French Drain Installation in Nashville, TN — Costs $1,895 to $11,368
What does french drain installation cost in Nashville? Average $4,737, ranging $1,895–$11,368. Labor runs $28.64/hr locally — 5% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.
Nashville, TN Market
-5% vs nationalLabor Rate
$28.64/hr
Material Index
94
Avg Permit Cost
$920
Median Home Price
$252,340
As one of the largest metros in Tennessee, Nashville 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. Nashville offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. The median home in Nashville is valued at $252,340, putting this project at about 1.9% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 50% ROI.
Low Estimate
$1,895
National: $2,000
Mid-Range
$4,737
National: $5,000
High End
$11,368
National: $12,000
Per Sq Ft
$0
National: $0
French Drain Installation Cost Calculator for Nashville
Adjusted for Nashville's labor rate ($28.64/hr) and material costs (index 94).
Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.
Estimated Total in Nashville
$4,548
Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Nashville market rates.
Local Cost Breakdown
At Nashville's average rate of $28.64/hr (5% below national avg)
Material cost index 94 (6% below national baseline of 100)
French Drain Installation vs. Home Value in Nashville
| Metric | Nashville | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| French Drain Installation (Mid-Range) | $4,737 | $5,000 |
| Median Home Price | $252,340 | $350,000 |
| Project as % of Home Value | 1.9% | 1.4% |
| Estimated ROI | 50% | 50% |
| Median Household Income | $58,025 | $75,000 |
What Affects the Price in Nashville
- 1Local labor rates ($28.64/hr in Nashville)
- 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 Nashville, TN
Swimming Pool Construction
$47,403
Dormer Addition
$33,182
Porch Addition
$23,683
Tile Roof Installation
$23,628
Second Story Addition
$189,467
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction
$142,100
Room Addition
$85,260
Home Addition
$75,728
French Drain Installation in Other Tennessee Cities
Planning a French Drain Installation in Nashville
Building permits are typically required for a french drain installation in Nashville. The average permit fee in this area is $920, 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 Nashville, skilled contractors charge an average of $28.64/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.
For the median Nashville household earning $58,025/year, this project at $4,737 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 Nashville
View labor rates, material costs, and project estimates for Nashville, TN.
Explore All Project Cost Guides
Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.
View All Project Costs