How much does a French drain cost per linear foot?

Residential French drain installations typically cost $25 to $75 per linear foot for exterior systems and $60 to $120 per linear foot for interior basement perimeter drains. The price varies based on trench depth, soil conditions, pipe material, access difficulty, and regional labor rates.

What profit margin should a drainage contractor target on French drain jobs?

Most drainage contractors target a net profit margin of 10% to 20% on French drain installations, with 15% being a common benchmark for established contractors. This is applied after accounting for all direct costs and overhead recovery—profit should not be confused with the owner's salary, which belongs in overhead.

How long does it take to install a French drain?

A typical 50- to 80-linear-foot residential exterior French drain takes 1 to 2 days for a two- to three-person crew with machine excavation, or 2 to 3 days if hand-dug. Interior basement French drains take longer due to concrete cutting and confined-space work, typically 2 to 4 days for a standard basement perimeter.

Should I itemize my French drain bid or give a lump sum price?

A hybrid approach works best: present a lump-sum total but break the scope into logical components like drain installation, sump pump, and site restoration. This gives homeowners enough transparency to understand the value without exposing your detailed cost structure to line-by-line negotiation.

What is the biggest mistake contractors make when bidding French drains?

The most common mistake is underestimating labor costs, particularly by failing to account for limited equipment access, dewatering needs, difficult soil conditions, and full labor burden (taxes, insurance, benefits). These factors can increase actual labor costs by 30% to 50% over a quick estimate.

Do I need a permit to install a French drain?

Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some municipalities require grading or plumbing permits for French drain installations, especially if you're connecting to a public storm sewer or altering drainage patterns that affect neighboring properties. Always check local requirements and include permit fees in your bid.

French Drain Bidding Guide: How Contractors Price Drainage Jobs

Learn how to price a French drain installation with this contractor's bidding guide. Covers drainage estimate pricing, material costs, labor rates, and profit margins.

By Low Point Labs

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