If you’ve ever collected quotes from multiple sprinkler companies in Maryland, you know the routine: three different prices, three different levels of detail, and a gut feeling that someone’s leaving something out.
At TLC, we’ve been giving irrigation quotes since the 1980s — in places like Crofton, Davidsonville, Bowie, and over on the Eastern Shore. And here’s something I’ll say plainly:
Not all sprinkler system quotes are created equal.
We’ve seen companies offer a “great deal” that doesn’t include trenching. Or valves. Or pressure regulators. Or, in one wild case, even the controller!
So today, I’m going to walk you through exactly what we always include in our TLC quotes — and why it matters. Because if you’re going to trust us with your lawn and your money, you deserve to know exactly what you’re getting.
🧾 What’s in a TLC Quote (No Surprises, No Fine Print)
Here’s what you’ll find in every single quote we deliver — whether it’s in PG County, Calvert, Anne Arundel, or Montgomery:
✅ 1. Full System Design – Based on Your Lawn, Not a Template
We don’t copy-paste designs from house to house. Our quotes include: – A custom zone layout (not just a head count) – Consideration of sun/shade areas – Garden beds, slopes, and soil types – Expansion flexibility (if you add beds or features later)
One family in Huntingtown had a sloped lawn with a mix of grass and native plants. We broke it into six zones and created a custom schedule that saved them nearly 30% on their water bill. They had two other quotes — both cheaper — but neither mentioned water pressure or slope at all.
“We design it like we’re going to live there ourselves.”
✅ 2. High-Quality Commercial-Grade Components
We only quote top-tier brands like Hunter, Rain Bird, and Toro — and we specify the exact model numbers, not just vague terms like “controller included.”
We include: – Spray heads or rotors with pressure regulation – Backflow preventer (if required) – Smart controller or timer (clearly identified) – Durable valve boxes and wiring
Using premium components might add $200–$500 to a system install — but we’ve seen cheap parts fail in a single season. One homeowner in Upper Marlboro had to replace 8 rotors installed by another company in just 18 months. With TLC gear? They’d have lasted 5–10 years easily.
✅ 3. Trenching and Installation – Done Right
Some companies charge extra for trenching. We don’t. We include: – Machine or hand trenching where needed – Pipe laid and sealed properly – Heads flush with grade (not poking up or sinking in)
A new homeowner in Frederick was quoted $1,200 less than us by a competitor — only to learn “DIY trenching” was required. We explained up front what we do — and why we do it right the first time.
✅ 4. Clean-Up and Lawn Restoration
Every TLC quote includes: – Soil tamping after trenching – Reseeding disturbed areas – Haul-away of excess dirt or turf debris
“You’d never know they were here.” — actual review from a client in Bowie.
We believe the job isn’t done until the yard looks like we were never there — except better.
✅ 5. Initial Programming and Customer Training
We walk you through your controller — no matter how simple or advanced. – Set up a base watering schedule – Explain rain sensor or app access – Show you how to override zones
One customer in Annapolis texted us mid-summer: “The app reminded me to skip watering on a rainy day. This system is smarter than I am!”
✅ 6. One-Year Workmanship Warranty (Minimum)
Every TLC install includes: – One-year full coverage on labor and parts – Fast, priority service if something needs adjustment
We also offer extended maintenance plans — but we don’t hide that in the quote. It’s clear and optional.
✅ 7. Winterization and Spring Startup Guidance
Included in every quote: – Recommendations for timing and process – Optional annual service plan info – Tips to protect your system between seasons
In Waldorf, a client forgot to winterize a system installed by another contractor. Two heads cracked underground. A $95 winterization could’ve saved them $400 in repairs. We make sure you’re prepared.
❌ What Other Companies Might Leave Out (That Ends Up Costing You Later)
Here are some of the most common omissions we see in competitor quotes: – No trenching (DIY or subcontracted) – No mention of backflow prevention (can be a code violation) – Low-quality spray heads or valves (no brand listed) – Missing valve boxes (which protect wiring and valves) – No rain sensor or smart controller – No cleanup or reseeding – No customer walk-through – No warranty terms or service support
We’ve had dozens of homeowners come to us after a “great deal” turned into a headache. One couple in Charles County thought they were saving $700 — until they had to call three different companies to diagnose repeated zone failures.
When we walked their property, we found four key components missing from their install. We ended up replacing 60% of it — and they told us, “We wish we had started with TLC from the beginning.”
📍 Real Homeowner Stories
Ellicott City, 2022: A homeowner had two quotes under $4,000 — ours was $4,700. But when they read the line items, they realized: – Ours included spring startup and winterization guidance – Others charged $200+ for startup and $150+ for winterization – Ours included 5-year parts warranty components
They chose us. Their lawn? Bright green even through a drought summer.
Edgewater, 2023: A smart homeowner asked us to compare our quote line-by-line with a competitor. She highlighted: no backflow device, no app controller, and no cleanup language. “I’m not paying to clean up after them,” she said — and hired us on the spot.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I remove any items to lower the cost?
A: We’re happy to work with your budget. But we’ll tell you honestly what removing a smart controller, rain sensor, or other feature really means — short- and long-term.
Q: Why is your quote higher than another company’s?
A: It’s almost always because we’re quoting higher-quality parts and more complete service. We’ll walk you through both side-by-side so you can decide with clarity.
Q: What’s the turnaround from quote to install?
A: Typically 1–2 weeks, depending on season and county permits. Spring fills fast, so the earlier you call, the better.
Q: Do your quotes expire?
A: Generally after 30 days. We’ll always honor what we can, but materials costs change. We’ll give you as much flexibility as possible.
Q: What’s included in your service plans?
A: Annual check-ups, spring startup, winterization, priority service, and discounts on any upgrades or repairs. Many clients in Annapolis and Crofton love the “set-it-and-forget-it” peace of mind.
🔍 How to Read Any Irrigation Quote (Even If It’s Not Ours)
Here’s what to check for: – ✅ Brand/model of components – ✅ Number of zones and coverage plan – ✅ Smart features and sensor types – ✅ Cleanup and yard restoration – ✅ Warranty terms – ✅ Seasonal care support
If a quote skips any of these? Ask why.
Better yet — send it to us. We’ll review it with you for free, even if you don’t hire us.
Final Word From Bob
You deserve a sprinkler system quote that’s clear, complete, and built around your property — not a one-size-fits-all sales sheet.
That’s what we’ve built at TLC for 40+ years — across PG, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, and Montgomery Counties, the Eastern Shore, and beyond.
We’re not always the cheapest. But we’ll always be the clearest, the most transparent, and the first to show up if something’s not right.
You want to understand what you’re paying for? You ask. Bob answers.