Hiring a drainage contractor
Ask for a diagnosis, measured scope and confirmed discharge route before comparing prices. A longer trench is not evidence of a better proposal.
How do I choose a drainage contractor?
Ask for a diagnosis, measured scope and confirmed discharge route before comparing prices. A longer trench is not evidence of a better proposal.
Bring observations to the visit
Share photographs from rain, the timing of wet areas and known changes to gutters or landscaping. Point out utilities, irrigation and places where water must not discharge. Ask each contractor to explain the source of the water and why the proposed collection method fits it.
Record unanswered questions rather than filling gaps with assumptions.
Ask for a drawing and quantities
A useful proposal identifies the collector, solid conveyance pipe, outlet and service points. It lists length or item count, depth assumptions, materials, access and surface repair. For an inlet package, confirm the included pipe run and outfall.
This makes competing proposals comparable and helps prevent overlapping allowances from being charged twice.
Check the business and the agreement
Verify applicable licensing or registration with your jurisdiction and request evidence of insurance relevant to the work. Ask who handles permits, utility coordination, private locating and changes discovered during excavation. Read payment terms, exclusions and any written warranty.
This site has not vetted a local contractor network or confirmed local licensing requirements.
Use price as a scope check
Yard French drain costs $20–$45 per ft nationally (as of Oct 2026). Quantity, ground, access and the outlet move the price.
The 80-foot example is a simple published-rate calculation, not a local bid. A quote above it may include deeper excavation or restoration that the example excludes. A quote below it may omit the outlet or use a different collection method.
Ask for the difference in writing rather than judging the number alone.
Questions to ask before work starts
Can this site match me with an installer now?
What should I keep after installation?
Sources
- S&S Excavation — published Kansas City French drain rates, checked 2026-10-26
- HomeGuide — French drain cost, checked 2026-10-26
- HomeGuide — drainage system installation cost, checked 2026-10-26
- Ledge — catch basin estimating, checked 2026-10-26
- HomeGuide — cost to level or regrade a yard, checked 2026-10-26
- Richmond Retaining Wall Company — grading planning rates, checked 2026-10-26
