I wouldn't trust putting them in. If you absolutely must skimp on parts, Heckman suggests buying a lower-quality controller, also known as the timer, since it is usually mounted in the garage and easy to replace. Don't change the design. Change how much you do at one time. So many people put cost in front of everything else, then pay with maintenance.
Installation begins at the water main, where the sprinkler system is connected to the water supply.
I teach people how to sweat copper, and most don't have a problem with it. I can save them money by teaching them how to do it, or we can do it for them. From there, it's a matter of building the distribution manifold, which is essentially connecting the sprinkler pipe to the electric valves, and digging trenches to lay the pipe. The recommended depth for the pipe is 6 to 10 inches. Creighton Smith, manager of the Lawn Sprinkler Center, favors trenchers over pipe pullers.