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Drainage Contract

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DRAINAGE CONTRACT

THIS DRAINAGE CONTRACT (“Contract”), effective as of the date of the last party to sign below, is between having an address at

("Contractor") and having an address at

("Owner").

For valuable consideration the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF WORK: Drainage services may include plumbing repair work (for drains, sinks, toilets, water cylinders, boilers, heaters and pipe lining), and fabrication and installation of cesspools, septic tanks, storm drains and other sewage disposal and drain structures. Drainage work may also include the evaluation of soil erosion, erosion control and proper water run-off of a particular area or worksite. Contractor shall provide all necessary drainage labor and materials, and perform all drainage services described above and/or as set forth in the plans and specifications signed by both Owner and Contractor (“Project”). Such plans and specifications are hereby made a part of this Contract and may contain pictures, diagrams or measurements of the work area together with a description of the work to be done, materials to be used, and the equipment to be used or installed.

2. WORK SITE: The Project shall be constructed on the property of Owner located at and more particularly described as (hereafter "the Work Site"). Owner hereby authorizes Contractor to commence and complete the usual and customary excavation and grading on the Work Site as may be required in the judgment of the Contractor to complete the Project. Unless called for in the plans or specifications, no landscaping, finish grading, filling or excavation is to be performed at the Work Site by the Contractor.

3. TIME OF COMPLETION: Contractor shall commence the work to be performed under this Contract on or before and shall substantially complete the work on or before Contractor shall not be liable for any delay due to circumstances beyond its control including strikes, casualty, acts of God, illness, injury, or general unavailability of materials.

4. PERMITS: Contractor shall apply for and obtain such permits and regulatory approvals as may be required by the local municipal/county government, the cost thereof shall be included as part of the Project price.

5. SOIL CONDITIONS: Contractor shall have no responsibility for the condition of the soils at the Work Site. Any excavation, filling or other work required by the Owner other than the usual and customary excavation and grading shall be agreed to in a Change Order for an amount in addition to the Contract Price. Contractor shall not be responsible for any damages suffered by Owner as a result of the soil conditions at the Work Site.

6. INSURANCE: Contractor shall maintain general liability and workers compensation insurance.

7. SURVEY AND TITLE: If the Project is near the Owner's property boundary, Owner will point out property lines to the Contractor. If the Owner or Contractor has any doubt about the location of the property lines, Owner shall provide Contractor with boundary stakes through a licensed surveyor. In addition, Owner shall provide Contractor documentation that Owner has title to the Work Site and shall provide Contractor copies of any covenants, conditions, or restrictions that affect the Work Site.

8. CHANGES TO SCOPE OF WORK: Owner may make changes to the scope of the work, including changes to the plans and specifications, from time to time during the construction of the Project. However, any such change or modification shall only be made by written "Change Order" signed by both parties. Such Change Orders shall become part of this Contract. Owner agrees to pay any increase in the cost of the Project as a result of a Change Order. In the event the cost of a Change Order is not known at the time a Change Order is executed, the Contractor shall estimate the cost thereof and Owner shall pay the actual cost whether or not it is in excess of the estimated cost.

9. CONTRACT PRICE:

{COST PLUS}

Owner agrees to pay Contractor the actual cost to Contractor of materials plus the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work. Contractor shall be paid as follows:

OR

{FIXED FEE}

Owner agrees to pay Contractor the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work. Contractor shall be paid as follows:

Contractor shall furnish Owner appropriate releases or waivers of lien for all work performed or materials provided at the time the next periodic payment shall be due.

10. LATE PAYMENT/DEFAULT: A failure to make payment for a period in excess of ten (10) days from the due date shall be deemed a material breach of this Contract. If payment is not made when due, Contractor may suspend work on the job until such time as all payments due have been made without breach of the Contract pending payment or resolution of any dispute. Owner agrees to pay a late charge of 1% of all payments that are more than ten (10) days late plus interest at the rate of 1% per month.

