Short answer: Commercial irrigation is priced per property, after a site walk. The biggest cost drivers are the number of zones, controllers and backflow devices, how many visits you want, and the system's age and condition. Every proposal is a fixed written price.
How each service is priced
| Service | How it's priced | Main cost drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance contract | Fixed seasonal price per site | Zones, controllers, backflow devices, visit frequency |
| Spring start-up | Per visit (or in contract) | Zones, controllers, winter damage found |
| Winterization | Per visit (or in contract) | Zones, pipe size, compressor time |
| Backflow test | Per device | Device type and count; repairs if it fails |
| Repairs | Unit prices for common parts + labor | Part, depth, wire/valve locating needed |
| Audit | Per site | System size |
| Smart controller | Per controller, installed | Zone count, flow sensor, subscription |
| New installation | Per project, from design | Area, zones, water source, sleeving, drip vs. spray |
What raises the price
- Older systems with patched main lines, buried valves and no map
- Many small zones spread across buildings
- Multiple controllers and backflow devices
- Restricted work hours (after-hours, around fields or patients)
- Hardscape — new sleeves under walks and parking for installs
What lowers your total cost
- A maintenance contract instead of one-off calls (fewer emergency repairs)
- A smart controller with flow sensing (catches leaks early)
- Drip in beds and islands (less water, fewer broken heads)
- Putting several properties on one contract
Budgeting tips for property managers and HOA boards
- Get the site walk done before your budget meeting.
- Ask for unit prices on common repairs so you can forecast.
- Separate operating (contract, repairs) from capital (replacements, upgrades).
- Ask for a multi-year plan if the system is near end of life.
Request a free site walk and written proposal →
Frequently asked questions
Is the site walk free?
Yes. The site walk and written proposal are free.
Is it cheaper to pay per visit instead of a contract?
Rarely, for commercial properties. Contracts lock in pricing and catch small problems early, which usually lowers total repair and water costs.
Why do you need a site walk before quoting?
Two properties of the same size can have very different systems. A site walk lets us give you a fixed price instead of an estimate that changes later.