Drainage & Grading
Drainage & Grading in Ottawa, Stittsville, Kemptville & Orleans
French drains, catch basins and regrading that move water away from the house
French drains, catch basins and regrading that move water away from the house
Water pooling against a foundation is the most expensive problem on this list to ignore. It saturates the soil beside the house, finds its way through cracks and cold joints, and in winter it freezes and expands against the structure. Most of the foundation repairs we get called for started as a grading problem nobody dealt with.
We regrade yards so the ground falls away from the house, install French drains and catch basins where surface grading alone cannot move the volume, and extend downspouts so roof water is discharged well clear of the foundation instead of dumping beside it.
If you have a low spot that stays wet for days, a window well that fills, ice building in one particular place every winter, or a basement that smells damp after heavy rain — that is this service.
Our Work
Recent drainage & grading projects
What's Included
Everything we handle under drainage & grading
Regrading
Soil reshaped so the first several feet around the house fall away from the foundation, and low spots in the yard are brought up or drained.
French drains
Perforated pipe in a stone-wrapped trench to collect subsurface water and carry it to a discharge point away from the structure.
Catch basins
Surface inlets set at low points to capture standing water and tie it into a drainage line.
Downspout extensions
Downspouts extended, buried where appropriate, and discharged well clear of the foundation.
Window well drainage
Wells that fill and hold water drained and corrected so they stop acting as a funnel into the basement.
Sod and seeding
Disturbed areas finished with sod or seed so the yard is restored and the new grade is stabilised.
Our Process
How the job actually runs
- 1
Water assessment
We walk the property and work out where water is coming from, where it is going, and where it stops. Roof, surface and subsurface sources all get looked at.
- 2
Plan the discharge
A drain is only as good as where it ends. We identify a discharge point that works with your lot and does not simply move the problem to a neighbour.
- 3
Excavation
Trenching or regrading excavation, done with care around existing services, trees and hardscaping.
- 4
Install
Pipe, stone, fabric, basins and connections installed to fall, so water moves by gravity rather than sitting in the line.
- 5
Backfill and restore
Backfilled and compacted, grade restored to shed water, and the surface finished with sod or seed.
- 6
Verify
Where we can, we run water through the system and watch it move before we call it done.
Pricing
What drainage & grading costs
Real ranges, not a “call for pricing” page. Where your project lands depends on site access, material selection, complexity, excavation and disposal. Every quote is free, written, and valid for 30 days.
| Service | Range |
|---|---|
| Regrading | $1,500–$4,500 |
| French drain | $45–$75 / linear ft |
| Catch basin | $600–$1,200 each |
| Downspout extensions | $150–$350 each |
| Sod installation | $1.50–$2.50 / sq ft |
| Seeding | $0.40–$0.80 / sq ft |
Typical timeline
Downspout extensions are often a same-day job. A French drain run or a full regrade typically takes one to several days depending on length, depth and access for equipment.
Deposit & payment
A 30–50% deposit secures your project and orders materials, with progress payments on larger jobs and the balance on completion. Cash, cheque, e-transfer and credit card accepted, and short-term financing is available.
3 Years
Workmanship warranty, in writing
Owner-Led
Adam on site from quote to walkthrough
Free
Estimates and consultations, always
Where We Work
Drainage & Grading across the Ottawa area
We provide drainage & grading throughout Ottawa and the surrounding communities. Pick your area to see what the work usually looks like locally.
Common Questions
Drainage & Grading — questions we get asked
How do I know if I need a French drain or just regrading?
If water is sitting on the surface and the ground slopes the wrong way, regrading often solves it. If the soil stays saturated, water is coming up rather than running across, or the volume is more than surface fall can handle, you need a drain. We tell you which after seeing it.
Will this stop my basement from leaking?
In many cases yes, because most basement water starts as surface or roof water that was never directed away. If the leak is coming through below-grade foundation issues instead, that needs waterproofing — and we will be straight with you about which one you have.
Where does the water actually go?
To a discharge point that suits your lot — a lower area of the property, a swale, or an appropriate connection. We work that out before we start digging, because a drain with nowhere to go is just a buried trench.
Can you work around my existing interlock and landscaping?
Yes. Interlock can be lifted and relaid over the trench so the finished job does not look like something was dug up. That is one advantage of the same crew doing both.
Also Available
One contractor for the rest of the exterior too
Most projects touch more than one trade. Because we cover the full exterior, the drainage, parging or lighting that turns up mid-project does not mean finding another contractor.
Interlock Installation
Patios, driveways, walkways and pads — built on a base that lasts
Steps & Stairs
Safe, solid front steps and landings that match your home
Retaining Walls
Walls up to 6 ft — engineered with the drainage that keeps them standing
Foundation Parging & Repair
Crack repair, waterproofing and a clean, uniform parge finish
Pressure Washing
Houses, driveways, patios and full property washes
Brick & Stone Work
Repair, veneer, chimneys and pillars
Free Estimate
Get a free drainage & grading estimate
Tell us what you need done and roughly where you are. We serve Ottawa, Stittsville, Kemptville, Orleans, Carleton Place and the surrounding areas — and we'll get back to you promptly.
Phone
613-413-1135Service Area
Ottawa, Stittsville, Kemptville, Orleans, Carleton Place & surrounding areas
Season
March through November. Winter is the best time to book for an early-season start.