Landscaping:

Q: Do you put weed barrier fabric down before you plant the landscaping?

 

A: Many years ago we made the decision to install exclusively the Rainbird name, and to become a Certified installer, setting ourselves apart as a Rainbird Select Contractor. This program for certification takes years of effort, validation, training, and adherence to specifics for the Rainbird product name. We are proud to me one of only a few such contractors in this region of the country to have earned that certification.

 

We also like the Hunter system, and installed Hunter prior to before becoming exclusive for Rainbird. We think the Rainbird timer is easier to understand and program. The warranties of the two companies are the same. 

 

We know there are other good and reliable manufacturer’s; but our experience from having repaired an average of 300 systems per year, for several years now, is that Rainbird systems are the ones that we repair the least. Thus, we think the decision we made to install only Rainbird was the correct business decision for us. We repair all makes and all models for any type of system though. But, for new installations, we only use Rainbird.

 

A: In most municipalities, the answer is yes. If you to live rurally though, or in certain outlying parts of your city that does not govern the use of these devices, then you can have installed the much more affordable option of an in-ground double-check valve; which does the exact same thing as the above-ground back-flow preventor (known for the rest of this answer as a PVB or RP).

 

The PVB or RP is susceptible to freeze damage for 5-6 months out of the year. Most customers though want to water their landscaping in the fall and winter, so, unless they winterize their system, there is no complete assurance that the PVB or RP will not freeze. Freeze damage is not covered by warranty.

 

PVB’s and RP’s can have electrical heat cable wrapped around them, and an insulated box placed over them to minimize the chances of freeze damage, but the unit can and still does freeze, and if it becomes damaged because of a freeze, it will cause a considerable repair bill every spring. We average 75 repairs yearly from freeze damage to PVB’s and RP’s, some that even had heat cables and an insulated box over the top of them.

 

Power losses to the home, tripped circuit-breakers, and worn-out heat cables can all render them useless, as they require constant monitoring throughout the winter.

 

By contrast, the in-ground double-check valve is installed below the freeze line. It never has to be winterized. It does not require heat cable, it does not require an insulated box, and we have never in 10 years of doing repairs, had to repair even one for freeze damage. Personally, I have had two homes over the last 13 years, both with double-check valves, and neither home has ever had a problem. 

 

A: A repair to replace a cracked gasket usually is $125 to $175. However, if the schedule 40 pipe has split, or the PVB or RP unit has cracked itself, which is non-repairable, then total replacement costs will run $400 to $600, depending on the make, model, and amount of excavation required.  For extra insurance, a heat cable and insulated box will average $200 in total cost, but only if you do not already have these items in place. These items are not a guarantee against freezing, but will reduce the chances. 

 

A: Because of precisely that. It is the government; and they are never wrong, and always have our best interests in mind, and always know what is best, and never make mistakes, etc., ad nauseam.

A: All of our systems are customs. There are no two that are exactly alike. Some customers desire drip hoses in their landscaping, some want pop-ups, and some want risers. Some customers are able to have large sections of their yard irrigated with rotors, and some have very choppy sections that require a series of pop-ups. Some customers have great water pressure and can have fewer zones, while some have low to moderate water pressure and require additional zones. And, some customers have lots of obstacles to irrigate around; like a pool, a multi-section patio, an outdoor shed, a deck, a children’s play set, a dog pen, etc., all of which require special engineering to effectively irrigate around. 

 

By choosing a Rainbird Select Contractor, our customers are willing to pay the investment cost requirement for quality of products used, excellence in customer service, and peace of mind with their installation. We know from market research that our pricing is competitive, and is in the mid-range when doing apples to apples comparisons to other systems from other companies. 

 

Our systems start at $2,975 for a basic system, with 3 zones of coverage, and minimal obstacles, with a normal layout; and increase in size and price from that point. There really is no such thing as an “average cost”, as we install just as many systems in a year that the customer is investing more than $6,000, as we do with a customer that is investing more than $4,000. We still install several systems with investment costs of above $8,000, and a few acreages that exceed $10,000.  

