How to Hire a Well Driller

Determine a location for your well. Regulations vary with town and state, but there is generally a minimum distance from any septic system (yours or a neighbor's) that you must adhere to.

Check with the building or health department if you are uncertain about the acceptability of a location.

Call several well drillers. Ask friends for recommendations or check the yellow pages. Depending upon your location, there may not be a large number of active well-drilling contractors.

Have the well drillers quote you a price for the project. The price will be given as a certain amount per foot for drilling, plus the cost of connecting to the house.

Ask for references from the contractor(s). Check with these references. Was the job done in a timely and professional manner?

Check to make sure that the contractors are properly insured.

Make sure that the contractors provide a guarantee on the well, pump, and other components.

Select a contractor based upon price, references and your impressions.

Sign a contract for the work. Make sure the contract includes the pricing, start date, and anticipated completion date as well as the guarantee.