We bought a great fixer upper that is nearly done (phew!) We want to install a fairly extensive sprinkler system just around the house (house is on 2+ acres in a forest) that runs off a well. There is an old well here but we have been advised the pipe gauge is too small and we have no idea how long its not been used - we are on city water.

Any suggestions on how to find a responsible irrigation specialist?

We have already tried word of mouth and those folks are all too busy (droughts in Florida makes this the wrong time of year, apparently lol).
And we've had one outfit try to scam us (another sad floridian feature).

Also, how difficult is this to do ourselves?

Thanks!

I would not be hesitant at all in designing and installing my own sprinkler system. Rainbird, Rain Bird - Do-It-Yourself Home Page (http://www.rainbird.com/diy/index.htm) , Toro, Toro - Sprinklers (http://www.toro.com/sprinklers/index.html) and other companies have software on their websites that will help you design the system. You need to take into consideration the flow and pressure you have available, this, along with differing plant water needs, will determine how many valves you need to install.

The websites will also suggest sprinkler models to use for each scenario, how many and how far apart to space the sprinklers.

If you plan to install drip irrigation check out Netafim's website Netafim Drip Irrigation - Drip Products for Landscape (http://www.netafim.com/Irrigation_Products/Products_for_Landscape/). John Deere Landscapes John Deere Landscapes (http://www.johndeerelandscapes.com/) may also be helpful

You will probably want to rent a trencher, walk behind or ride on depending on the scope of your project.