Request a usable record of your landscape systems, not just a demonstration that the lights turn on. Equipment information, control settings, access points and installation records help you operate the garden and brief future service providers.
For property owners planning work in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Toronto GTA.
Ask for a simple location plan
The level of detail should suit the scope, but the owner should understand where the main controls and serviceable components are. Record routes before they are concealed where practical. Photographs should be labelled so that they can be understood later. Ontario One Call notes that privately owned buried services are distinct from public infrastructure, making clear owner records particularly useful.
Learn the controls in ordinary use
Ask for a demonstration of the normal controls and how to change the settings you are expected to use. Document schedules and which areas they serve. For lighting, review the evening result from the house and neighbouring boundaries. For irrigation, ask how the system has been set up for the installed landscape. Keep product instructions rather than relying on a remembered conversation.
Keep access to equipment practical
Review whether planting, furniture or a later structure could block access to controllers and other service points. Ask how replaceable components can be reached without taking apart a finished terrace. This is a design question as well as a handover question. Systems should be coordinated with the hardscape so that ordinary service is not made unnecessarily difficult.
Distinguish construction handover from ongoing service
The contract should identify the commissioning, documentation and follow-up included in the installation. Keep applicable product and workmanship terms separately so you know who to contact. Where electrical work is involved, confirm the required notification and inspection documentation with the electrical contractor; the Electrical Safety Authority explains that process. Do not infer an ongoing maintenance contract from the installation itself.
What to bring to your consultation
- Equipment models and instructions
- Labelled location records where available
- Control settings and operating demonstration
- Service access reviewed
- Applicable trade documentation and warranty contacts
Bring your available survey, photographs and current drawings. Mark what you want to keep and what you are willing to change. Ask Milton Stone to identify the decisions needed before a detailed proposal can be prepared.
Homeowner questions
Do I need an exact drawing of every buried component?
Ask what record is appropriate and included for your system. A labelled plan and construction photographs can help, but do not replace required utility locating.
Does installation automatically include seasonal servicing?
No. Any ongoing service should be explicitly included in the agreement rather than assumed.
Project reference: ESA: notifications and inspections. Check current requirements for your project.
Plan your next step with Milton Stone
Discuss your property constraints and priorities. Explore Milton Stone landscape and pool construction and our service areas.
