How much do a French drain and a foundation repair cost in Quebec and Canada?
Cracks per unit, drain and membrane per linear foot excavated, piles per unit: a price that says what the excavator will cost.
Your project
Is it new construction or a renovation?
In new construction, there is nothing to remove.
The price of a French drain or foundation repair depends on the problem, the part of the house affected and what has to be excavated. The calculator prices excavation, drain, waterproofing, crack repair or piles, at Quebec rates.
What changes the price of a French drain or foundation repair
- The problem
- A crack to inject, a drain to replace, a foundation to waterproof or a house that is settling: four very different jobs.
- The part of the house
- A drain on one side or all the way around; excavation is counted per linear foot.
- Depth and basement
- A house with a basement needs deeper excavation than a crawl space.
- What runs along the walls
- A porch, a paved driveway or landscaping to demolish and redo add to the price.
- The sump pit
- A French drain needs a sump pit and pump if the drain cannot flow by gravity.
What the estimate includes
- Excavation, backfill and restoring the lot
- The drain, gravel, membrane and waterproofing
- Crack injection or piles, depending on the problem
- The sump pit and pump, if needed
- Machinery, labour and a contractor’s normal margin
Frequently asked questions
How much do a French drain and a foundation repair cost in Quebec and Canada?
Replacing the French drain all around a 40 × 30 ft bungalow costs $26,200 to $33,400 in Quebec in 2026: basement, sump pump to install, no obstacles around. Cracks and waterproofing are priced separately. Amount before taxes, calculated line by line by qcalculatrice.com at Quebec prices (Québec — grille 2026 v2.2), range verified on September 18, 2026. This is an estimate, not a quote: the calculator redoes it for your home.
What are the signs of a clogged French drain?
Moisture or water at the bottom of basement walls, white efflorescence on the concrete, musty smell, a pump that never stops. A camera inspection confirms the drain’s condition.
Are all foundation cracks serious?
No. A fine, stable shrinkage crack is repaired by injection. A crack that is widening, stepped or horizontal signals foundation movement: have it looked at.
Do I need a permit for a French drain?
Often, yes, for the excavation and the connection to the municipal drain. Your municipality will tell you.
Is this a firm price?
No. It is an estimate calculated for your house, made to set a budget and compare quotes. Only a contractor who has seen the foundation can sign a price.