What does grading drainage repair typically cost in Metro Vancouver?

Grading and drainage repair in Metro Vancouver typically runs $3,000–$15,000+ for a standard residential lot, depending on the scope of work, soil conditions, and how extensive the drainage issues are. More complex projects involving French drains, catch basins, or full lot regrading can push costs to $20,000–$40,000.

Here's how the pricing breaks down in practice. Basic regrading to redirect surface water away from your foundation — the most common fix — usually falls in the $3,000–$7,000 range for a typical Metro Vancouver lot. This includes labour, equipment (a small excavator or skid steer), topsoil, and finish grading. If you're adding a French drain or perimeter drainage system, expect to add $4,000–$10,000 depending on length, depth, and whether the drain ties into the municipal storm sewer. A full catch basin installation with piping to the street runs $2,500–$6,000 per basin installed.

Factors that push costs higher in our market include tight access (common in Vancouver, Burnaby, and North Shore properties), rocky or clay-heavy soil, mature trees and roots that complicate excavation, and the need to coordinate with the municipality on storm sewer connections. Vancouver construction costs run roughly 15–25% above the national average, so don't be surprised if quotes come in higher than what you might find on national cost estimator sites.

Vancouver-specific context worth knowing: Metro Vancouver's 1,200mm+ annual rainfall makes drainage one of the most critical — and commonly neglected — aspects of home maintenance. Many municipalities, including Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey, have sewer separation requirements that may be triggered during significant drainage work. If your property still has a combined sewer (storm and sanitary in one pipe), you may be required to separate them, which can add $5,000–$15,000 to the project. Check with your local building department before starting. Also, if work involves connecting to the municipal storm sewer, you'll likely need a permit — City of Vancouver requires one for any new drainage connection to the city system.

When to hire a pro: Grading and drainage work is not a strong DIY candidate. Improper grading can make water problems significantly worse, and mistakes near your foundation can lead to basement flooding, soil erosion, and structural issues. You want a contractor who understands how water behaves across your specific lot — not just someone with a shovel and a wheelbarrow. A licensed civil or landscape contractor with drainage experience is the right call here. For larger or more complex drainage issues, a civil engineer or drainage consultant ($150–$250/hr) can provide a drainage plan before work begins, which is money well spent on a $10,000+ project.

Your next steps:

• Walk your property during a heavy rain and photograph where water pools or flows — this helps contractors diagnose the issue quickly
• Get 3 quotes from drainage or excavation contractors familiar with your municipality's requirements
• Ask each contractor whether your project will require a permit and whether sewer separation applies to your property
• Browse drainage and excavation contractors in the Vancouver Construction Network directory to find local professionals serving your area