Is Water Irrigation System worth it?

[Fletchman]

I agree with the above poster. It seems that down south (Florida), irrigation systems are a must have in the residential market.

But for Ohio and other Midwestern states, irrigation systems are almost unheard of and it won't increase the value of your home if you do have an irrigation system.

We get pretty adequate rainfall throughout the year. Not saying it can't get dry (1988 was an extremely dry year), but it tends to be rare. The whole winterizing thing also takes the appeal out of an irrigation system.

[MontanaXVI]

Originally Posted by sftong

But it seems to me most future buyers do not care about irrigation system. I have friends who have it, but some never turn on the system because it needs professionals to turn it on and off (winterizing) that cost like additional $150/year.

Most future buyers probably won't worry/care about one, I just bought my first home a year ago next month and never even thought once about that being an option or something I wanted (I may get one now, but then it didn't matter)

As for your friends having one and never using it due to the cost involve with start up and winterizing I have to ask, did they install it or was it in the house when they bought it?

I couldn't see myself spending the money to do something like putting in a system then being concerned with the $150 to get it winterized and started back up in spring.

[sftong]

"Most future buyers probably won't worry/care about one ..."

After some thoughts, I think the more important question is, what's your neighborhood look like?

If it's $200K or less houses, I would imagine the lawn are dormant and litter with weeds.
If it's a neighborhood of $500K house, you would see perfect green soft lawn even during the summer 90 degrees, and each house comes standard with irrigation system.

I think irrigation system definitely has its merit as it saves homeowner time and effort to water the lawn, and cut down the weeds substantially, esp if you have a larger yard and if you have kids playing on the lawn (you want a dry spiky dormant lawn or a soft green lawn for children? and do you still have extra time to do those yard work with toddler kids wanting your time?)

It's only a question of affordability to most people.

I got a super deal on this contractor who did a superb quality job on others, and this is why I am considering putting one in.

[Heartless in Ohio]

At our last house we did not have a sprinkler system and what a pain that was! In the house we just moved into, we have a sprinkler system but it does have a few problems. As a matter of fact, we have a sprinkler company coming out today to fix a broken head and add or move another sprinkler to reach an area that it is missing.

I think it is well worth the money but like most things, you must maintain it. I know that I consider a sprinkler/irrigation systema wonderful perk when purchasing a home although it would not be a deal breaker for me. If you love a nice looking lawn than go for it! Once it is in, you will not regret it but I would get referrals from some other neighbors first. Good luck with it!