A: No. There is no way to calculate how much water was actually lost. Plus, there is no way to accurately and consistently determine the exact reason for the water leak. Some water leaks are caused by non-warranted reasons; such as accidental digging, rodent burrowing, root invasion, excessive water pressure, or freezing. Additionally, pressure leaks are common in the summer from the constant baking of the Oklamoma clay yielding enormous pressure on the pipe and joints.

 

Drainage Systems:              

 

A: Sump pumps are required if we are not able to get the water problem to gravity flow away from the problem area. Sometimes, this is accomplished by grading, sometimes by surface drains, but always with an exit pipe. Flow rates need to have a drop of at least .5”, up to 1” per 10’ of pipe to properly gravity flow.

 

Several homes have low areas in their back yard that need to drain to the front of the street, but the street level is higher than the rear of the home. This means that a sump pump is required to pump the water to the street, as gravity flow is not possible.

 

Additionally, you are not allowed by city municipalities to intentionally grade your yard, gutter your home, or drain your pipes onto your immediate neighbor’s property. This means that sometimes the easiest thing to do is collect the water and drain it onto your neighbor’s yard, but, you are not allowed to intentionally give them your problem. This too sometimes requires a sump pump to be installed to remove the water away from the effected areas.

 

A: A French drain will absorb sub-surface (underground) water and a tightline drain is used to remove surface water only. Surface drains can be added to each system. Downspout tie-ins are also recommended for both. 

A: For French drains it varies on the severity of the problem, as depths normally start at 18”, with most common depths being 24” to 30”, however, greater depths of up to 48” might be needed.  For tightline drains the trench is typically 12" deep, allowing for the gravity flow. 

A: In our opinion yes.  PVC is a smooth walled pipe, and is less likely to clog since it does not have the internal ridges that the black flex pipe has. Plus, the tensile strength of the PVC pipe is greater than the flex pipe. 

A: We cut out a section of your curb for the pipe, and then will patch the curb with new concrete. 

 

A: ICPI stands for Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute. To become an ICPI Certified Contractor, which we are, means that we have completed, and passed, an extensive course on all things related to concrete pavers; from compaction rates, to designs, to installation techniques, to sealing, and proper estimating techniques. Many other items are covered during the hands-on educational course that requires field follow-up, class room learning, and passing a written exam; but that is a summary of the course.

 

There are very few ICPI Certified Contractors in the Tulsa area. You should demand excellence with your peace of mind, and only hire contractors that have the required training to install your paver project. Otherwise, you’re taking a huge risk on your installation that you do not need to take.

 

A: Weinstall Belgard pavers and Pavestone pavers. Primary uses of this product are for patios, sidewalks, and driveways; though we have used the product before in outdoor kitchen applications, and for pool decking. 

 

Our suppliers are Hardscapes, Chandler Materials, and The Pavestone Store. Each of these suppliers has dozens of sample colors and styles in stock. And, they will order for personal delivery, at no extra charge, anything specific that you choose; if they don’t carry it in stock.       

 

A: No one can stop the advancement of Bermuda; as it can grow onto anything, but RoundUp will slow the growth. However, the way we prepare the base is based on the ICPI standards for paver installation. When we brush polymeric sand between the joints and wet it down the first time, once it dries, it will bond to the paver gaps and will dry very hard; greatly reducing the chances that weeds or grasses will grow or root in the pavers.   

A: Either is a great choice. There are mainly two reasons most people choose one over the other: 1) It is their personal preference from an appearance perspective, as some like the look of the pavers and others do not, and some like the look of Flagstone, and others do not. And 2) Cost, as most Belgard paver patterns are actually a little less expensive cost per sq. ft. to install than natural Flagstone.

Q: I want to put Flagstone around my pool. Will it be cooler than concrete?         A: It depends on the color and type of Flagstone that you chose to have installed. Flagstone as a general rule will not be as cool as Cool-Deck. But, if you chose a lighter color Flagstone; for example: Autumn Haze, Cinnamon Sandstone, or Colorado Rosa, these choices will more likely be cooler than concrete.

 

A: We do not believe that the appearance or longevity of tiewalls meets the standards that we espouse as a company. Very few companies install tiewalls, and we prefer the more permanent solution of Versa-Lok concrete blocks, or natural stone.

