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We have an existing perimeter system but were going to upgrade. A structural engineer will charge $400 for a plan to put in a french drain. Is this a waste of money? I would like to understand why we should hire when the work seems straightforward.
Um....We already have an existing perimeter system, so are you saying that it would be considered better when selling to say that we have an upgraded system.
Um....We already have an existing perimeter system...
Just to be clear, I assume you mean perimeter drain system?
Anyway what is wrong with the existing system that you need to upgrade it?
If there are problems with the existing system, I should think consultation with an expert might be a good idea.
However if the existing system is working fine and you are just repairing it so it can work as originally designed - replacing worn parts or whatever, then no need to consult anyone.
It is not a true French Drain. Just a moat, so to speak, with a sump pump. The water just sits in the moat.
That sounds like my folks' old house (circa 1928); a poured concrete basement but NOT a "floating slab" with a perimeter trough and another trough going from one corner to a lower spot about 4 feet from either wall.
It didn't work very well...but, then again, that basement had never really meant to be much more than storage and "wash basin".
I'd spend the money to get the proper design system (hire the engineer).
The alternative is to not do that, install a drain system, then find out it does not work! That could cost a whole lot more than $400 to fix.
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Spend the money
