New window well with a drain in Findlay Creek, how much?

About $1,600 to $3,800 per well is the published 2025–26 Ontario contractor range for a window well with drainage. Ontario's Building Code requires every window well to be drained to the footing level or another suitable location (9.14.6.3).

Ask what the quote assumes for depth, access and the drain.

A fair written quote for this job should spell out:

• the size and material of the well itself
• how the drain connects and where it discharges
• how the excavation is backfilled and graded after (Ontario's Building Code clause 9.12.3 requires backfill graded to prevent drainage toward the foundation)
• who requests the locate before any digging starts, since Ontario Dig Authority asks for that request at least 5 business days before excavation

One thing worth confirming before work starts: if you are adding a window where there was none before, or enlarging or relocating an existing window opening, the City of Ottawa requires a building permit for that part of the work. Replacing a well at an existing window opening is not named on either of the City's lists, so ask the City's Building Code Services whether your specific job needs one before work begins.

The request form on this page sends your project details to Ottawa waterproofing contractors listed in the Ottawa Construction Network directory.

What is the single most useful question to ask before signing? Ask the contractor to confirm in writing exactly where the well drain discharges and to show you that connection on the quote.