 

A: We factor in the location, the water, load-bearing requirements, and for replacements, the type of wall that is currently in use. For difficult walls, we use the Engineer at Chandler Materials to provide us a construction drawing. This service is no charge to the customer if living in the Tulsa area.

However, for retaining walls above 5’ of average height, you will need to hire a private Engineer or Architect to design, scale, and submit plans to the city building code enforcement division for approval and issuance of a building permit. If the plans are rejected, a permit will not be issued until the rejected items are modified. For wall heights under 5’ of average height, a building permit is not required.

A: No. We are installers only, and do not sell any materials for any service that we offer. We purchase our retaining wall products from Chandler Materials for the Versa-Lok wall. This company will sell to the public though, so if you decide to install the wall yourself, you will be able to purchase the retaining wall items from Chandler. The other retaining wall products though that you will need (limestone screenings, class A crushed limestone, sand scalpings, topsoil, sod, drainage pipe, surface drains) will need to be purchased and delivered from other suppliers. Plus, if you are removing an old wall, you’ll need to rent a construction dumpster from one of the waste removal companies.

 

A word or two of caution though. The blocks weigh 82 lbs. each, so building a retaining wall is not a project for weekend warriors, or for someone that has never built a wall before. Fully one-half of the labor requirement spent on a wall is spent on ground prep, base prep, and base installation. If the base is not exactly as it needs to be, the wall will not install correctly and you’ll have wasted a huge amount of time and money.

Q: What kind of counter top will the outdoor kitchen have?                                        A: The most popular choices are granite, marble, brick, pavers, and flagstone. We work with you on what is your preference of color, style, and budget range.

A: The most popular choices are stone, brick, stucco, pavers, concrete blocks, and weathered Versa-Lok blocks.

 

A: Yes.  We will have our plumber install a gas line to use as a starter for wood burning or gas logs. 

 

A: No. For warranty reasons, we require that you purchase and arrange for delivery all of the appliances that you want to have installed (grill, oven, cook top, fridge, wine cooler, etc.) and we will then install them for you. Metro Builders Supply has a great selection of each, and will handle all warranty issues applicable to those appliances. You will also find many popular choices at Lowe’s or Home Depot. 

 

A: We primarily use Hardscapes in Bixby, unless they are out of stock. Their selection is the best in Tulsa, and their service is great. We do have other back-up suppliers, and can always direct you to wherever you need to go, all depending on your design. 

 

A: If you want one, yes. We can build a box next to the fireplace or under the hearth, whichever you choose. 

 

Landscaping:

 

Q: Do you provide landscape designs?

A: We have a landscape architect that will work directly with you to design and draw your landscaping or hardscaping plan.  These drawings will cost you an average of $400 to $700. From your completed plans, we will then price quote any specific phase of the plan that you desire, or the whole design all at once. 

Q: What kind of warranty do you offer on landscaping and sod?

A: We have absolutely no control over your watering and fertilizing schedules, or landscaping that fails to live because of hail, freeze, drought, disease, bugs, customer neglect, or other conditions beyond our control. Therefore, we do not warranty any landscaping, for any reason. Also, there is not a warranty for transplanted landscaping. And, there is no warranty for sod installations, or seed germination rates. Once sod is accepted at time of delivery, it is non-returnable. Seed germination rates are controlled by weather temps, sun, water, etc., all of which we have no control over.

Q: Do you put weed barrier fabric down before you plant the landscaping?          A: As a general rule, no, we do not. We will though if you request it, but it will be at an additional cost for materials and labor. The reason we do not generally use it is because weeds and grass with still grow through the fabric where cuts are made to fit sections, and where cuts are made to fit around the root balls of shrubs. We have found that a 3” to 5” layer of mulch is the best way to help keep weeds and grass from growing in your beds, but that nothing is 100% effective. And, if you have Bermuda grass, you probably know already that it grows over, under, and through the typical green steel edging that is around most beds. 

Outdoor Lighting:

 

Q: The outdoor lighting systems at Lowe’s and Home Depot costs much less; why?

