WatertightHub
Boulder, CO

French Drain Installation Cost in Boulder

$1,550 – $6,150

Average french drain installation cost in Boulder · avg $3,850

  • Updated 2026
  • 12 local pros
  • Based on local project data
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At a glance · Boulder
Typical timeline
1–2 days
Permit
Usually required · ~$180
Local soil
expansive clay and bentonite
Freeze-thaw cycles
95 / yr
Local pros
12 available

French Drain Installation cost in Boulder, CO

Perimeter drainage that channels groundwater away from the foundation before it gets in. Below is how it compares with related foundation and drainage work in Boulder.

Service in BoulderLowAverageHigh
Basement Waterproofing$2,400$4,950$7,500
Foundation Repair$2,300$5,350$8,350
Crawl Space Encapsulation$3,100$5,700$8,250
French Drain InstallationThis page$1,550$3,850$6,150
Sump Pump Installation$700$1,500$2,250

Ranges reflect local labor and expansive clay and bentonite soil conditions. Your quote depends on square footage, access, and severity.

What affects the cost in Boulder

Annual rainfall
14"
Freeze-thaw cycles / yr
95
Frost depth
37"

Homes in Boulder sit on expansive clay that pushes against foundation walls as it takes on water, the biggest single driver of local foundation and waterproofing work.

Permits in Boulder

Underpinning, piering, and wall stabilization need a permit (often with an engineer's letter); small interior repairs typically do not.

Issuing authority: City of Boulder Permits & Inspections Office · typical fee ~$180

Get matched with french drain installation pros in Boulder

12 established french drain installation companies serve the Boulder area. Tell us about your project and compare free quotes, no obligation.

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French Drain Installation in Boulder: FAQ

How much does french drain installation cost in Boulder?+

In Boulder, french drain installation typically runs $1,550–$6,150, averaging about $3,850. The expansive clay and bentonite soil and 95 freeze-thaw cycles a year are the biggest local price drivers.

Do I need a permit for french drain installation in Boulder?+

Underpinning, piering, and wall stabilization need a permit (often with an engineer's letter); small interior repairs typically do not. Permits are handled by City of Boulder Permits & Inspections Office, with a typical fee around $180.

Is french drain installation worth it in Boulder?+

With 14" of annual rainfall and a 37" frost depth, untreated water intrusion in Boulder tends to worsen each freeze-thaw season, so most homeowners find addressing it early is far cheaper than structural repair later.