11. DESTRUCTION AND DAMAGE: If the Project is destroyed or damaged for any reason, except where such destruction or damage was caused by the sole negligence of the Contractor or its subcontractors, Owner shall pay Contractor for any additional work done by Contractor in rebuilding or restoring the Project to its condition prior to such destruction or damage. If the estimated cost of replacing work already accomplished by Contractor exceeds 20 percent of the Contract price, either the Contractor or Owner may terminate this Contract. Upon termination by either party, Contractor shall be excused from further performance under this Contract and Owner shall pay Contractor a percentage of the Contract price in proportion to the amount of work accomplished prior to the destruction or damage.

12. ASSIGNMENT: Neither party may assign this Contract, or payments due under the Contract, without the other party's written consent. Any such assignment shall be void and of no effect.

13. INTERPRETATION:

(a) Interpretation of Documents. The Contract, plans, and specifications are intended to supplement one another. In the event of a conflict, the specifications shall control the plans, and the Contract shall control both. If work is displayed on the plans but not called for in the specifications, or if the work is called for in the specifications but not displayed on the plans, Contractor shall be required to perform the work as though it were called for and displayed in both documents.

(b) Entire Agreement. This Contract constitutes the entire agreement of the parties. No other agreements, oral or written, pertaining to the work to be performed under this Contract exists between the parties. This Contract may only be modified by a written agreement signed by both parties.

(c) Governing Law. This Contract shall be interpreted and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas.

14. ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS: If any party to this Contract brings a cause of action against the other party arising from or relating to this Contract, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs.

15. PERFORMANCE:

(a) Contractor may, at its discretion, engage licensed subcontractors to perform work pursuant to this Contract provided Contractor shall remain fully responsible for the proper completion of the Project.

(b) All work shall be completed in a workman-like manner and in compliance with all building codes and applicable laws. To the extent required by law, all work shall be performed by individuals duly licensed and authorized by law to perform said work.

(c) Contractor agrees to remove all debris and leave the premises in broom clean condition.

16. WARRANTY: Contractor's warranty shall be limited to defects in workmanship within the scope of work performed by Contractor and which arise and become known within one (1) year from the date hereof. All said defects arising after one (1) year and defects in material are not warranted by Contractor. Contractor hereby assigns to Owner all warranties on materials as provided by the manufacturer of such materials.

AGREED:

CONTRACTOR:

Signature

Print Name & Title

Date

License Number

Name and Address of License Holder

OWNER:

Signature

Print Name

Date

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION


(Enter date of transaction)

You are entitled to cancel the agreement or offer referred to above at any time prior to midnight of the third day, excluding Sundays and holidays, after the day you signed the agreement or offer. In the event you cancel, the seller must return to you (1) any payments made; (2) any goods or other property (or a sum equal to the amount of the trade-in allowance given therefor); and (3) any note or other evidence of indebtedness, given by you to the seller pursuant to or in connection with the agreement or offer. After cancellation, the seller is entitled to receive back from you at your address any goods previously delivered by him or her to you in substantially the same condition as delivered, providing he or she has returned any payments and goods or other property received from you, to the extent indicated above. If the seller does not call for his or her goods at your address within twenty (20) days after you give notice of cancellation, you may keep them as your own.

TO CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, MAIL OR DELIVER A SIGNED AND DATED COPY OF THIS CANCELLATION NOTICE OR ANY OTHER WRITTEN NOTICE TO

AT

NOT LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF


(Date)

I HEREBY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION.

(Buyer's signature)

