How to Start a Backyard Drainage Business with a Skid Steer
French drains, grading for drainage, trenching
Quick Summary
Startup Cost: $35,000 - $60,000
Equipment: Skid steer + trencher, bucket, grading blade
Season: April - October
Hourly Rate: $100 - $175
Potential: $50K - $100K/season
Equipment You'll Need
The Skid Steer
For backyard drainage work, you want a reliable machine with good power and visibility. A medium-frame skid steer (2,000-2,600 lb ROC) handles most jobs well.
Recommended Models:
Attachments
Key attachments for backyard drainage: trencher, bucket, grading blade
Typical Jobs
- French drain installation
- Yard regrading
- Swale creation
- Downspout drainage
- Catch basin installation
Pricing Your Services
Backyard Drainage rates typically range from $100 - $175/hour for a skid steer with operator. Pricing varies by job complexity, location, and local competition.
Pro tip: For larger jobs, quote a flat rate based on estimated time plus a buffer. Hourly rates work well for smaller or unpredictable jobs.
Finding Customers
Residential
- Homeowners with water issues
- Basement waterproofing companies
- Landscapers
Commercial
- Property managers
- Commercial landscapers
- Municipalities
Guides by Province
Select your province for location-specific details including tax rates, licensing, and local market info:
Ready to Get Started?
Browse skid steers and attachments for your backyard drainage business.