Absolute Irrigation

After recently spending $ 25k on a paver patio and surrounding landscaping, my wife and I decided to install a sprinkler system to keep our grass, plants and trees watered. There are several options when you Google «sprinkler systems» in Columbus, and after doing thorough research and meeting several installers I wanted to leave this review to help others and to recommend Absolute Irrigation.
Robert, the owner of Absolute Irrigation, is one of the companies I had quote my yard. In fact, I requested several quotes online all at the same time, and Robert was the first to show up — I found that impressive showing he wanted our business. Some of the companies didn’t call or show up for a several days and a couple were very lazy and lost my business simply because they passed the one week mark.
When I met Robert, he was walking around our yard measuring and assessing things. I walked outside to introduce myself and I’d like to point out several things that sold me right off the bat:
1) Robert gladly spent enough time with me. I knew nothing about sprinkler systems and he answered all of my basic questions and didn’t make me feel stupid.
2) Robert didn’t bad mouth other local companies. In fact, he said if I was getting other quotes he politely recommended three of his competitors that he said do great work. I think this really went to show his character and concern for quality work.
3) Aside from telling me what companies (aside from his) do great work, he also told me some things to lookout for with smaller companies. There are a lot of companies that cut corners and he told me a couple of things to beware of so I didn’t have years of headache to follow.
4) He explained everything about his experience and that he takes pride in his installations. He also said that he’s on every job, and I liked that.
5) As Robert was talking about sprinkler systems, the installations and answering all of my questions, it was very obvious he knew what he was doing.
6) Robert has used all types of manufacturer equipment, and explained why he uses Rain Bird as opposed to Hunter or other brands… because his crew is constantly repairing the other brands, plus Rain Bird makes a better product… and my own research concluded this as well. I read review after review of people bitching and complaining about Hunter and their PGP heads breaking and leaking.
7) Robert left a nice folder with quote and pamphlets about all of the equipment they would install. I’m a research-​aholic, so I really liked that. If I’m going to spend a few thousand dollars on something you had better believe I want to know what they hell I’m getting. He was the only company to provide that level of information.
After Robert left, and keep in mind, I hadn’t even received any other quotes at this point, I walked into the house and said to my wife, «I don’t know what the other companies are going to quote, but this it the guy we’re going with.»
During the following week and a half, several other companies came out. Rain One and AK Irrigation (Both spoken highly of by Robert), Irrigation Solutions and several others. Remember, this is not something you want to hire the cheapest guy.
Rain One — A very experienced company and quoted using a mix of different brand equipment and parts. They wanted to install ~15 more sprinkler heads than I felt I actually needed (not watering Park of Roses here). Most importantly, I didn’t get a good vibe from the guy that came out. He made a proud comment on being the most expensive, even warning me their quote would be, and it was. Explaining to potential customers you’re the most expensive is an unusual selling point — It didn’t do anything to lend credibility, prove experience or guarantee quality.
AK Irrigation — Super nice guy and who I would’ve hired next. The owner Aaron stopped out, and like Robert, clearly knew a lot about sprinkler systems. One thing that scared me though is he wasn’t too sure where to install the control panel in my garage. He mentioned running wire around my basement, drilling through walls… but not too sure. Robert on the other hand had it solved and hired a certified electrician to properly wire an outlet — Wasn’t even a discussion because he had it all figured out. AK Irrigation was my easy second choice.
Installation day — It was 90 degrees and these guys were like machines, not even taking breaks working 12 hours. Robert was there the entire day working just as hard as his crew — In fact, he was last to leave. I have perfect golf course like lawn, and when they left I couldn’t even tell they were there — He has an expensive machine that places the pipe without a trace. He took the time to explain how to work the system and gladly came out the following night because I wanted a head to spray aiming in a different direction.
I’m incredibly happy with our installation and would definitely recommend working with Absolute Irrigation!!!