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OWNER

I UNDERSTAND THAT EACH PERSON SUPPLYING MATERIAL OR FIXTURES IS ENTITLED TO A LIEN AGAINST PROPERTY IF NOT PAID IN FULL FOR MATERIALS USED TO IMPROVE THE PROPERTY EVEN THOUGH THE FULL CONTRACT PRICE MAY HAVE BEEN PAID TO THE CONTRACTOR. I REALIZE THAT THIS LIEN CAN BE ENFORCED BY THE SALE OF THE PROPERTY IF NECESSARY. I AM ALSO AWARE THAT PAYMENT MAY BE WITHHELD TO THE CONTRACTOR IN THE AMOUNT OF THE COST OF ANY MATERIALS OR LABOR NOT PAID FOR. I KNOW THAT IT IS ADVISABLE TO, AND I MAY, REQUIRE THE CONTRACTOR TO FURNISH TO ME A TRUE AND CORRECT FULL LIST OF ALL SUPPLIERS UNDER THE CONTRACT, AND I MAY CHECK WITH THEM TO DETERMINE IF ALL MATERIALS FURNISHED FOR THE PROPERTY HAVE BEEN PAID FOR. I MAY ALSO REQUIRE THE CONTRACTOR TO PRESENT LIEN WAIVERS BY ALL SUPPLIERS, STATING THAT THEY HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL FOR SUPPLIES PROVIDED UNDER THE CONTRACT, BEFORE I PAY THE CONTRACTOR IN FULL. IF A SUPPLIER HAS NOT BEEN PAID, I MAY PAY THE SUPPLIER AND CONTRACTOR WITH A CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO THEM JOINTLY.

SIGNED:

ADDRESS OF PROPERTY

DATE:

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE SIGNATURE ABOVE IS THAT OF THE OWNER OR AGENT OF THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY AT THE ADDRESS SET OUT ABOVE.

CONTRACTOR

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER

IF BILLS FOR LABOR, SERVICES, OR MATERIALS USED TO CONSTRUCT OR PROVIDE SERVICES FOR AN IMPROVEMENT TO REAL ESTATE ARE NOT PAID IN FULL, A CONSTRUCTION LIEN MAY BE PLACED AGAINST THE PROPERTY. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS, THROUGH FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS, OF ALL OR PART OF YOUR REAL ESTATE BEING IMPROVED. THIS MAY OCCUR EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE PAID YOUR CONTRACTOR IN FULL. YOU MAY WISH TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THIS CONSEQUENCE BY PAYING THE ABOVE NAMED PROVIDER OF LABOR, SERVICES, OR MATERIALS DIRECTLY, OR MAKING YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO THE ABOVE NAMED PROVIDER AND CONTRACTOR JOINTLY.

Enter text

What a Drainage Contract Covers

A Drainage Contract is a written agreement that defines responsibilities, scope, and legal rights related to surface water management, stormwater systems, tile drains, ditches, or recorded drainage easements. Typical provisions set the work scope, schedule, payment terms, maintenance and inspection obligations, liability allocation, indemnities, and any recording or permitting requirements. The contract may accompany an easement or license that must be recorded with the county recorder to bind future property owners. Clear, specific descriptions of the work and property limits reduce later disputes and facilitate enforcement.

Why a Clear Drainage Contract Matters

A well-drafted Drainage Contract reduces disputes, assigns long-term maintenance responsibility, protects property values, and documents consent for access and alterations. It provides evidence of intent and terms needed for permit reviews, recordings, and insurance claims.

Why a Clear Drainage Contract Matters

Typical users and stakeholders

Parties involved commonly include property owners, contractors, municipalities, utility providers, and agricultural operators.

  • Private landowners seeking to manage runoff, maintain tile drains, or grant a drainage easement.
  • General contractors and civil engineers performing excavation, grading, or tile installation.
  • Municipal or county public works departments overseeing stormwater corridors and public easements.

Each stakeholder must confirm authority to sign and check recording or permitting needs before executing the agreement.

Core elements to include in the contract

Draft the Drainage Contract to be specific and measurable so obligations, timelines, and rights are enforceable.

Scope of Work

Describe exact work: locations, materials, tile sizes, pipe slopes, excavation limits, and finished grading tolerances so contractors and reviewers know deliverables and inspection points.

Property Description

Provide the legal description, parcel number, and mapped exhibit showing work area and access routes to ensure the contract binds the correct land and permits accurate recording.

Payment Terms

State total price, milestone payments, retainage, invoicing cadence, and conditions for withholding payment, including change order procedures and accepted contingencies.

Maintenance Obligations

Specify which party performs routine maintenance, inspection frequency, response times for blockages, and cost allocation for major repairs or replacements.

Easement and Recording

If granting permanent rights, include easement language, a recording instruction, and who pays recording and survey fees to ensure notice to successors.

