Bit & Tips

CHOOSING YOUR WATER WELL DRILLER

FACT # 1: GROUND WATER IS OUR MOST PRECIOUS NATURAL RESOURCE

FACT # 2: A WATER SYSTEM IS A LARGE INVESTMENT THAT YOU WILL DEPEND ON EVERY DAY

FACT # 3: HIRING AN ESTABLISHED, LICENSED, AND REPUTABLE WATER WELL DRILLING & PUMP COMPANY WITH EXPERIENCE IN YOUR AREA IS VITAL

FACT # 4: AS OF 2003, NEW MEXICO IS ONE OF THE MOST LENIENT STATES WHEN IT COMES
TO REGULATING WATER WELL DRILLERS & PUMP INSTALLERS

Based on the above, very careful attention and comparison 'shopping' should be of the utmost importance. When looking at several estimates, compare APPLES to APPLES.

THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE VERY SIMILAR

THE CONTRACT SHOULD OUTLINE

WELL SIZE

DEPTH

EQUIPMENT

WELL SIZE - ESTIMATED DEPTH - EQUIPMENT

LABOR - ESTIMATED COST - WARRANTIES

RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOTH PARTIES


	Many contractors will require a reasonable deposit prior to scheduling, the amount could vary depending on the size of the job. However, you should never pay large sums of money for any portion of the job up front. If a contractor requires this, you should run as fast as you can. If you have a problem it's a safe bet he will have done the same, but with your money in hand. Ask those that you obtain estimates from if they "sub out" the drilling and/or pump equipment portion of the job. If they do, proceed with extreme caution and check out everyone involved. The contractor you select should, without question, carry workers' comp and liability insurance. If injury or property damage occurs during the course of your job, you can be held responsible. Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to keep with your files. If you receive an estimate that is alarmingly lower than anyone else, think twice! Basing your choice on price alone could be a detrimental mistake; it could cost you thousands in well repairs and in the worst case - replacing the entire system. Often times, the low ball contractor does not: *HAVE THE EXPERIENCE TO PROPERLY ESTIMATE THE JOB* *PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE CONTRACT* *HAVE THE EXPERIENCE TO PROPERLY COMPLETE THE JOB* *CARRY NECESSARY INSURANCE* *HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO HANDLE THE JOB* *HAVE A PERMANENT PLACE OF BUSINESS* *INSTALL THE SYSTEM TO MEET BASIC INDUSTRY STANDARDS* *HONOR WARRANTIES* *OPERATE IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER* *RETURN YOUR CALL WHEN YOU DO HAVE A PROBLEM*

		CONTRACTOR CHECKLIST

DOES THE COMPANY?	MDC	CO-1	CO-2
CARRY LIABILITY INSURANCE?	YES
CARRY WORKMANS' COMP?	YES
PROVIDE COI & REFERENCES UPON REQUEST?	YES
PROVIDE A CAREFULLY PREPARED CONTRACT?	YES
OPERATE IN A PERMANENT PLACE OF BUSINESS?	YES
KEEP DRILLER'S LICENSE CURRENT?	YES
PARTICIPATE IN VOLUNTARY CERTIFICATION & CONTINUING EDUCATION?	YES
HAVE EXPERIENCE IN YOUR AREA?	YES
HAVE CLEAN RECORDS WITH THE BBB & OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER?	YES
PROVIDE REFERENCES UPON REQUEST?	YES


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