Neophyte Homeowner w/Questions

[whitty]

After finding this site today, I have spent a few hours scanning around to try to answer some of my questions. At this point I figure it is better to just ask everyone for help directly.

So, without further ado, here are a few questions from a 1st time homebuyer and a 1st time poster:

1. Irrigation systems-
a. What questions should I be asking in regards to installing a new system?

FYI - My developer has a "deal" with a local guy on installing a sprinkler system in my yard. The yard was hydro-seeded months ago (before I purchased 2 weeks ago), and is basically spotty at best. Another hydro-seeding is in the contract, but that is for farther down in this message.

The dimensions on the yard are 123 x 145 x 141 x 122.

b. What should I be 'on the lookout' for when getting quotes?

2. Lawn
a. What is recommended for SW Michigan, a couple miles from the lake - Sod or Seed?
b. Should I be concerned planting anything in mid-summer?
c. What should I be 'on the lookout' for when considering a sod lawn?

As mentioned above, yard was hydro-seeded a few months back, but much has either washed away or grown in spottily. I get another treatment as part of my contract. Also, I just got a call from my developer that he has another 'deal' with a landscaper to do my entire lawn in sod if I want.

We move-in next week, so I'm probably going to wait until I am on the ground and can assess things in person. But, in the meantime, any tips or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for taking a crack at walking a rookie through this.

Whitty

[GLAN]

The only thing I tell my sprinkler guy when installing systems for accounts we maintain and refer to him is that he installs 4" pop up heads........reason being that in the summer or now when I am cutting at 3" a 3" pop up on a sprinkler head is of no use.


Sod, seed........both will need frequent watering.....though in the summer heat and the direct sunlight at this time of year......seedlings may have a bit of a hard time establishing.

[Pelican]

My only advice is to be wary of contractors who have made "deals" with the developer. Usually it's the lowest bidder who gets these jobs, then a kickback goes to the developer for the work. I've gone into some developments and torn out what the developer had contracted, it was of such shoddy workmanship. Ask to see some of his other work and speak with past clients.

[Bill Schwab]

What part or MI you from? Anywhere near New Buffalo?

Typically when a GC selects a contractor any price quoted is 20% and up to 100% higher so the GC gets his palm greased.
I am a big proponent of seed over sod, but, you must first consider if your kids/dogs will trash the grade while it germinates. If that is the case, go sod. Bluegrass should work well in that region.

Mid summer planting should not be an issue under most climates so long as you keep proper water.

In all honesty, I know the irrigation guys will scough at me, but when we worked in the midwest, unless it was a commerial application, we did our best to talk a client out of irrigation. You get pleanty of rain, matter of fact that side of the lake gets snowed on alot. The only time your lawn should ever brown badly is August into September. Other than that, lawns stay green all season...... Ask youself if it is worth dropping 5K into a system that you most likely won't get a dime out of upon sale? You would be best investing that in a nice brick paver patio or a built in BBQ or something that appreciates.

[whitty]

Thanks for the replies, they were very helpful.

I won't go into too much detail, but the move and lawn have come along nicely. Throw in the birth of my first child, and I have had little time for much other than mowing this past fall. Now that I have found a bit of a groove with the whole 'Dad' thing, I need to prep my lawn for the brutal MI winter that everyone is warning me about.

Bill - to answer your question, I am just north of New Buffalo, in Stevensville. Nice area, but very different from the No. VA region I am most recently from.

I know it may be a bit late in the season, but there is a warm period for the next few days, and I was thinking of running a quick winterizing treatment on the lawn. Is there any issue with spreading winterizer on a damp lawn? Is it too late -- should I save my money for the Spring?

Thanks to everyone who sent me a reply, and I hope everyone had a happy and safe Turkey Day!

Brett

[PSUscaper]

first and most of all....

call some other landscape contractors to get them to give you quotes and suggestions.

Builders don't give 'great deals' ...... The get cheap contractors who do bad work for really cheap prices...so if getting a 'cheap, bad job' is a great deal, go for it.

[crimsonvalkyrie]

Make sure your electric box has support for 220. Most sprinkler systems pumps require a 220 volt power source wired into your breaker box. Most homes are build without very many spare spots. You might have one availble but don't count on a pool or hottub. If you already have one of the forementioned you might not have a spot at all.