How much does a French drain cost?

Length scales cost roughly proportionally and is the figure most homeowners focus on, but it varies least between competent quotes because the run needed to intercept a given flow is set by the site rather than by preference.

Depth matters more than length past a point. A drain intercepting shallow seepage sits shallow; one relieving pressure at footing level sits deep, and deeper trenches mean more spoil, more stone and sometimes shoring. Rock close to the surface — which parts of Chester County have — changes the equipment and the schedule.

The outfall is where two quotes on the same property diverge most. A site with natural fall gets a simple daylight termination. A site without it needs a dry well sized for the contributing area, a pumped discharge, or a much longer carrier line. If a quote does not say where the water goes, that is the question to ask before comparing totals.

Restoration is the other commonly under-scoped line. Trenching across an established lawn leaves a scar, and topsoil, seed or sod and the follow-up for it to take is real work. A quote that omits it is quoting a different job.

We provide a free written estimate after an on-site assessment rather than quoting per linear foot in advance.