption might keep them from researching this project for years. Bob Vila has done the research and gives this estimate for a 1/4 acre lot:
“Installing a sprinkler system promotes consistent watering to help establish a lush, healthy stand of grass. A sprinkler system on average costs between $1,714 and $3,520, with a national average of $2,538.”
A high-quality sprinkler system for your property might just cost less than you think.
Lawn Sprinkler System Installation Concern 2: Property Damage
Homeowners with existing lawns and gardens (almost all of us!) may also be concerned that a lawn sprinkler system installation will damage turf and garden beds. Paramount practices clean installs that don’t require digging trenches all over the place:
“An experienced lawn irrigation contractor will use pipe pullers, which pull the pipe underground and leave a one-inch to two-inch seam at the surface. These lines are pulled underground through a small slit in the turf to minimize damage to the lawn.”
Bottom line: if your property is a mess, you won’t love your landscaping. We are dedicated to your enjoyment of your outdoor spaces.
3 Lawn Sprinkler System Installation Benefits
Lawn sprinkler system installation offers many long-lasting benefits, such as:
- Increased home value
- Worry-free drought protection for your lawn and landscaping
- Water conservation
Increased Home Value
HGTV identified adding an irrigation system as one of their recommended maximum home value landscaping projects:
“Great landscaping isn’t worth much unless it’s maintained. And what keeps your outdoor areas green and healthy? Water, of course. If you don’t have the time to water your garden yourself or money to hire someone else to do it, an irrigation system is ideal. But installing an intricate sprinkler system is not for the amateur DIYer, so get advice and compare quotes from several landscape professionals.”
And this Washington Post article provides insight from real estate agents:
Moreover, some real estate agents say a sprinkler system might be a good idea for a homeowner listing a property in the summer and trying to make a good first impression on potential buyers.
“The curb appeal adds to the beauty [of the home] when they’re trying to get top dollar,” said Cynthia T. Davis, a Long and Foster real estate agent who sells houses in the District and Maryland.
“A well-kept lawn may indicate [to buyers] that the inside is kept up as well,” Davis said. “It makes you want to go inside.”
Houses with lush lawns and sprinkler systems typically get a little more at resale, agents say. “It does add to the value,” said Lawrence M. Calvert, a TTR Sotheby’s International agent who sells houses in the District and Northern Virginia.
“If you have two identical houses and one has a sprinkler and a green lawn and the other doesn’t, the [owner] with the lush lawn will . . . get a few thousand dollars out of it.”
Worry-Free Drought Protection
Your lawn and landscaping are a significant investment– and a large part of your enjoyment of your home. Here in Cincinnati, summer or fall droughts are not uncommon and can kill your plants, turf and trees. A good lawn sprinkler system installation will protect your landscaping from the risk of drought and make sure your property gets the right amount of water.
Water Conservation
It may seem counter-intuitive that a lawn sprinkler system installation would conserve water. But have you ever accidentally left your water hose on overnight when watering your trees? Or forgot to turn off the sprinkler when the rain started? Turf, plants and trees need water, and a sprinkler system is the most efficient way to deliver it.
Modern irrigation systems are designed to optimize water use. Pre-set programs water your property on a schedule, while rain sensors keep the system from running. Smart systems even predict the weather and only operate the sprinklers when the forecast calls for it.
What about DIY Lawn Sprinkler System Installation?
Yes, homeowners can install their own lawn sprinkler system… but we aren’t sure you would want to. One of our favorite resources, This Old House, has a 10-step instructional guide on how to install an in-ground sprinkler system yourself. The overview illustration shows that these are not 10 easy steps:
Along with the planning and installation challenges, homeowners will also need to check with their local building department, utility companies and HOA to work through those bureaucratic processes before getting started. It can be quite a hassle.
At Paramount, of course we recommend a professional lawn sprinkler system installation. It’s not just because we offer this service, but because we know how challenging and detail-oriented the process is. Our team receives expert training and we have employees with these certifications:
- Certified Irrigation Contractor
- Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor
- Certified Irrigation Technician
Learn more about lawn sprinkler system installation with Paramount, or contact us for a quote.
