I would not attempt to estimate your project via computer ... I would get a few more estimates. Prices can vary by quite a bit by region ... I'd guestimate in my market that would be high but I don't know your project details.

However .. your system of estimating is a bit optimistic ... the kid next door might use such a system .. not a full time contractor. How about over head ?? ... phones .. trucks .. insurance .. equipment ect. .. a technician at $10 an hour on the books is going to cost a contractor no less then $104 dollars a day and thats NOT a plumber .. Warranties cost money and so does standing behind your work. How about profit ? .. contractors don't work for wages ... retirement ? .. Health insurance ? ... on and on .. have you checked the price of gas ?? .. driving for one project might cost as much as three valves !

Again .. get a few more estimates and check references and local contractors board.

Good Day ...

Thanks Mohave. I am in the process of getting another bid and the follow up with a local contractor board is a good thought.

I had a system installed last year, 14 zones on my almost 1 acre lot. It was about $5k and took them about a solid day to install with 8 workers.

Just an FYI.. I ended up getting 4 bids, with the last one from a referal from a friend. I was stunned at the different prices that were shot out. Ranges went from $2200 - $4500 for the same job. IE Same number of zones, slight changes in number of heads but very similar, and brands ranged from Hunter and Rainbird to all Toro. All of these bids by the way, were from established companies (more than 8 years), they all carry insurance, and all of the quotes included a detailed drawing of the project with specifics on their equipment etc.

Ironically, the lowest of the bids was the one person that showed me all of the equipment that would be used, tested the water pressure, and discussed the system layout in detail to give the specifics and options I was looking for.

It is always nice to get the product you want, vs someone attempting to sell you on a product that does not fit your needs.

Thank you to everyones feedback

The parts you describe will cost under 1000.

I would insist on 1804prs-these have the built in pressure regulator set at 30 psi-the ideal pressure for spray heads. they cost $2.00 more per head. you can also get these with a check valve option for heads that are lowest on a zone.

you can also use rainbird peb or pga valves. they cost more but close slowly in comparision to dv100's- possibly eliminating water hammer.

what is the size of your water supply and meter?

Get references!! I have a lot of clients who spend more AFTER the instalation for maintenance, etc. Many home irrigation systems are worse than useless. And, of course, some are excellent. Keep it as simple as possible. Go with a contractor with contented customers. Nobody wants to be a pain standing over the installers when they are doing the job but ask questions and learn to do the simple maintenance yourself (such as changing or adjusting a sprinkler head).

Every week I go out on a gardening or landscape job and advise a client they need to water in the plants, etc. and I get an answer 'the irrigation system isn't working and I'm waiting for them to come out'. It sure is nice and uncomplicated to unreel a hose and stick a sprinkler on the end.

Ken.. also in STL. what contractor did you choose?

thx