Make Us Your Preferred Grading and Drainage Contractor
Jump To:
- Why Proper Drainage & Grading Matter
- Our Drainage & Grading Solutions
- The Van Matre Difference
- Our Process—From Free Quote to Final Walkthrough
- Signs You Need Drainage or Grading Help
- Why Choose Professional Drainage Contractors?
- Service Areas
- Customer Success Stories & Testimonials
- Drainage & Grading FAQs
- Resources & Education
- Get Your Free Drainage & Grading Assessment Today
Serving Denver, Boulder, Lafayette, Broomfield, Arvada, Louisville, Westminster, and the entire Colorado Front Range
Why Proper Drainage & Grading Matter
If you own a home in Colorado, you know that moisture is public enemy number one for your foundation. Our unique mix of clay-heavy soils and dramatic weather swings can turn a minor drainage issue into a major foundation headache overnight. At Van Matre Construction, we’ve seen it all—wet basements, soggy lawns, cracked foundations—and we know that the best way to avoid costly repairs is to keep water away from your home in the first place.
That’s where we come in. With more than 20 years of servicing our local communities, we specialize in concrete foundation drainage and grading solutions that protect your investment and your peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with a persistent wet spot in your yard or want to make sure your basement stays bone dry, our team is here to help.
Protect your home—call us today for a free, expert assessment.
Our Drainage & Grading Solutions
Every property is different, and every water problem has its own story. That’s why we never offer cookie-cutter solutions. Our approach is always tailored to your needs and your property’s unique challenges. Here’s how we help:
Foundation Drains
If your basement or crawlspace is damp—even though your yard slopes away from the house—an interior or exterior foundation drain might be the answer. Here’s how we do it:
- Exterior Foundation Drains:
We excavate the outside of your foundation all the way to the footings. While this can be disruptive to landscaping, it is the only way to stop the moisture before it contacts your foundation, guaranteeing your foundation is watertight from top to bottom. We use only top-tier materials, like Cetco AquaDrain, which features a solid plastic backing with dimples to channel water, plus geo-textile fabric to prevent clogging. Our perforated pipes, wrapped in gravel and fabric, slope gently to a sump pit, where a robust cast-iron pump moves water safely away.
- Interior Foundation Drains:
When you want to spare your landscaping, we can install a drain just inside your foundation wall, beneath the basement floor. We remove a narrow strip of slab, install the drain, and patch the floor seamlessly. This is a great solution when exterior access is tricky or impossible and the presentation of moisture is at or below the floor level.
“We use only the highest-quality products to ensure the best long-term protection for your foundation. We cover the wall with AquaDrain, a solid rigid, plastic panel with a weep gap that prevents water from seeping through. The gap allows the water to go directly to the drains. This means that the water has a direct route from the soil to the sump pit away from your home.”
— Van Matre Construction Leadership
Exterior Drains
When surface water is the main culprit, an exterior drain can be a game-changer. Our process:
- Excavation: We dig around your foundation, inspecting for cracks or damage.
- Wall Cleaning & Waterproofing: The wall is cleaned and covered with AquaDrain for superior moisture protection.
- Drain Installation: We lay a perforated, geo-textile-wrapped pipe in gravel, sloped to a sump pit.
- Regrading: after backfill, we grade your lot to slope away from your home.
We’re honest about the temporary disruption, but our clients agree the long-term peace of mind is well worth it.
Interior Drains
For homes where exterior work isn’t practical, interior drains are a smart option:
- We cut a narrow strip of basement slab, install the perforated, fabric-wrapped drain pipe, and slope it to a sump pit.
- The floor is patched for a clean finish.
This approach is effective for controlling water that enters beneath the slab and pairs well with other waterproofing methods.
French Drains & Cut-Off Drains
Sometimes, the problem isn’t at your foundation—it’s in a low spot in your yard, or a landscape feature that collects water. That’s when we recommend French drains or cut-off drains.
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that intercepts and redirects water away from trouble spots. We use them for:
- Soggy lawns or pooling water
- Negative grading (water flowing toward the house)
- Hardscape areas (using trench drains or inlet boxes)
- Sites where gravity drainage isn’t possible (using a pump system)
“Sometimes the drainage issue is not next to your foundation, but with a low spot in your landscaping collecting and holding water. If the topography makes gravity drainage impossible, a French drain or a cut-off drain may be what you need.”
