Do I Need a Contract?

Be Aware of Inexperienced Contractors!

It is recommended that a written contract be prepared and signed prior to starting any construction. This will provide the property owner with a itemized list of expected costs. Most contractors will have a printed form which can be completed for each well. The contract will reduce the chance for misunderstandings and include legal phrases to identify liabilities and responsibilities.

In the past, too many home owners have paid dearly for using amateurs or part-time, non-specialists for water well work. Check that your contractor is licensed (if your state has a licensing requirement), insured and experienced. Beware of high pressure or scare tactics, and "bonus offers" to get your business.

Property owners can become involved in litigation involving uninsured contractors. If an employee of an uninsured contractor is injured on the premises of your home or building, you may be responsible for his injuries or disabilities. In addition, you probably have no protection in the event of damage to your property or the property of others by the driller or pump installer during the course of the work.

 

 

 

Professional Contractor Check List
Is your Contractor:

  • A TRADE ASSOCIATION MEMBER. A good basis to select a contractor is to choose one that has declared his commitment to the mission and ideals of the state ground water (or water well) association and/or the National Ground Water Association.

  • LICENSED. Many states (but not all) have adopted standards for the licensing of drilling contractors. Only those who meet the standards of testing qualify for a state license.

  • WELL-ESTABLISHED. A professional drilling and pump contractor will have a permanent place of business, a telephone number, a tax ID number and, where appropriate, a business license.

  • EXPERIENCED and KNOWLEDGEABLE. Drilling or water system installation skills cannot be learned overnight. A professional drilling, pump and water conditioning contractor is familiar with all kinds of ground water situations. The contractor you select should be able to provide a list of customer references.

  • INSURED and COMMITTED TO SAFETY. There are inherent dangers in drilling a well or installing a water system. The contractor who carries both worker's compensation insurance and liability insurance has protected you in the event of damage to your property and injury to his workers while work is being performed on your property.

Water Well Contractor Check List
Does the Contract Contain:

  • The contractor's business address and state license number (where applicable).

  • A written proposal that details:

- responsibility for obtaining all necessary permits

- what work is to be done

- materials to be used (casing type, drilling muds, etc.)

- the charge for drilling (cost per foot)

- type of equipment to be installed

- the terms of any contractor or manufacturer guarantee on the well and well equipment

- the expected date for starting and completing the work

- payment schedule

- details of client and contractor responsibility for site access and site clean-up

  • Proof of the contractor's liability insurance while working on your job, to protect against:

- personal injury to you or others

- damage to your property

- damage to the property of others

  • Proof of worker's compensation insurance to protect the contractor's employees or sub-contractors while working on your job.

Be careful not to base your selection of contractor on price alone. The well system you purchase is permanent, and future changes may be much more expensive in the long run. Make sure that the bids and estimates are for comparable materials, service and guarantee. A low bid is not necessarily the best bargain. The contractor may not have included all the work quoted by competitors.


*This information section has been provided courtesy of the American Ground Water Trust. This information is copyrighted and reproduction or distribution is prohibited without the express consent of the American Ground Water Trust.

 
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