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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

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

(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

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 Georgia.

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:

1. SCOPE AND DURATION. whose business address is as warrantor (“Contractor”),warrants to the above-named Owner (“Owner”), for a period of one (1) year from the date of Substantial Completion (“Warranty Period”), as more specifically defined in the Construction Contract between Owner and Contractor (the “Contract”), that all repairs, renovations, or other remodeling undertaken by Contractor to the Project, except such repairs, renovations, or other remodeling specifically excluded below, substantially conform with the Construction Standards set forth in the Agreement.

2. WARRANTOR'S DUTY. Upon receiving notice during the Warranty Period, as described in by Article 5 below, of any defect covered by this Limited Warranty, Contractor, at its sole option and expense, shall repair, replace, or pay reasonable sums necessary to make such repairs to conform with the Construction Standards set forth in the Contract. This Limited Warranty does not cover minor cosmetic flaws which were not listed in the Project List.

3. EXCLUSIONS.

A. This Limited Warranty does not cover consumer products for the purpose of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 2301 et seq. Contractor's only duty with respect to items not warranted by Contractor shall be to assign and deliver to the Owner all manufacturers' and suppliers' warranties that by their terms are assignable covering consumer products, including appliances, fixtures, finishes, and other equipment installed in and provided with the Project. Contractor is in no way responsible for performance under any manufacturer's or supplier's warranties.

B. This Limited Warranty covers only items that have been repaired, renovated, or otherwise improved by Contractor under the Contract between Owner and Contractor. This Limited Warranty does not cover repairs, renovations, or other remodeling work not undertaken by Contractor; defects resulting from improper maintenance, misuse, abuse, or failure of Owner to follow operating instructions; and defects or damage resulting from fires, floods, storms, the elements, electrical malfunctions, accidents, or acts of God.

C. Under no circumstances shall Contractor be responsible by virtue of this Limited Warranty or otherwise for any secondary damages to a person or Project arising from the use or inability to use the Project because of a defect, whether such damages are incidental or consequential.

D. This Limited Warranty covers only construction activities on or within the residence. This Limited Warranty does not cover defects in recreational facilities, swimming pools, fences, driveways, landscaping, or other improvements which are not a part of the home.

4. OTHER RIGHTS. This Limited Warranty is in addition to any rights that the Owner may have under state, federal, and local laws, but not limited to rights under applicable governmental codes, regulations or local ordinances. If the current edition of the Residential Construction Performance Guidelines as published by the National Association of Home Builders (“Guidelines”) includes a standard for specific work or activities covered by this Limited Warranty that is more stringent than one in the Homeowner Handbook, the Guidelines standard shall apply.

5. WARRANTY PROCEDURES. If Owner discovers a defect during the Warranty Period which is covered by this Limited Warranty, Owner shall notify Contractor in writing within nine (9) days of discovery, describing in specific terms the nature of such defect. Upon receipt of the written statement, Contractor's representatives will meet with Owner, inspect the item, and shall make efforts to have any defect covered by this Limited Warranty corrected within a reasonable period of time. If such discovery is made within nine (9) days prior to the expiration of the Warranty Period, Owner must also notify Contractor by phone within twenty-four (24) hours of such discovery at the address and number provided below. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION HEREOF, WARRANTOR SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY HEREUNDER UNLESS OWNER COMPLIES WITH ALL APPLICABLE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS PROVIDED HEREIN. The notice must be delivered to the following address: Street Address City Georgia, Zip Code:

Contractor's phone number for notice within 24 hours of discovery of defects is

17. DISPUTE RESOLUTION NOTICE TO OWNER: GEORGIA LAW CONTAINS IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS YOU MUST FOLLOW BEFORE YOU MAY FILE A LAWSUIT OR OTHER ACTION FOR DEFECTIVE CONSTRUCTION AGAINST THE CONTRACTOR WHO CONSTRUCTED, IMPROVED, OR REPAIRED YOUR HOME. NINETY DAYS BEFORE YOU FILE YOUR LAWSUIT OR OTHER ACTION, YOU MUST SERVE ON THE CONTRACTOR A WRITTEN NOTICE OF ANY CONSTRUCTION CONDITIONS YOU ALLEGE ARE DEFECTIVE. UNDER THE LAW, A CONTRACTOR HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN OFFER TO REPAIR OR PAY FOR THE DEFECTS OR BOTH. YOU ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO ACCEPT ANY OFFER MADE BY A CONTRACTOR. THERE ARE STRICT DEADLINES AND PROCEDURES UNDER STATE LAW, AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW THEM MAY AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO FILE A LAWSUIT OR OTHER ACTION.