Liability & Indemnity

Allocate risk for construction damage, downstream impacts, flooding events, and require insurance limits or indemnities appropriate to the project scale.

Required data fields at a glance

Parties' names: Full legal names
Property ID: Parcel/APN number
Legal description: Accurate deed text
Scope reference: Exhibit map
Effective date: MM/DD/YYYY
Signature dates: Signed and dated

How to complete and execute a Drainage Contract

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, review, sign, and store the executed agreement.

  • 01
    Prepare draft: Insert property description, scope, exhibits, and cost terms.
  • 02
    Review permits: Confirm required permits and approvals before signing.
  • 03
    Signatures: Obtain authorized signatures and dates from all parties.
  • 04
    Record if needed: Record easement or deed with county recorder where applicable.

Customizing the contract for online completion

Set up a digital workflow that matches review, signature order, and authentication needs for each signer.

Workflow field name and configuration Field | Recommended value for Drainage Contract
Signer authentication and verification method Email link | SMS code or knowledge-based verification
Signature order and routing Sequential | Owner signs before contractor
Exhibit attachments and versions Append PDF | Final plan and survey as exhibits
Notarization or RON option Optional | Include remote or in-person acknowledgement step

Where to send and how to submit the executed contract

Execution commonly involves signing, optional notarization, and delivering copies to each party and to public offices if the document must be recorded.

  • County recorder: Record easement or deed to give public notice.
  • Owner and contractor: Each party retains a signed original or certified copy.
  • Permitting agency: Submit executed contract with permit applications if required.
  • Insurance carrier: Provide proof of insurance when contract requires coverage.

Digital signing and delivery considerations

Choose a platform that supports audit trails, optional notarization, and secure storage for record copies.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Connectors for cloud storage and record systems
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, and optional KBA

Key timeline items to track

Track dates for effectiveness, start of work, completion, warranty periods, and recording deadlines so obligations and rights are clear.

Effective date and filing:

Date contract takes effect and when to record easement.

Work start date:

When contractor begins on-site operations.

Completion deadline:

Project substantial completion date and punchlist timeframe.

Maintenance warranty period:

Warranty and maintenance term after completion.

Notice periods:

Time required for cure or notice of defects.

Common mistakes when preparing a Drainage Contract

  • Using vague scope descriptions that omit exact locations or materials, which causes disputes over whether work was completed as intended.
  • Failing to include an exhibit or survey with coordinates and limits, making recording and enforcement against future owners difficult.
  • Not specifying inspection or maintenance frequency, leading to unclear responsibility when blockages or failures occur.
  • Skipping clear payment milestones and retainage clauses, which can result in payment disputes or unfinished work.

Risks and legal consequences

Breach risk: Damages and specific performance
Downstream liability: Flooding claims by neighbors
Recording defects: Easement unenforceable against successors
Regulatory fines: Permit violation penalties
Mechanic's lien: Contractor may record lien for unpaid work
Insurance gaps: Claims denied for insufficient coverage

Practical examples of Drainage Contract use

Two common scenarios where drainage agreements are essential.

Private upgrade project

A homeowner hires a contractor to replace field tile and regrade a swale, attaching a survey as an exhibit.

  • Contractor provides a written scope and schedule for 30 working days.
  • The recorded easement ensures downstream flow rights survive resale and clarifies maintenance responsibility for future owners.

Municipal easement grant

A municipality requires an easement for a stormwater outfall through private land to improve a drainage channel.

  • The owner and municipality negotiate access and compensation.
  • Recording the easement and describing maintenance duties gives the public agency enforceable rights and protects taxpayers.

Who can sign and why it matters

Owner — Landowner

The record owner or an authorized corporate officer must sign to bind title. If an agent signs, include a power of attorney or corporate resolution to demonstrate authority and permit recording.

Contractor — Licensed Contractor

A licensed contractor or authorized project manager should sign for construction obligations; include license number and contact details to verify credentials and insurance coverage.

Frequently asked questions about Drainage Contracts

Answers to common legal and practical questions when preparing or signing a Drainage Contract.


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