Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Drainage Doctor process work?
We offer a two-step process:
1. Alan will meet you at your property for a consultation. We will visit to get an idea of your drainage problems. We will work up a design estimate to solve your drainage problems. There is a $135 diagnostic fee for the initial visit. This fee is fully refundable on any design work.
2. After the design is complete, we install the solution with attention to the details that are required for a drainage system to function properly for a long time.
Do I need to provide anything to get the design process started?
A signed design contract, a design deposit, and a survey of your property from a licensed surveyor are all that we need to start.
What does it cost to design a drainage solution?
Every project is different. Call today to arrange a visit and Alan will offer a design solution proposal for you. There is a $135 diagnostic fee for the initial visit. This fee is fully refundable on any design work.
Can you offer construction costs on the front end? Before you design the solution?
Unfortunately, no. Successful drainage design is a careful process that requires attention to many factors—such as runoff volume and flow from uphill areas, slope of the property, capacity of pipes during major storms (both your pipes and possibly your neighbor’s pipes as well), rooftop gutter systems, and the consideration of pervious and impervious surfaces. We are not able to quote a construction price estimate until after the project is designed.
Will my drainage system require maintenance?
We strive to design drainage systems that require as little maintenance as possible. We use drainage “Best Practices” methods to minimize maintenance and increase longevity and value for your property. Most of our drainage systems are designed to self-clean. If your drainage solution has pipes, washing out the pipes annually with a garden hose is usually all that’s required for a long- lived system that will protect your property.
HOW VISIBLE ARE YOUR DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS?
Most drainage doctor property drainage solutions are typically subtle or even invisible. We integrate our drainage solutions to a whole-property, visibly-appealing approach.
Why do you design and build the projects? Can’t we save money by shopping for bids?
Successful drainage construction and installation require careful quality control. In order to maintain a high quality product and a successful design solution we install all our projects.
Do you offer consulting?
Yes! The rate is $350 minimum for a four-hour on-site consult. The rate is $80 per hour after the first four hours. Alan will discuss anything he can help you with, create a helpful sketch if it is needed, and write a report, if needed, after the meeting. Often with focused-issue drainage problems, Alan can visit with you, talk about the issues, and come up with a solid plan for you in one meeting. For larger or multi-layered projects, we recommend a project approach for lower design costs for you.
Do you take credit cards?
Yes! Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
Do you take Venmo?
Yes!
Are any discounts available?
Yes! There is a 3% discount on design services with cash, check, or Venmo payments.
Will permits be needed for this type of drainage work?
Some projects require permits from local jurisdictions and some don’t. It depends on the type of project and the laws and building codes in your city, town, or jurisdiction.
What standards or methods do you use to design a project?
Alan follows the International Residential Building Code when designing projects. This results in a safe, dependable, and reliable project when complete. Even if your project requires no building permit we still follow all IRBC rules and requirements during design and construction. This is the same governing body that Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and most American towns use in their building safety departments as their “rulebook” on building safely. These methods are heavily tested and vetted in national field testing with years of research behind them. Following these guidelines amounts to “free engineering” for your project and makes your project stronger and safer. Applying these standards also lowers your risk as a property owner against future liability.