*optional notice to include in installment contracts:

Notice to the Buyer

Do not sign this before you read it or if it contains any blank spaces. You are entitled to an exact copy of the paper you sign. You have the right to pay in advance the full amount due and under certain conditions to obtain a partial refund of the time price differential.

CONTRACTOR:

Signature

Print Name & Title

Date

License Number

Name and Address of License Holder

OWNER:

Signature

Print Name

Date

Address of Owner

Enter text

What a Drainage Contract Is and when it applies

A Drainage Contract is a written agreement that allocates rights and responsibilities for stormwater, surface runoff, and drainage infrastructure between property owners, municipalities, or contractors. It typically defines the drainage area, easements, maintenance obligations, inspection schedules, liability allocation, and procedures for repair or remediation. The document clarifies who constructs, repairs, and funds drains, culverts, retention basins, or swales, and may attach plans, specifications, and a schedule of work. Drainage Contracts are commonly used in subdivisions, commercial developments, and boundary disputes to reduce future liability and support clear property records.

Why a Drainage Contract matters to property owners and authorities

A Drainage Contract reduces dispute risk by documenting maintenance, cost-sharing, and access rights. It clarifies liability, preserves property value, and supports permitting and land-transfer records. Proper drafting helps avoid litigation and ensures enforceable responsibility for stormwater management.

Why a Drainage Contract matters to property owners and authorities

Who commonly prepares or signs a Drainage Contract

Common users of Drainage Contracts include landowners, developers, municipalities, and contractors who manage stormwater infrastructure.

  • Residential and commercial property owners sharing runoff or surface drainage responsibilities.
  • Developers and engineers assigning construction, inspection, and maintenance obligations for new projects.
  • Local governments formalizing easements, access rights, and long-term maintenance with private parties.

Typical signers and their roles

Property Owner

An individual or company that owns land subject to drainage obligations. The owner must understand access rights, maintenance schedules, cost-sharing formulas, and potential encumbrances on title. Accurate name and authority are critical for enforceability and title insurance.

Municipal Official

City or county representatives who approve drainage plans, enforce standards, and may hold easements. Officials coordinate inspection timing, ensure compliance with stormwater permits, and confirm infrastructure transfer or acceptance procedures during subdivisions or public works projects.

Core sections to include in a professional Drainage Contract

Core sections of a Drainage Contract typically set the project scope, easements, maintenance schedules, cost allocation, inspection protocols, assignment rights, and dispute resolution procedures.

Scope

Describe the physical area covered by the contract, reference attached site plans, and specify intended stormwater flow patterns, outlets, and any excluded areas. Precise legal descriptions reduce boundary disputes.

Easements

Grant and describe easements including duration, purpose, access rights, and any exclusive or nonexclusive rights. Include a metes-and-bounds or recorded instrument reference to support title records.

Maintenance

Allocate routine and emergency maintenance responsibilities, intervals, acceptable materials, and inspection checkpoints. Specify who pays for repairs and the method for resolving overdue maintenance timelines.

Liability

Define indemnity, insurance minimums, limits on consequential damages, and indemnitor obligations. Allocate risk for blockage, negligence, third-party claims, and inspection or repair response obligations and timelines.

Cost Allocation

Set formulas for apportioning construction, maintenance, and replacement costs. Include payment schedules, escrow provisions, adjustment mechanisms, and remedies for nonpayment, interest, collection, and audit rights.

Dispute Resolution

Specify escalation steps, mediation or arbitration clauses, venue selection, attorney fee allocation, interim relief, and procedural timelines. Clear dispute paths reduce litigation cost and delay.

