What an irrigation proposal is for
Irrigation buyers usually think only about the lawn and forget the beds, which suffer most in dry spells. Three systems for the same yard, from lawn only to full coverage with smart watering, show what each adds and let the customer weigh water savings against cost.
What to put on an irrigation proposal
- The same yard in each.
- Zones and drip in each option.
- Controller differences.
- Water savings explained, not promised.
- One acceptance line.
A worked example
The same quarter-acre yard. Price each system from your own rates.
Option 1: Good: lawn zones. Rotor and spray zones for the lawn, standard controller.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler zone, rotor | 4 | each | Your price |
| Sprinkler zone, spray | 2 | each | Your price |
| Controller, standard | 1 | each | Your price |
| Backflow preventer | 1 | each | Your price |
Option 2: Better: lawn and beds. Adds drip zones for the planting beds.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler zone, rotor | 4 | each | Your price |
| Sprinkler zone, spray | 2 | each | Your price |
| Drip zone for beds | 2 | each | Your price |
| Controller, standard | 1 | each | Your price |
| Backflow preventer | 1 | each | Your price |
Option 3: Best: smart full coverage. Adds a weather-based controller and rain sensor.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler zone, rotor | 4 | each | Your price |
| Sprinkler zone, spray | 2 | each | Your price |
| Drip zone for beds | 2 | each | Your price |
| Controller, smart | 1 | each | Your price |
| Rain sensor | 1 | each | Your price |
| Backflow preventer | 1 | each | Your price |
Explain water savings from smart controllers in general terms, not promised amounts. Usage depends on the weather and the owner.
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
- Fill in the customer and the job.
- Check each option's name, its one-line difference and its lines.
- Add your prices; each option totals on its own.
- Set tax, the deposit and the good-until date.
- Print it, download it, or send it from Koira so the customer can pick and sign on the phone.
Free tools for irrigation
The same proposal 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.