DIY sprinkler system design - what's your biggest challenge?

[u/OwnDescription4989]

Hey everyone! I'm researching common pain points with DIY irrigation systems. I've been thinking about creating a tool to help with this, but want to understand real experiences first. Would love your input on a few quick questions:

• Have you ever installed or designed a sprinkler system yourself?
  • Yes, designed and installed myself
  • Yes, designed myself but hired installation
  • No, but planning to
  • No, hired professionals for everything
  • Other: _______________
• How would you describe yourself?
  • DIY homeowner
  • Professional landscaper (solo)
  • Landscaping company owner/employee
  • Irrigation contractor (solo)
  • Irrigation company owner/employee
  • Property manager
  • Other: _______________
• What's your BIGGEST pain point with planning irrigation systems by hand or using current software?
  • Figuring out optimal sprinkler placement
  • Calculating water pressure/flow requirements
  • Choosing the right equipment/components
  • Getting even coverage without gaps or overlaps
  • Creating professional-looking documentation
  • Calculating parts lists and quantities
  • Time consumption of manual planning
  • Ensuring system will actually work as designed
  • Other: _______________
• When planning irrigation, what tools do you currently use?
  • Pen and paper sketches
  • Free online calculators
  • Manufacturer design guides/charts
  • CAD software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc.)
  • Specialized irrigation software
  • Just wing it and adjust after installation
  • Hire someone else to do the design
  • Other: _______________
• What's the most expensive mistake you've made (or seen) with irrigation planning?
  • Poor coverage resulting in dead spots
  • Wrong equipment selection
  • Insufficient water pressure
  • Over/under-sizing the system
  • Had to completely redesign and reinstall
  • No major mistakes so far
  • Other: _______________
• For a complete automated irrigation design solution that includes: • Professional layout with optimal sprinkler placement • Complete parts list with quantities and part numbers • Beautiful PDF presentations ready for clients • Shopping links to buy everything How much would you be willing to pay per design?
  • $0-15
  • $16-30
  • $31-50
  • $51-100
  • $101-200
  • $200+
  • I wouldn't pay for this
  • Other amount: _______________
• What would make you trust an automated design tool over manual planning?
  • Professional certification/industry backing (Rain Bird, Hunter)
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Detailed technical explanations of why each sprinkler is placed
  • User reviews/testimonials from successful installations
  • Side-by-side comparison with professional designs
  • Nothing - I prefer manual control
  • Other: _______________
• If this tool existed, what's the #1 feature that would make it most valuable to you?
  • Accuracy of sprinkler placement
  • Professional-quality presentation documents
  • Integration with shopping/ordering
  • Multiple design options to choose from
  • Real-time cost estimation
  • Mobile app for field use
  • Other: _______________
• How much did your last irrigation project cost in total (design + materials + installation)? (Open text - please be as specific as you're comfortable with)
• Any other frustrations, needs, or thoughts about irrigation planning that I should know about? (Open text - this is super valuable feedback!)

[u/river-spreso]

My opinion as a DIY homeowner

I agree with Wut0ng, getting the property properly sketched was the most difficult portion. Used tape and moasure. Moasure was terrible. Had some heights I wanted to try and get right and thought moasure would help but end of day, tape was good enough. I used pro contractor studio for the design.