What should a quote say about window well drainage in Kanata?

A quote for window well drainage should spell out exactly where the water goes once it leaves the well.

Ontario's Building Code (clause 9.14.6.3) requires that every window well be drained to the footing level or another suitable location. The quote should name which of those applies to your house and describe the connection in enough detail that you can confirm it later. The Code also requires (clause 9.14.6.1) that the site be graded so water does not accumulate at or near the building, so if the ground around the well is part of the problem, the quote should address that too.

Here is what a complete window well quote should include:

• the size and material of the well itself, and whether it is a replacement at an existing window or new work
• how the drainage connects, whether to the footing drain, a separate pipe run, or another named location, and where that pipe terminates
• any excavation, and who requests the utility locate before digging starts (Ontario Dig Authority asks for the request at least 5 business days before work begins, under Ontario's Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012)
• grading or backfill work around the well, and how the contractor will leave the ground sloped away from the foundation after settling

Published 2025-26 Ontario contractor pricing for a window well with drainage runs roughly $1,600 to $3,800 per well. Ask what the quote assumes for depth, access and the drain.

One thing worth confirming before you sign: ask the contractor to point to the specific location where the well drainage discharges and to put that destination in writing in the quote.