What an irrigation change order is for
Irrigation plans meet reality at the tap: water pressure lower than expected means more zones, a rock layer slows trenching, or the customer adds a bed they want watered. A change order with the reason and the price, signed before the extra work, keeps the system right and the bill fair.
What to put on an irrigation change order
- The original estimate.
- What was found or requested.
- Added zones or work.
- Credits.
- The new total.
- Signature before the extra work.
A worked example
Pressure at the meter is lower than expected, so the lawn needs one more zone. The customer adds a drip zone for new raised beds and drops the rain sensor.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional rotor zone for pressure | 1 | each | Your price |
| Drip zone for raised beds | 1 | each | Your price |
| Credit: rain sensor not installed | -1 | each | Your price |
Record the pressure reading in the notes. It explains the extra zone better than any paragraph.
Line items irrigation contractors use
| Line item | Unit | How to write it |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler zone, installed | each | Heads, pipe and valve per zone; say rotor or spray. |
| Drip zone for beds | each | Drip line and emitters. |
| Controller, smart | each | Weather-based scheduling; brand and zone count. |
| Backflow preventer | each | Required on most systems; testing rules vary by area. |
| Main line from tap or meter | ft | Pipe size and material. |
| Rain or freeze sensor | each | Shuts the system off when not needed. |
| Spring start-up | visit | Turn on, check heads, set the controller. |
| Winterization blowout | visit | Compressed air to clear lines before freezing. |
| Head replacement | each | Broken or worn heads. |
| Valve repair or replacement | each | Stuck or leaking valves. |
| Line leak repair | each | Dig, repair and backfill. |
| Backflow test | each | Yearly in many areas, by a certified tester. |
| Permit and utility locate | each | Locate before digging; permit if required. |
Terms and deposit language for irrigation
- Deposit. New systems take a deposit at signing for materials. Service calls take none.
- Payment. New systems due on completion and walk-through. Service due on completion.
- Warranty. State your workmanship warranty on new systems, and that parts carry the maker's warranty. Freeze damage on systems not winterized by you is not covered.
- Utilities are located before digging; private lines like lighting and invisible dog fences are the owner's to mark.
- Lawn is restored over trenches; settling may need a top-up later.
- Watering restrictions in your area may limit schedules; the controller is set to follow them.
How to fill it in
- Put in the original estimate number and amount.
- Write what changed in the reason box, plainly.
- Add the new work; type a minus quantity for any credit.
- Fill in the days added.
- Print it for a signature on site, or send it from Koira to sign by phone.
Free tools for irrigation
The same change order for other trades: appliance repair, auto detailing, carpet cleaning, chimney, house cleaning, commercial cleaning, concrete, drywall, electrical, fence, flooring, garage door, general contractor, gutter, handyman, hvac, junk removal, landscaping, lawn care, locksmith, moving, painting, pest control, plumbing, pool service, pressure washing, remodeling, roofing, septic, snow removal, solar, tree service, waterproofing, window cleaning.