I just bought a house that was built in 1957, but I've noticed that water pools towards the foundation because of the land's slope. I'm getting quoted around $20,000 for installing French drains and a swale, but that's just for the drainage work and doesn't cover new grass. Since my property is small and I'm looking for the bare minimum necessary, I'm wondering if this price is outrageous and whether I could handle the work myself. Can anyone provide some insight?
3 Answers
It’s tough to say if $20k is outrageous without more details about your property. If that’s the average cost in your area, it might not be too far off. As for doing it yourself, just know that it depends on your skills and the amount of research you do. If you're handy, you might be able to tackle it, but if you’re unsure, it’s best to consult professionals.
When it comes to DIY landscaping, you need to consider how quickly you want the work done. For $20k, a crew with commercial tools could finish the job in just a few days, while going the DIY route could last months, especially if you’re only working on weekends. It’ll require a lot of physical effort, so be prepared for that!
Definitely get a few more quotes before deciding. Professional work can be pricey, but it usually justifies the cost because drainage isn’t just about looks—it’s about functionality. If you're not familiar with this kind of work, you could risk making things worse, especially with water issues. Just think about what your time is worth and how much effort you'd need to put in to do a decent job yourself.
Right? If you’re not sure you can do it without messing things up, it’s probably safer to hire pros. You don’t want to end up causing a flood situation that could mess up your house! Yeah, $20k is a hefty price tag, but sometimes homeownership comes with these surprises.