Here are some items that should be discussed with the general contractor prior to the start of any new construction:

• Discuss what landscaped areas will need to be protected prior to the start so that everyone is aware
• Locate any underground utilities such as irrigation lines and wiring that should be protected
• Locate other important items such as the backflow prevention device and the irrigation controller
• Discuss whether the water will be kept on to protect any existing landscape
• If the water will be off, discuss what options are available to continue irrigating
• Verify that the power will be kept on to the irrigation controller throughout construction
• Address whether sleeves will be installed under any new concrete or asphalt areas for future use
• Ask the general to note the location of any damaged sprinklers, lines, valves and/or wires

Discussing these items with the general contractor prior to the start will definitely save you some money. I don’t know how many times I’ve come on to a site where I have no idea what has been done. As I begin to test some stations I find broken lines and heads everywhere. The controller has been disconnected and there’s no power to it. There’s a new concrete handicap ramp with no sleeves installed underneath, etc., etc. etc.

So to keep it short and simple. Please give us a call before you start! Include your landscape contractor in your meetings. I guarantee you it will save you some money and headaches in the long run.