Choosing the Right Irrigation Contractor
Protect your investment by selecting an experienced irrigation professional who delivers quality workmanship, proper system design, and long-term support.
Schedule a ConsultationWhy Contractor Selection Matters
Your irrigation system is a significant investment that impacts your property’s appearance, water efficiency, and long-term maintenance costs. Choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between years of reliable performance and costly repairs.
Koster Irrigation Is a NC Licensed Irrigation Contractor #C-478 and a NC Licensed Plumbing Contractor #32636
Licensed & Experienced
Choose a contractor with proven industry experience and a reputation for quality workmanship.
Proper System Design
Every property is unique. Professional design ensures efficient water coverage and long-term performance.
Quality Materials
Premium components from trusted manufacturers help reduce repairs and extend system life.
Ongoing Support
A quality contractor provides maintenance, repairs, seasonal services, and long-term customer support.
What To Look For In An Irrigation Contractor
Warning Signs
- Extremely low pricing
- Generic system designs
- Poor communication
- No maintenance options
- Limited references
- Cheap materials
- No warranty coverage
- High-pressure sales tactics
Professional Contractor
- Detailed site evaluation
- Customized system design
- Professional installation
- Quality components
- Water-efficient solutions
- Warranty support
- Ongoing maintenance services
- Clear communication
Questions Every Property Owner Should Ask
Before hiring an irrigation contractor, ask:
- How long have you been in business?
- What brands and materials do you use?
- Can you provide references?
- What warranty do you offer?
- Do you offer maintenance programs?
- Will the system be designed specifically for my property?
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Irrigation Contractor
Choosing the right irrigation contractor is an important decision for protecting your landscape investment. Below are answers to some of the most common questions property owners ask when evaluating irrigation companies and planning a new irrigation system.
Mandatory Irrigation Contractors License
NC State Law Mandates Effective June 30th 2009
According to the enacted law, no person shall engage
in the practice of irrigation construction or contracting, use the
designation ‘irrigation contractor’, or advertise using any title or
description that implies as an irrigation contractor unless the
person is licensed as an irrigation contractor by the board.
Koster Irrigation Is a NC Licensed Irrigation Contractor #C-478
Koster Irrigation Is a NC Licensed Plumbing Contractor #32636
Does Your Contractor Have A Minimum Of 10 Years Experience?
Only by hiring a contractor with a large base of experience can you be confident that
your irrigation system will be designed and installed properly. An inexperienced
contractor may not fully understand the parameters of the job and may not be
available for future service and warranty issues.
We have been in business Since 1994, 30 Years of Designing and Installing and Servicing Residential
and Commercial Irrigation Systems.
Does the Contractor Have Appropriate Insurance & Bonding?
Your contractor should carry adequate Liability and Workman’s Compensation
insurance in the unlikely event of an accident. You should request proof of insurance
demonstrating that your contractor is fully insured for all operations on your property.
Koster Irrigation, Inc. has always carried a $1,000,000 General Liability policy, &
Worker’s Compensation on every employee, and Auto Insurance on every vehicle.
Koster Irrigation, Inc is bonded with BB&T Insurance Services Of Raleigh. Bonding
is a NC Irrigation Contractors License requirement, with a minimum of $10,000.00.
Click Here For Certificate Of Insurance
Does The Contractor Offer A Warranty Period?
At a minimum, your contractor should provide a written, one-year warranty on parts
and labor.
Koster Irrigation’s Warranties Include:
- Two-year guarantee on all parts and labor
- Five-year guarantee on sprinkler heads against rotary failure
Can the contractor provide a list of references?
Client references are often the best indicators of the contractor’s work. At your request, a contractor should provide you with the names and telephone numbers of references to call. These property owners can attest to their satisfaction with the contractor’s work. Koster Irrigation will proudly provide you with references upon request.
Is a rain sensor included in the contractor’s estimate?
Rain sensors are designed to shut off the irrigation system when a specific amount of
rainfall has occurred. These devices conserve water, save you money on utility bills, and
prevent unnecessary wear on your sprinkler system. Koster Irrigation includes the
installation of a rain sensor with all systems. We are constantly amazed as to how
many irrigation installers forget this item. Having a sensor installed is also a part of the NC Irrigation Contractors Minimum Standards Requirements!
Is your contractor certified to test backflow preventers?
Backflow preventer devices are required on all city water irrigation systems to protect potable water from contamination. Proper certification is required by law for installing, maintaining, and recertifying these devices.
Koster Irrigation is certified to install and test in the following cities: Raleigh, Durham, Wilson, Rocky Mount, Greenville, Goldsboro, Apex, Garner, and Clayton. Residential backflow devices are normally due every other year, and commercial devices are due for inspection annually.
Does the contractor use waterproof wire connections and the proper valve boxes?
Some of the most common electrical problems in an irrigation system are caused by faulty
wiring. Special watertight connections are necessary to guard against short circuits and
prevent corrosion. Control valves should always be enclosed in heavy duty valve boxes that allow for
future inspection and maintenance. There are a surprising amount of contractors
that overlook this important step!
Koster Irrigation always uses heavy-duty, 3M Grease filled splice kits to safeguard the
underground electrical connections, not cheap wire nuts. We always install valves in large protective boxes that provide easy access.
How do I choose the right irrigation contractor?
Look for an irrigation contractor with industry experience, a reputation for quality workmanship, professional system design capabilities, quality materials, and ongoing service support. A qualified contractor should be willing to answer questions, provide references, and explain how the system will be designed for your property.
Why is proper irrigation system design important?
A properly designed irrigation system helps ensure even water coverage, reduces waste, improves plant health, and minimizes future maintenance issues. Every property has unique watering requirements that should be considered during the design process.
What questions should I ask before hiring an irrigation contractor?
Ask about the contractor’s experience, the products they install, warranty coverage, maintenance services, references, and whether the irrigation system will be customized for your property. Understanding these details can help you make an informed decision.
Do all irrigation systems require ongoing maintenance?
Yes. Irrigation systems should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure proper operation. Seasonal adjustments, sprinkler head repairs, controller programming, and system inspections help maximize efficiency and extend the life of the system.
Why do the materials used in an irrigation system matter?
Why do the materials used in an irrigation system matter?
How can an irrigation system help conserve water?
Modern irrigation systems can be designed to deliver water efficiently by using proper zoning, scheduling, and coverage. Smart controllers, rain sensors, and routine maintenance can further improve water conservation.
What are the benefits of working with a local irrigation contractor?
A local contractor understands regional climate conditions, soil types, plant requirements, and local regulations. They can also provide faster service and ongoing support when maintenance or repairs are needed.
Does Koster Irrigation provide maintenance and repair services after installation?
Yes. Koster Irrigation provides ongoing support, including inspections, maintenance, repairs, seasonal services, and system adjustments to help keep irrigation systems operating efficiently.
How often should an irrigation system be inspected?
Most irrigation systems benefit from at least one professional inspection each year. Seasonal inspections can help identify leaks, damaged components, coverage issues, and controller settings that may need adjustment.
What are signs that an irrigation system may need service?
Common signs include dry spots, standing water, unusually high water bills, broken sprinkler heads, uneven coverage, poor water pressure, or zones that fail to operate correctly.
Partner With An Irrigation Contractor You Can Trust
Whether you need a new irrigation system, repairs, upgrades, or ongoing maintenance, Koster Irrigation delivers professional solutions designed for long-term performance.