Mini-excavator, camera inspection included on French drain, before/after photos, municipal permits handled. View the full division →
Do you install a complete French drain?
Yes: excavation, clean 3/4 gravel, geotextile, perforated pipe, connection to sump pit or city, backfill. Camera inspection before closure to validate the slope and flow.
What are the lead times for excavation work?
French drain: 2-3 days. Driveway prep: 1-2 days. Small jobs: a day. Estimate confirmed after visit and soil study. Mobilization 2-4 weeks depending on season.
Do you work in winter for excavation?
Excavation stops in November (ground frost) and resumes in April. Emergencies only from December to March (sewer back-up, collapsed drain, major damage).
Will the property be left clean after excavation work?
Yes. Backfilling, levelling, grass seeding on disturbed areas, pickup of all debris. Before/during/after photos provided at end of project.
Do your excavation prices include soil removal?
Yes for standard volumes. If contaminated soil is detected on site, a complementary study and a specialized landfill may be required: it's clearly stated in the quote.
How much does a French drain cost in Brossard, Longueuil or Boucherville?
On the South Shore of Montreal, a complete Ultra Excavation French drain starts at $4,800 for a standard house. Price depends on foundation length, depth, site access and soil type. Excavation, clean 3/4 gravel, geotextile, perforated pipe, connection and camera inspection included.
When should I replace my French drain?
Warning signs: basement infiltration, water seeping on the floor, white spots (efflorescence) on foundation walls, water backup around the house, waterlogged soil. Typical lifespan: 30-40 years. A camera inspection confirms the real condition.
What's the difference between French drain and sump pump?
The French drain evacuates water passively by gravity toward the sump pit or storm sewer. The sump pump is installed INSIDE that pit and mechanically expels water when it reaches a threshold. Both work in tandem: drain for collection, pump for forced evacuation if the property is too flat.
Do I need a municipal permit to install a French drain?
In most South Shore cities (Brossard, Longueuil, Boucherville, Saint-Lambert), yes — especially if excavation modifies the connection to municipal sewer or the property's drainage slope. Ultra Excavation handles the application, filing and follow-up. Municipal delays: 1 to 6 weeks.
How long does a complete French drain installation take?
2 to 3 business days for a standard house on the South Shore, in normal conditions (loose soil, clear access). Add a day if clay soil, major roots to work around, or specific landscape backfill.
What warranty do you offer on French drain installation?
10 years on installation. The camera inspection video provided before backfill proves the quality of the work (slope, gravel lay, geotextile, connection).
Does your mini-excavator fit through a standard yard gate?
Our mini-excavator fits 90 cm. For tighter access (60-70 cm), we use our micro-excavator (+10% on the rate). Info-Excavation utility marking included.
What happens if you hit bedrock during excavation?
We notify you immediately before continuing. Hydraulic hammer available (separate hourly rate). No surprise on the invoice: everything is validated with you before intervention.
Do you lay the pavers or asphalt after driveway prep?
No: we prepare the sub-base (stripping, geotextile, compacted crushed stone, drainage slope). You hire your paver. But we coordinate with them to intervene in the optimal window (crushed stone still fresh). 5-year warranty on our sub-base stability.
Helical piles or concrete piles for a light foundation?
Helical: fast, clean, removable, ideal for deck and shed. Concrete: heavier, more permanent, required for heavier structures. We recommend based on use and budget. Frost depth guaranteed (1.5 m below ground), 10-year warranty against settling.
Where do demolished materials (concrete, asphalt) go?
Certified recycling centre. Crushed concrete for reuse as road sub-base. Asphalt recovered for municipal mixes. Traceability slip provided.