FAQs

Find out more about who we are and what we do.

About Rainplan

What is Rainplan?

Let’s start with what we are not: we’re not contractors. Our team has some incredibly knowledgeable green infrastructure experts, but we are not contractors.

Rainplan’s mission is to increase sustainable infrastructure on private properties. We do this by matching property owners with the most comprehensive stormwater database, including contractor lists, project ideas, incentive matches to help pay for projects, virtual site visits, and more.

Is there anything specific that Rainplan does not do?

Rainplan is not a contractor. We will not be doing any engineering work or installation of your project. We can’t give you the pricing on items, that’s up to your contractor.

I already have a contractor. How does Rainplan work with me?

Excellent! If you already have a project in the works we recommend that you create a free account with us. You will also want to contact a Rainplanner as soon as possible to make sure that we can find an incentive program to apply for that will help cover the costs of your project.

What does a Rainplanner do?

Rainplanners are here to guide you to the best possible project for your property type and based on available incentive programs. They will talk with you when you’re ready to start a project and send you an assessment to better help serve your project goals. Rainplan’s online assessment is the first step in studying your property’s water challenges and potential. Our stormwater expert will analyze your property and recommend the most suitable installation that will achieve the following:

Help solve any drainage or flooding problems
Utilizes the maximum amount of incentives available in your area
Adds the most value to your property

Do you have any references you can share?

Sure!

Read stories about previous client projects to understand what the process was like for them.

How can I learn more about Rainplan?

Rainplan has a variety of areas in which we educate and empower. We strongly encourage you to explore our blog which we call “The Runoff”. It has client testimonials, thought pieces from experts in the field, infographics, and more to better help you understand why and how we work with stormwater incentives.

Why do you matter?

Whoa. That cuts right to the heart. Let’s get real, we matter because we are the only online marketplace out there right now, making nature-based solutions and stormwater solutions accessible and easy to understand. We connect stakeholders and are democratizing stormwater solutions for everyone.

Are you selling my information?

We get this all the time. People are nervous about sharing their information with us. Or even search their property. First, your property information is public data, sort of in the way that anyone can get on Zillow and search for a property and find out information about it. Second, we do not sell your personal data. We DO share insights on areas of metro areas, what technologies people are most interested in, and how engaged communities are. We share that with your local programs so they can better understand community needs and desires.

What is the Estimated Service Fee?

The “Estimated Service Fee” is Rainplan’s fee for services provided. It only applies if you sign a service agreement with us and is separate from the installer (contractor) cost(s). That fee includes (but is not limited to) permitting, incentive filing and fulfillment, project scoping costs, and project assurance. Service fee varies based on installation type.

How long can the incentive process take?

Depends on your project and how extensive the requirements are. People hate this answer, but it is the best response we have.

About Incentives

Are there minimum requirements in order to qualify for an Incentive?

Each incentive program is different and has its own unique standards and requirements based on the local government or region offering the incentive. Some programs will require a minimum project size of your rain garden or permeable pavers, some may require a minimum of impervious area to be treated. It varies from incentive program to incentive program.

Rainplan helps you discover what incentive programs your property is eligible for and understand the program’s specific requirements to ensure you maximize and receive your benefits!

I don’t have any incentives in my area. What do I do now?

First, we recommend creating an account to see local and state incentives. After creating an account, if you still do not see any incentive programs, this means that currently the local incentive programs are either full or closed at the moment. When programs in your area reopen, we will notify you. Please note that many rural areas do not have incentive programs since runoff is more prevalent in urban areas; they tend to have more.

I have a list of incentives, what are my next steps?

Select the incentive(s) that you wish to take advantage of, and we will get started on processing your application.

I have selected an incentive to move forward with, what are my next steps?

Once you select your incentive Rainplan gets busy working on your application and verifying eligibility. Once completed we will schedule a consultation with one of our Rainplanners to walk you through your application for approval prior to submitting it to the incentive program administrator for approval.

Once my project is completed what do I have to provide in order to get my eligible incentive?

Each program typically has an application process that lays out the specific process you need to follow in order to successfully obtain your incentive benefit. Typically you have to file an application so that the government can reserve the funds for you, and so that you are made of the specific requirements for that incentive program. Once you get confirmation that you project has been accepted and *approved (based on you completing the installation), you can start your project. Once your project is completed you must complete the application process by signing that you accept and understand the maintenance requirements, and schedule final inspection.

Rainplan helps ensure property owners receive their incentive benefits, by streamlining the documentation needed for the application process, helping ensure that your installation meets all of the program’s requirements, assist with the selection of a qualified professional installer, and scheduling your final inspection to pass!