Essential information fields to include

Signatory Identity: Full legal name and contact.
Property Description: Legal description and parcel number.
Easement Exhibit: Attach recorded exhibit or survey.
Maintenance Schedule: Intervals, standards, and responsible party.
Insurance Requirements: Minimum coverage and certificate holder.
Governing Law: State chosen for dispute resolution.

Penalties, risks, and legal exposure to avoid

Title Clouding: Undisclosed easements reduce marketability.
Regulatory Fines: Permit denial or municipal penalties.
Liability Exposure: Costly litigation for damage.
Maintenance Neglect: Flooding, property damage.
Incorrect Parties: Invalid signatures risk voiding.
Tax Impacts: Possible reassessment or lien.

Common drafting and recording mistakes

  • Vague legal descriptions or missing survey exhibits cause boundary disputes and title issues that delay recording and transfers.
  • Failing to specify maintenance frequency, standards, and responsible party leads to disagreement about repairs and cost allocation.
  • Using informal or unsigned attachments, or relying on initials instead of full signatures, creates enforceability questions in court.
  • Not recording easements or failing to notify title insurers can result in insurance exceptions during sale or refinancing.

Step-by-step: completing a Drainage Contract

Complete a Drainage Contract by confirming parties, attaching plans, and defining obligations before signatures and recording.

  • 01
    Confirm Parties: List full legal names and capacities.
  • 02
    Attach Plans: Include stamped survey and site maps.
  • 03
    Define Maintenance: Set schedule, standards, and responsible party.
  • 04
    Sign & Record: All parties sign; record with county recorder.

Configuring a basic digital signing workflow

Configure an electronic workflow that assigns fields, routing order, and signer authentication according to contract roles.

Field Configuration
Signer Order Sequential routing by role and required approvals.
Authentication Email link or SMS code and optional KBA.
Conditional Fields Display specific fields when conditions are met.
Auto-Reminders Set reminders, escalation, and reminder cadence.

Platform capabilities to support electronic completion

Use eSignature platforms supporting PDFs, templates, access controls, and signer authentication to streamline execution and tracking of Drainage Contracts.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and image upload.
  • Integrations: Connect to NetSuite, Salesforce, Box, Procore.
  • Authentication: Email, SMS code, or KBA options.

Typical digital signing workflow in practice

Digital execution typically follows upload, field placement, signer routing, authentication, signing, and audit capture and delivery.

  • Upload Document: Upload final PDF with exhibits and signature fields.
  • Assign Fields: Place signature, initial, and date fields per party.
  • Add Signers: Enter signer emails and set routing order.
  • Send & Track: Send invites, track status, and capture audit trail.

Key timing and notice periods to include

Important timing includes when the contract takes effect, recording deadlines, maintenance schedules, and notice periods for repair or entry.

Effective Date and Commencement of Obligations:

Enter MM/DD/YYYY; obligations begin on that date unless conditional start.

Recording Deadline with County Recorder:

Record within county timeframe to ensure priority against subsequent interests.

Notice Period for Entry and Repair:

Provide written notice 10–30 days before non-emergency access for maintenance.

Maintenance Frequency, Inspection Schedule and Reporting:

Specify quarterly, semiannual, or annual inspections and reporting obligations.

Notice of Default and Cure Period:

Define cure period, typically 30 days, and remedies for unresolved defaults.

Milestone timeline from draft to ongoing maintenance

Key milestones track contract lifecycle from negotiation through recording, construction, and ongoing maintenance milestones and inspections.

01

Negotiation and Drafting

Agree scope, exhibits, and cost allocation prior to signature.

02

Execution and Notarization

All parties sign and, when required, notarize before recording.

03

Recording and Notice

File easement or contract with county recorder to perfect interest.

04

Construction and Acceptance

Complete work per plans; obtain acceptance certificate from engineer.

Comparing common eSignature vendors for Drainage Contracts

Comparison of common eSignature vendors for signing Drainage Contracts, showing starting price, trial availability, bulk send, audit trail, and HIPAA support.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes (Premium) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about Drainage Contracts

Answers to common questions about drafting, signing, recording, and enforcing Drainage Contracts in the United States.


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