How to choose a well driller

In OUR OPINION, you should consider the following points when deciding whether to hire a specific well drilling contractor:

1. Does the well driller have the proper licenses to construct wells in your area? Are they properly insured? If a driller contractor doesn't have the proper license or insurance, they probably aren't going to drill you a proper well.

2. What kind of reputation have they built? Ask around - if you are having a well drilled in the country, there are likely other neighbors who have had wells drilled too - most of them will be happy to tell you about their experiences with a well driller (good or bad). Don't rely on just one opinion - the more people you ask, the more you will know and the better you will feel about your decision.

3. Is the driller competitively priced? Don't hire a well driller solely based on the fact that they gave you the cheapest estimate. Try your best to compare Apples to Apples. If you have several estimates that appear to be similar in the quantities used and quality of components, ask yourself why one contractor is 20% lower than the rest. Drillers who don't value their work are less likely to value the quality of the work that they do for you. Besides, it is in your best interest to hire a contractor who will be around if you have a problem or are in need of service. There is a big difference between being "competitive" and being "cheap".

4. Talk to the well driller contractor that you are leaning towards hiring. Ask them questions about the type of well they are proposing to drill and the type of pump system they would install. Are there alternative options that may cost slightly more now but would better serve your needs or would make your system last longer? Even if there aren't better options, you'll likely either develop a good relationship with the driller and feel good about hiring them or you may find that you are glad that you didn't hire them. Most areas of the Country are served by good people who are also good well drillers - it is your job to make sure that you find that person in your area.

5. Make sure you know what the well driller expects from you - are you going to need to clear trees, level a drilling site, pay a percentage down prior to starting, pay exactly when the job is done? In many areas of the country, a well costs more than a vehicle (and in most cases - it should) - make sure you are able to meet your drillers expectations by asking the right questions.

6. Can the driller meet your expectations? Can they drill the well where you want and when you want? Ask the right questions now so you don't have problems down the road.

7. When making your final decision - think long-term. Ideally, your well will last longer than your cabinets, carpeting and windows. You'll never regret putting more money towards upgrading your source of water instead of putting it towards superficial items in your house.

In our opinion, if you go through the above steps, you should be able to make an informed decision that you can feel comfortable with.