[Stonehenge]

We've got a potential client on a deadline that wants an irrigation system. Not wanting to leap into that with both feet totally green, we'll try to find a sub.

How can you tell a good sub from a not-so-good sub?

[diginahole]

You are quite involved at your trade association aren't you? I would think that would be a great place to start. Even if you don't know of a good irrigation contractor someone else will. I have done business with many of my colleagues from the association.

Insurance, workman's comp, quality guarantee, and reputable references are some things I would look for.

[Lanelle]

Besides all of the good suggestions by others, I add this: Listen to your instincts about the person you are dealing with. Ask how much backlog they have. Listen to the way they handle your questions and how eager they are to 'cut you a deal'. You are naturally a wary guy, so you'll know after you talk to the company and a couple of their references. Also, check with an irrigation supply house for their recommendations. Here, some companies are better for large commercial jobs and others cater to the homeowners.

[Bexter]

We are now only using one sub ... at one time we would choose out of 3. The company we now use has proven himself over time to give us a fair price, excellent work, excellent service and cleans up so well that you can hardly tell he was there. We are probably his biggest customer and he treats us as such. He understands that we have to wait on him to finish his work before we can finish ours. We are in constant contact with him (almost daily) to keep him updated on ongoing progress of jobs and future projects.
Starting out I would get at least 2 quotes, check references etc ... just like you would when hiring an employee. You will find out in a hurry if they meet your expectations.

[Tim]

I do not know the type of irrigation you are looking for, bu in my area, I would head straight for a farmer, they need these services in a big way, and if they do not know, they have a brother or neighbor in farming that does. A not what you know, but who you know kinda thing. Tim

[advanced irr]

The biggest thing ya want besides quality and someone that will cater to your needs in a timely fashion is a contractor that will take care of the customer. Make sure he will provide end user with his contact info, The last thing you want to deal with is phone calls concerning a $15 repair . And make sure if there is ever any warrenty work that it is taken care of quickly. The last thing you want is a customer that gives you 10k-50k for landscaping only to be pissed at you for a sprikler hitting the house ( or rainsensor) and your Irrigation guys takes a week to get back there and correct it. so make sure he has a fulltime dedicated service man to handle such issues