Yard drainage in Michigan costs between $500 and $15,000+ depending on the solution. A French drain runs $3,000-$8,000, catch basins cost $800-$2,500 each, site grading is $1,500-$5,000, and downspout extensions start at $500. These are real numbers from hundreds of projects across Oakland County — not the useless "$1,500 to $25,000" ranges you find on national websites.
I get this question on almost every call. And I get why — you're searching "yard drainage cost Michigan" because every website gives you a range so wide it's useless. Here's what drainage work actually costs in Oakland County and metro Detroit, based on what we've charged across hundreds of projects.
How Much Does a French Drain Cost in Michigan? ($3,000 - $8,000)
A typical residential French drain runs 40-80 linear feet along a foundation wall or through a yard. At that length, you're looking at $3,000-$8,000 installed. The price depends on depth (deeper = more excavation), length, accessibility (can we get equipment back there, or is it hand-dig only?), and discharge location.
If your property needs a longer run — say 100-150 feet to reach a storm drain or daylight outlet — costs can reach $8,000-$12,000. We've done projects in Bloomfield Hills with 200+ feet of French drain that topped $15,000, but those are large estate properties with complex grading.
How Much Do Catch Basins Cost? ($800 - $2,500 Each)
Catch basins collect surface water at low points in your yard and pipe it to a discharge point. A single catch basin with 20-30 feet of discharge pipe runs $800-$1,500. Most properties need 2-4 catch basins for effective coverage, putting total cost at $2,000-$6,000. If you need a larger basin or deeper installation to connect to existing storm sewer, costs go up.
How Much Does Site Grading and Resloping Cost? ($1,500 - $5,000)
Sometimes the fix isn't a pipe — it's reshaping the ground. If your yard slopes toward your house instead of away from it, re-grading can solve the problem without any pipe installation. For a typical residential lot, re-grading the area within 10-15 feet of the foundation costs $1,500-$3,000. Full-yard grading on a larger property runs $3,000-$5,000+.
I always check grading first because it's often the most cost-effective solution. If we can fix the slope for $2,000, there's no reason to install an $8,000 French drain.
How Much Do Downspout Extensions Cost? ($500 - $2,000)
Your gutters might be collecting water perfectly, but if the downspouts dump it right next to your foundation, you're creating the problem yourself. Underground downspout extensions that carry roof water 15-20 feet away from your house cost $500-$1,500 for 2-4 downspouts. It's the cheapest drainage improvement you can make, and it solves the problem on about 30% of the properties I visit.
What Does a Comprehensive Drainage System Cost? ($5,000 - $15,000+)
Many properties need a combination — French drain along the foundation, catch basins in the yard, re-grading, and downspout extensions all working together as one system. A comprehensive drainage system for a typical Oakland County home runs $5,000-$15,000 depending on property size and complexity.
What Drives Drainage Costs Up?
- Access limitations: If we can't get a mini excavator into your backyard, hand-digging adds 40-60% to labor costs.
- Depth: Drains deeper than 3 feet require shoring and more excavation time.
- Landscape restoration: If we're trenching through an established lawn, sod replacement adds $1-$3 per square foot.
- Permits: Some Oakland County municipalities require permits for drainage work that ties into storm sewer. Permit costs are typically $100-$300.
- Rock/boulder encounters: Oakland County has glacial till — sometimes we hit boulders that require extra time to remove.
Want an exact number for your property? Call 248-821-7188 to schedule an on-site assessment. No pressure — just honest numbers.
