Creative Irrigation & Lighting

Jim T.

After they did the spring start up the tech noticed a leak in the main shut off valve. They quoted a repair job needing about 1-2 hours with both a tech and a supervisor, which seemed excessive. I reached out to another firm who sent one guy, did the job in 40 minutes for about 1/3 the price. Never again.
BTW - Creative said their schedule was swamped so they couldn't give me a date to come and repair the system. Problem solved. Now they don't have to come at all.

F. W.

I'm done with these guys. If you don't take the day off and stay outside watching them, you get screwed. This last fall was the last straw, when they were supposed to perform winterization for $175. Next thing you know I get a bill for over $700, including a dozen parts, foreman and a service tech. We weren't aware of any broken or leaking sprinklers, but according the CI&L there were several. Additionally, when they do jobs, it sure seems like the ""foreman"" is just standing around doing nothing for almost $200. Finally, CI&L typically just shows up at the house to winterize or activate and if you're not there, you're back at the end of the queue. How about coordinating in advance? Not everyone sits at home all day...

Dena V.

I agree with many of these other 1 star reviews. I loved Allen's Sprinkler, but since Creative took over, the service quality and customer service went out the window. Unfortunately, in my case, the person who was unprofessional towards me was someone who was from Allen's. I'm not going to mention names, but I don't appreciate being treated rudely after 20 years of loyalty to Allen's and then Creative. I got a new irrigation company that I love. (Long overdue). When Creative did my Spring 2019 turn on, they noted in their records apparently that the rain sensor was stuck on, but never bothered to inform us of that. Thus, our irrigation system wasn't coming on when it should, causing our lawn to die. Lots of $ later, I got the system fixed through a great customer oriented irrigation system, and got our lawn damage repaired. When I reached out to let Creative know that I thought there was a problem with the irrigation system, I got treated rudely by an office member like I said who came from Allen's. And she was rude and said it's in our notes that the rain sensor isn't working properly and I said it would have been nice if you told us that. When I called Creative to let them know we had another company, the office representative who answered just said we will make a note on the files. She did not ask why or anything after 20 years with them. It was the same person who came from Allen's. I think she knew why. Never again. So glad to be with my new company.

Nicholas W.

Got some drainage, lighting and irrigation work done. Work went according to plan was completed on time as agreed. Had one issue with lighting the next day, but they dispatched someone out the next day to fix it. Would recommend them to anyone and the customer service (Bev) is outstanding.

Ms R.

Creative Irrigation used to be a good company. They were always busy but the quality was worth the wait. Now their office staff is useless, I can't ever get a response, don't even think about emailing, and today they stood me up for a service that had been confirmed twice. I took the day off work and waited all day. Do not use this company. The old reviews that were good do not reflect their current service.

Jay R.

I also have experienced terrible service since Allen's Sprinklers was acquired by Creative Irrigation. I always had terrific service in the past and like clockwork, purchased my full service package (Winterization, Spring Turn-On and Backflow Inspection) with stellar service. I even came to know the service techs as they performed a few upgrades for me. I inherited (maybe) a 7 year old irrigation system and for four years with Allen it worked without issue.
But then came Creative Irrigation. (Probably called Creative for the ability to create problems). First I had a leak in my front yard in late summer/early fall. Ok, I said. Maybe its time for a system possibly 10 years old. Creative fixed the issue and winterized the system for winter. The following spring, the returned an installed the backflow - but they didn't do it right and it leaked. When I called to notify them, they came it and fixed it. They attempted to charge me but when I protested that I never touch the backflow, no one had touched it all winter, and the previous company replaced it every year with no leaks, they responded and said it was under warranty and covered. I never bought or knew of any warranty, but they didn't charge me and I was happy. But at the same time, they found a leak in my backyard. So now, I have a system with a new leak in a totally new area during a winter period of inactivity?? I know the most logical way for that to happen is ice freezing in the pipes (there's really nothing else) - Creative are the people that winterized my system, supposedly removing any water before winter!
Regardless, having my backflow now installed and working irrigation I began to enjoy the watering season and decided to deal with the leak later. But strangely, I never noticed a leak. I'm not a plumber, but I'm likely to be able to tell if a pipe is leaking 6 inches from the surface in my backyard. I chalked up Creative's assessment as a possible error. But one day, my wife calls me at work and says sprinkler guys are here they're doing some work. I had no idea they were coming and next thing you know I get an invoice in the mail for the leak in the backyard. I was mad. But it gets better.
Shortly after that, I have the water company come and turn off my water. Why? Because I had a irrigation leak, but this time in my front yard. Right near the main irrigation router panel. The water company said it was bad on probably going on for 2-3 weeks (about the time of Creative's last visit). I hadn't noticed because the area is steeply sloped plus we had a lot of rain. But this was definitely a leak. Confirmed by an exorbitant water bill I had to plea my way out of.
The season was over and I was determined to find a new irrigation servicer. But guess who shows up announced again and performs my winterization and backflow inspection. You got it, Creative.
I called and wrote letters attempting to gain some satisfaction. They offered a lead tech to come and discuss with me, but I wasn't in the mood for some company pitch about how pipes or glues break down - I just wanted out. I left Creative knowing I need leaks fixed, and I don't trust them to even attempt to correct it for free or a lesser rate. That should be all you need to know. Steer clear.

John S.

I got an estimate to upgrade my Hunter controller to a smart Rachio controller. The technicians were pleasant enough, but I felt that I could have installed it is far less time. I had to remount the controller because it was not level and I got tired of looking at a slanted installation every time I went in the garage. They weren't prepared to install the flow meter (even though it was part of the estimate) and wanted to glue it to the copper pipe. I told them to not install the flow meter since the instructions explicitly state not to use glue, which will void the warranty. I installed the flow meter myself using Sharkbite fittings, which Rachio recommends.

Apparently, once you hire them to do any work you are immediately put on the automatic schedule to winterize your system. I received an email stating that they had scheduled my winterization service. I respond to the email to cancel the service since I never requested it or desired to have them perform any additional work for me. Today I got a voice message that they will come out tomorrow to perform the winter service. I had to call and send another email to make it clear I do not want to use Creative Irrigation for anything.

Mack G.

This firm is very unreliable. We purchased a service package that included both the start up and shut down of our services. Its November and they still have not shut us down, despite the current freeze. They are in breach of contract. Stay far away from these clowns.

Shell H.

They did a good job with Spring Sprinkler turn on and the price was fair.

John B.

As the others have said...horrible customer service. They promise and swear to either email or call back and never get back to you. I found a new provider and will NEVER do business with this place again!