Ask Before You Hire: Important Questions for Synthetic Turf Field Installers and Contractors

Are you looking to expand or refresh the synthetic turf at your athletic facilities?

High-quality synthetic turf is an important part of a functioning athletics program, so it’s wise not to rush into a refresh or expansion project.

When working with installers and contractors, you can avoid mismatched expectations, overextended budgets, and drawn-out timelines by getting all the information you need upfront. 

By working with a team that knows what you need and when you need it, your synthetic turf project will be as smooth and successful as possible.

“Cheap” Can Come Back to Bite You

Often, school districts and organizations decide to hire the cheapest installers and contractors for their field projects. Budgets are tough to balance, and just getting something scheduled can feel better than nothing when sports seasons are around the corner.

While it’s tempting to choose the budget-friendly option, this frequently creates problems down the road. Hidden issues often drive up the final cost even after the initial installation is complete. 

You could expect some bumps in the road when you go with the lowest bidder. 

Uncertified providers can sometimes lack the breadth of expertise or range of tools needed to install fields correctly and efficiently. These bumps in the road can extend project deadlines, add to projected costs, or require Certified Field Builders to come in and conduct rework. 

>>Read up on why certification is essential.

Does this sound like a scenario you want to avoid? 

The questions below will help you choose your synthetic turf partners with discernment and foresight.

Let’s talk about what to ask before you sign the dotted line. 

Ask These Critical Questions Before You Hire a Synthetic Field Installer

Here’s our list of questions to ask any potential installation or field service provider. 

You might think some of these are obvious, but you’ll be surprised by what you learn once you ask. The more information you can gather, the better you can protect your facilities and resources. 

Contractor Credentials and Field Safety Standards

Do you have a Certified Field Builder on your team?

Can you provide references and case studies?

Do you conduct GMAX testing to ensure player safety? 

Turf Systems

What turf infill products do you offer, and which do you recommend? 

Do you have organic or alternative infill options like Envirofill, Safeshell, wood, or cork? 

Do your fields have proper drainage and water management? 

What’s the typical lifecycle for your fields and how long can I expect my field to last? 

Do you offer end-of-life turf recycling or sustainable disposal?

Labor, Operations, and Site Security

What is the timeline from start to completion of the project?

If our synthetic turf field has to be repaired after installation, is the cost of repair included in the project fee, or is it an additional expense?

Do you hire subcontractors or your own employees to install, maintain, or repair synthetic turf fields? 

What are the hiring and training protocols for service providers, including background checks, experience levels, and security procedures during on-site construction?

Warranty Protection and Ongoing Maintenance

What is your warranty policy, how long is it effective for, and what specific scenarios void it?

What are your recommended maintenance and management protocols for the fields you install? 

Does your company provide dedicated maintenance, cleaning, and responsive repair services with year-round availability?

How long will it take you to repair our facilities once a request is made? 

Where are the repair specialists located who will respond to service requests? 

Do you provide post-installation resources, staff training, or equipment guidebooks?

A Trustworthy Contractor Will Make or Break Your Turf Field Installation

Beautiful, safe, and durable synthetic turf facilities are the result of high-quality work and comprehensive field management. Your field installation team should provide you with guidance, expertise, and resources to ensure the performance and longevity of your turf. 

If you’re beginning to explore the synthetic turf field process and want to speak with an expert, contact us to get your top questions answered! Motz has the knowledge, experience, and an almost 50-year track record of creating and maintaining professional-level athletic turf facilities throughout the United States. 

We’ll help you re-evaluate your criteria for selecting a field provider so that you can make an informed decision.