How Much Do Sprinkler Systems Cost?

Irrigation or sprinkler systems can be an essential component for maintaining a healthy lawn and garden. Not only do they provide an efficient and effective way of watering, but when installed and used correctly, they can also contribute to water conservation. However, one critical aspect to consider when contemplating installing a sprinkler system is the cost involved. The price can significantly vary depending on various factors such as the type of system, the size of your property, the components required, and the complexity of the installation.

One can broadly categorize sprinkler systems into two types: in-ground and drip irrigation systems. In-ground systems are more traditional and commonly used in lawns and larger areas that require a substantial amount of water. These systems use a network of underground pipes linked to sprinkler heads that pop up when activated. On the other hand, drip irrigation systems use a series of tubes and emitters that drip water directly onto the plants or soil. They’re generally more efficient and preferred for smaller areas, gardens, and plant beds.

Depending on the system type and considering the size of an average yard (approximately 5000 square feet), an in-ground sprinkler system’s cost can range from $2500 to $3500, including materials and professional installation. A drip irrigation system on the smaller yard (about 2500 square feet) might cost somewhere between $1000 to $3000, considering professional installation. Of course, DIY installation can dramatically reduce the costs but requires a certain level of expertise and time.

Other components that add to the cost are controllers, sensors, backflow preventers, valves, and garden lights supplier. The controller or timer, which automates the watering schedule, can cost between $50 to $300 depending on its features and complexity. Sensors, which help regulate the watering based on environmental conditions (rain, wind, etc.), can add an additional $20 to $150. Backflow preventers and valves, critical for the system’s safe operation, can cost around $25 to $200 and $15 to $100 respectively. Moreover, if you work with a garden lights supplier, you could bundle the installation of both the sprinkler system and garden lighting, potentially saving on overall costs.

Moreover, the cost of labor or installation can also vary widely based on the geographic location, the complexity of the project, and the contractor’s experience. Typically, labor costs are about 30-40% of the total system cost. Maintenance costs are another factor to consider with sprinkler systems. While these systems are quite durable, occasional repairs and regular winterization (in colder climates) can add to the system’s overall cost.

In conclusion, while the initial setup cost of sprinkler systems might seem high, they can result in significant water savings and a healthier, more attractive lawn or garden. It’s an investment with both immediate and long-term benefits, including increased property value. So, when you are considering the costs associated, think about the system as a long-lasting fixture rather than a one-time expense. And always shop around, compare quotes from different suppliers, and consider bundling services like a garden lights supplier to potentially get better value for your investment.

By Gray Rollins

Being provided with a company car is a great ‘perk’ of employment, and depending on which position an individual holds, can be utilized either on a part-time or full-time basis. Some of the jobs that offer a company car include the following:

1. Many upper-management, specifically, executive management positions, include the use of a company car, particularly those directly working for an automotive manufacturer or closely related to the industry. In these instances, it’s the perfect way to increase their advertising as more of their cars are seen on the road. Another reason that is that, just as in some communities ‘keeping up with the Jones’ is a means of determining resident status in the neighborhood, members of the upper-Escalon of corporations are provided with company vehicles because they also need to ‘keep up appearances’. A newer or luxury car represents success and in business, that’s very important, especially in regard to their competitors.

2. Jobs that require an employee to travel frequently often times provide the use of a company car. Corporations realize that it’s not entirely fair to expect an employee who has to travel on regular basis, such as in the case of a sales or marketing position, to have to utilize their own vehicle. The company acknowledges the fact that these types of employees are required to travel frequently as part of their job and shouldn’t have to bear the expense of maintenance and or fuel costs, in addition to wear on their personal vehicle, so they provide the individual with the use of a ‘company’ car.

3. Car dealerships usually provide their salesmen with the use of a company car. Along the same lines of an auto-industry executive, this is an excellent way for the dealership to advertise their vehicles and hopefully attract new customers. Additionally, if a salesperson is driving and is happy with the performance of the particular car they’ve been given to utilize, they’ll have an advantage and the added benefit of first-hand knowledge about the vehicle when it comes time to make a sale.

4. Messengers and the sometimes affectionately referred to ‘gophers’ in a business environment are usually given use of a company vehicle, though mainly only during work-hours. These employees have to deliver and pick packages and drop off projects at printing, customer and other facilities in addition to any other off-site tasks the company requests of them such as running out for office supplies, food, etc.

5. A personal assistant who works directly for one individual whether in an office or private environment will be given the use of a company car because these types of positions require extensive traveling time on behalf of the employer’s personal, as well as business, needs.