A: You will be disappointed with the outcome of these low quality hardware store lighting systems.  If you are only comparing the professional grade Hadco, Vista, or Kichler systems that we install against a hardware store lighting kit; this is not a fair comparison. 

 

Invest in quality, and you won’t be sorry. Our professional lighting fixtures carry a minimum 10 year warranty.  The quality of the fixtures is incomparable, as the hardware store is selling molded plastic or tin, and we are installing brass, copper, and heat-treated aluminum or steel. For an even better lifetime investment, we also offer LED fixtures that have a 15 year warranty and there are no bulbs to change. For even more information about outdoor lighting, go to the Services section of our website, and click on Outdoor Lighting. 

 

Q: Do I need a special outlet to plug the lights in?

A: No. The lights are wired to a low-voltage transformer that plugs into a normal 110V outdoor outlet. If you have an outdoor GFCI receptacle though; that is even better as most of those have protective covers on them. 

 

Q: Will I get shocked if I accidentally cut a wire?

A: No. The lights and wiring are low voltage 12V AC; which is not much higher than a 9V battery. 

A: The LED fixtures we use have a 15 year warranty. If the light goes out in a 15 year period the manufacturer will replace it for free. LED’s are a truer form of light. LED's are a new technology, are more expensive to manufacture, and cost more than a normal Halogen bulb fixture does. You will invest more up front, but you will save money by not having to replace bulbs. Most Halogen bulbs have a 5,000 hour life, and will last a little over a year, and LED fixtures are warranted to last at least 15 years. In our opinion, LED's are the best investment for your money, and within 10 years, most fixtures installed will be LED. 

 

A: Yes, and in a timely manner. Unlike a lot of companies, we will show up for our appointment, we will discuss your needs, and we will prepare you a written quote. Our goal is to have our recommendations for your consideration back in your hands within 7 days. 

 

We achieve that goal nearly 100% of the time, and if we are going to be late on the quote, we will call you to let you know it’ll be just a little longer. Sometimes a delay will occur because of not being able to receive a current price from one of our suppliers; but sometimes it is just because we are overworked.

A: Our Project Consultants are well trained, with several years of experience, and will work with you for ideas that will compliment your home, your landscaping, and your hardscaping. Sometimes, deciding what you want is as simple as viewing some of the 100’s of pictures of completed projects that are available on-line, or looking through one of our numerous photo albums. 

 

And, if you need even closer assistance, we will be happy to meet with you at Hardscapes for an appointment, and will walk the yard with you showing you the various types of colors and choices that are available with Belgard, and with Flagstone. We can even get you some samples to take home and look at for awhile.

 

A: No. It is completely your option to be there if you wish, but all of our projects are assigned a Foreman, and all of our projects receive follow up on a daily basis from Steven and/or Mike; many times more than once a day. We realize that most of our customers work during the day, so we make arrangements with you in advance for access into your yard, or to put pets away, or to have access to your garage if we need to install an irrigation timer for example.

A: On the day that we receive your signed contract and retainer payment, we will place you on our project calendar. We will then call you and inform of an approximate start date. The start date for your project can range from 1-2 weeks in fall and winter, up to 3-7 weeks in spring and summer. The actual time required for installation and completion of your specific project depends on the size of the project, weather delays, material deliveries, crew productivity on previous projects being completed ahead of yours, and product backorders. 

 

A few examples for comparison: Flagstone patios take up to a week. Outdoor lighting installations can be completed in 1-2 days. Drainage systems take 2-3 days. Lawn irrigation systems take 2-3 days. Outdoor fireplaces take a week. Outdoor kitchens take a few weeks. Retaining walls take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, largely dependent upon previous wall removal and total size of wall. 

A: We no longer accept credit cards. It was just too much of a business expense for us that did not warrant continuing. But, we do have an account set up with John Deere Credit; which allows our customers to apply for “180 Days, Same As Cash Financing” if they want to consider that option. There is an upfront 5% administrative cost that is added to the amount financed, but if you pay off your account within the 180 days, there are no other costs associated with the program. And, if you need to extend it past 180 days, John Deere will roll the balance over into one of their revolving credit programs.  