— Van Matre Construction
The Van Matre Difference
Why choose us? Simple: experience, integrity, and a genuine commitment to our community.
- Local Expertise: We know Colorado soils, weather, and building codes inside and out.
- Premium Materials: We never cut corners.
- Transparent Assessments: We diagnose the real problem before recommending solutions.
- On-Time, On-Budget: No surprises.
- Respect for Your Property: We work around irrigation and fences when possible, and always communicate about disruptions.
“We believe in honest, transparent communication and in doing the job right the first time. Our clients trust us because we treat every project like it’s our own home.”
— Van Matre Construction Owner
Our Process—From Free Quote to Final Walkthrough
We’ve made our process as simple and stress-free as possible:
Step 1: Free On-Site Assessment
We start with a thorough, personalized evaluation, using our experience and diagnostic tools to get to the root of your problem.
Step 2: Custom Solution Design
You’ll get tailored recommendations—never a generic fix. We’ll walk you through your options so you can make an informed decision.
Step 3: Professional Installation
Our skilled crews are prompt, efficient, and respectful of your property. We keep you in the loop every step of the way.
Step 4: Final Inspection & Ongoing Support
We don’t consider the job done until you’re satisfied. We’ll review the work with you, explain maintenance, and provide warranty details. Our relationship doesn’t end at installation—we’re here for you long-term.
Signs You Need Drainage or Grading Help
Not sure if you have a problem? Watch for these red flags:
Foundation & Basement Warning Signs
- Water is pooling near the foundation after rain
- Musty odors or visible mold in the basement
- Cracks in foundation walls
- Sticking doors or windows
- Efflorescence (white, chalky fuzz) on concrete walls or floor
Yard & Landscape Red Flags
- Persistent soggy spots or pooling water
- Uneven ground, dips, or humps
- Erosion or dead lawn patches
- Tough weeds in wet areas
If you see any of these, don’t wait—early action can save thousands in repairs.
“There are many different causes for shifting and uneven ground. Causes could include changes in temperature, burrowing animals, faults in water pipes, ground settling, and buried objects such as wood debris. Before any grading or leveling work takes place, it’s important to diagnose the underlying problem to ensure the appropriate corrective actions are taken.”
— Van Matre Construction
Why Choose Professional Drainage Contractors?
DIY fixes might be tempting, but drainage and grading require real expertise. A poorly installed drain can clog, slope the wrong way, or fail completely, costing you more in the long run.
- Licensed & Insured: We’re fully credentialed and up-to-date on local codes.
- Long-Term Value: Our solutions are built to last.
- Peace of Mind: You’ll know the job was done right, and we’ll be here if you need us.
Service Areas
We proudly serve:
- Denver
- Boulder
- Lafayette
- Broomfield
- Arvada
- Louisville
- Westminster
- And surrounding Colorado Front Range communities
Our local knowledge means we’re ready for the unique soil, weather, and permitting challenges of our area.
Customer Success Stories & Testimonials
“Van Matre Construction completed our drainage project on time and on budget. The crew was professional, respectful of our property, and explained every step of the process. Our basement has been dry ever since!”
— Satisfied Homeowner, Lafayette
“I was worried about the disruption to my landscaping, but the Van Matre team took great care to restore everything. Their attention to detail and communication were outstanding.”
— Homeowner, Denver
Have a story to share? We love hearing from our clients and are proud to showcase real results and peace of mind.
Drainage & Grading FAQs
Many causes: temperature swings, burrowing animals, faulty pipes, settling, or buried debris. We always diagnose before we grade.
Resources & Education
- Preventative Maintenance Tips:
Check for pooling water, clear debris from drains, and monitor your foundation for cracks. - Colorado’s Unique Drainage Challenges:
Clay soils and freeze-thaw cycles make drainage crucial. We tailor every solution to local conditions. - Further Reading:
Visit our blog for guides, checklists, and videos on keeping your property dry and protected.
Want to see how our systems work? Ask for diagrams or infographics!
Get Your Free Drainage & Grading Assessment Today
Ready to solve your drainage or grading issues for good?
Contact Van Matre Construction for a free, no-obligation assessment and quote.
- Call us: (303) 668-2222
- Contact us: https://bouldercontractors.com/contact-us/
- Mailing Address:
214 N 120th Street, Lafayette, CO 80026
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