French Drain Installation in Albuquerque, NM — Costs $1,891 to $11,346
What does french drain installation cost in Albuquerque? Average $4,728, ranging $1,891–$11,346. Labor runs $28.53/hr locally — 5% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.
Albuquerque, NM Market
-5% vs nationalLabor Rate
$28.53/hr
Material Index
94
Avg Permit Cost
$1,881
Median Home Price
$343,288
As one of the largest metros in New Mexico, Albuquerque has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. Albuquerque offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. The median home in Albuquerque is valued at $343,288, putting this project at about 1.4% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 50% ROI.
Low Estimate
$1,891
National: $2,000
Mid-Range
$4,728
National: $5,000
High End
$11,346
National: $12,000
Per Sq Ft
$0
National: $0
French Drain Installation Cost Calculator for Albuquerque
Adjusted for Albuquerque's labor rate ($28.53/hr) and material costs (index 94).
Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.
Estimated Total in Albuquerque
$4,539
Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Albuquerque market rates.
Local Cost Breakdown
At Albuquerque's average rate of $28.53/hr (5% below national avg)
Material cost index 94 (6% below national baseline of 100)
French Drain Installation vs. Home Value in Albuquerque
| Metric | Albuquerque | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| French Drain Installation (Mid-Range) | $4,728 | $5,000 |
| Median Home Price | $343,288 | $350,000 |
| Project as % of Home Value | 1.4% | 1.4% |
| Estimated ROI | 50% | 50% |
| Median Household Income | $68,381 | $75,000 |
What Affects the Price in Albuquerque
- 1Local labor rates ($28.53/hr in Albuquerque)
- 2Material cost index (94 vs national 100)
- 3Drain length
- 4Depth
- 5Gravel type
- 6Pipe size
Popular Upgrades
- Dry well
- Catch basin
- Surface grate
Other Projects in Albuquerque, NM
Swimming Pool Construction
$47,303
Dormer Addition
$33,112
Porch Addition
$23,638
Tile Roof Installation
$23,596
Second Story Addition
$189,100
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction
$141,825
Room Addition
$85,095
Home Addition
$75,596
French Drain Installation in Other New Mexico Cities
Planning a French Drain Installation in Albuquerque
Building permits are typically required for a french drain installation in Albuquerque. The average permit fee in this area is $1,881, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 2-5 days from start to finish.
A french drain installation is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Albuquerque, skilled contractors charge an average of $28.53/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.
For the median Albuquerque household earning $68,381/year, this project at $4,728 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.
French Drain Installation — National Guide
See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.
All Construction Costs in Albuquerque
View labor rates, material costs, and project estimates for Albuquerque, NM.
Explore All Project Cost Guides
Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.
View All Project Costs