 

A: Yes. This is very popular with our customers. Please review all of our specials that are fully detailed on another page of our website. Click on Specials to read how much the discounts are worth.

 

A: It depends on the product and service. All of our warranties are fully detailed on another page of our website. Click on Policies, and then click on Warranties.

 

A: Yes, on some things, but not on the majority of service or projects that we install. For instance, we hire a Plumber to install gas lines for outdoor kitchens, and to secure city permits for the back-flow preventor on the lawn irrigation system. Or, we hire a carpenter company to build Arbors. And, we sub out work to owners of large equipment; such as Tractors, Track-Hoes, and Flatbeds. It makes more financial sense to employ subs in this way, rather than trying to keep them employed full time as members of our staff.

A: No. During the very busy 7 months of spring and summer, (usually March through September), we begin our work days well before dawn, and are then in the field, (or office) all day supervising crews and following up on appointments. Most evenings are spent preparing quotes, returning phone calls, returning e-mails, and setting up crews for the next work day. Before you know it, a 12-18 hour work day has passed, and we need the weekends off to collapse, sleep, and see our families.

 

If you have a tight work schedule, we will be as flexible as possible with you. We will set an appointment as early as 7a, (even 630a on some spring/summer mornings), but absolutely no later than 5p. This allows most people to get to work just a little later than usual, or to leave a little earlier than most days. Or, we can meet you over your lunch hour. Or, if you’re already taking off work for an appointment with your Dr., or your CPA, or your Attorney, etc., we’ll piggy-back an appointment with us either immediately before or after one of these other appointments that you had to take off work from.

A: This question is answered in great depth on another page of our website. Click on the Services, and then click on Free Quotes vs. Ballpark Guesstimates.

The short answer is “No”, for most of our services, and for most of Tulsa and the immediate suburbs. There are though services that we do not provide free quotes for, and there are areas that we only travel to for a fee. These are all outlined in the section described above.

 

A: We office in Broken Arrow. It is very expensive with gas, and with the value of our time to travel 45-60 minutes for quotes. We do though make these quotes available on a fee-based arrangement, and will credit you with ½ of the cost if you hire us within 40 days.

 

A: Some of those pictures might be from projects of 7, 8, or 9 years ago, and prices change each year due to costs associated with materials and labor. Plus, most of our projects are customs, and each one is tailored for your needs; therefore the sizes will never be exactly the same.

A: 40 days from the date on the contract.

 

A: First of all, let me say that I am sorry to hear of your bad experience from another contractor. Unfortunately, I hear that almost every month of every year. BUT, we’re not like the other contractors. You probably know that already if you’ve spent any time at all on our website, or from meeting with us personally. 

 

We do not mind if you employ an Attorney to manage an escrow account for you, at your cost, but we will still need to be paid according to our terms. Our company is primarily a cash company, and we do not carry balances with our vendors from one month to the next.

 

Fully one-half, many times more than one-half of the cost of your project is just for the cost of materials. We use your retainer to pay for the materials, and to guarantee a place on our calendar. During the peak 7 months of spring and summer, we will have multiple dozens of projects that we are juggling and scheduling on the calendar. We learned many years ago that the serious customers send in contracts with retainers. The ones that are ‘just thinking about it’ tend not to. 

 

If though, you are still skeptical, check us out some more. We’ve got clean records with the BBB, and the HBA; plus, we carry all the right insurance and provide you with our agent’s name and number, and all of our employee’s are legal. We have a variety of continuing education and certifications too with ICPI, Belgard, Versa-Lok, Hadco, and Rainbird that might provide you the peace of mind you need to decide to hire us.

A: Yes, we refer several companies, and have good relationships established with each of the companies that we refer. This is covered in depth on another page of our website. Click on Services, and then click on Other Company Referrals.

 

A: We are always looking to hire well qualified and knowledgeable crew members, Foreman, Project Managers, and Project Consultants. We are an equal opportunity employer and have various part-time, full-time, and seasonal positions that become available. We require all employee’s to provide us a valid drivers license, current INS papers, and social security numbers. We are a non-tobacco company, and we reserve the right to random drug test all new hires, and all current employee’s at any time. Please mail your resume to the office, or send us an e-mail.