6. Federal and other-high ranking officials in the securities field are often times provided with a company vehicle because many of their duties require traveling to other counties, towns and even states.

7. Some miscellaneous service and labor positions such as construction, landscaping, plumbing companies, etc. give their employees the use of a company vehicle because there is usually a need to get a very early start, respond to emergency calls and also in lieu of the need to travel extensively to different locals on a regular basis as part of the business’ services.

Keep in mind that if you are applying for a position that requires travel, whether frequent or infrequent, you can always try to negotiate for a company car during the interview process.

About the Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for PaidToDriveReview.com – If you’re looking to get paid to drive, then this is the site you want to visit. Also, learn how you can save money on gas.

Source: isnare.com

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byAlma Abell

There are some unfortunate people who have allergies that can cause them to have to avoid being anywhere near to real flowers; but, for the majority of us, the sight of flowers blooming in their natural glory is a sight that fills us with joy and uplifts our spirits. This is why we so love to cut flowers and take them home to decorate our houses and other places; it is why we use flowers at various ceremonies throughout our lifetimes and even upon our deaths.

Since very few of us can actually grow, all the flowers that we might wish to use; flower sellers have long been a part of the daily commercial scene. Enterprising folk in the countryside would grow and nurture flowering plants of as wide a variety as possible and then, according to the seasons, cut the flowers and bring them into the towns for sale to the population there.

As our towns progressed; the flower farms were pushed further out into the countryside; but tended to become larger and would grow their flowers for bulk sales to enterprising people in the towns who set up flower shops or sizeable sidewalk stalls. Up to the early 1900’s people wanting flowers would have to go to a florist and purchase them – what happened next was up to the buyer; take them home for personal enjoyment or personally deliver them to someone else as a gift.

Take Away Yourself; Or, Have Them Delivered

The gift aspect changed when florists hit upon the idea of cooperating with each other so that a customer’s order placed in (say) Charleston, WV could be delivered to a nominated someone at a different location; the continuing introduction of ever more efficient communications systems expanded the scope of such remote deliveries to the point where, today, you can order Flowers In Charleston, WV that will be delivered very quickly to someone located literally anywhere in the world.

Naturally, if the order is for a delivery of flowers for Charleston, WV itself; the florist will send flowers from their own stock and you can go to their shop and judge the quality for yourself. However, flowers from Charleston, WV will not be actually sent when the destination is a considerable distance away; the order will be passed on to another florist (through an organization such as Florists’ Transworld Delivery) who will make the flower arrangement and pass it on to the requested recipient.

The family owned business of Young Floral can provide you with flowers in Charleston, WV and the surrounding area; or, they can arrange deliveries to anywhere else.

Landscape Architects Identify Trends For 2007

by

Stacey Moore

According to a recent survey of landscape architects, homeowners will be adding firepits and fireplaces for outdoor entertaining in 2007. And they, along with commercial building owners, will be paying a lot more attention to environmentally friendly landscape options, such as adding native plants and managing storm water more effectively.

The survey identified the most popular requests from homeowners and commercial clients for 2007. In addition to firepits and outdoor fireplaces, requests for sustainable solutions-such as using native plants that require less watering and maintenance-are also popular.

Homeowners are requesting that landscape architects design complete outdoor rooms, such as kitchens and bars, for entertaining. Water features such as koi ponds, pools and fountains continue to be popular. Incorporating rain gardens and green roofs in home landscapes will add a different-and more sustainable-flavor to 2007 homes.

Steve Martino, FASLA, of Phoenix-recipient of both the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Design Medal and the ASLA Residential Design Award of Excellence in 2006-cites private living spaces, outdoor rooms and water features as top homeowner requests. He also says that clients are coming to him for “green solutions” for their homes.

Commercial clients are also concerned with “green solutions.” Members polled said they anticipate an increase in requests for better storm water management options, the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient lighting, green roofs and native plantings.

Ann McGinnes, ASLA, of Garland, Texas, says that she expects to see more requests from commercial clients for “nontraditional” means of irrigating the landscape and a focus on better management of water resources. She also says green roofs are gaining in popularity for both their environmental qualities as well as their aesthetic appeal.

Other popular commercial client requests include water features such as fountains and outdoor employee areas. Madeline Ann Sutter, ASLA, of Oriental, N.C., says that these employee areas will be designed as places where they can be outside easily for a respite from work.

Sustainable design is bigger than ever and building owners are looking to utilize outdoor spaces even more. The new year will bring a number of exciting and creative design solutions from landscape architects.

You can learn more at www.asla.org.

According to landscape architects, outdoor fireplaces top the list of expected homeowner requests for 2007.

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Landscape Architects Identify Trends For 2007