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Testimonials
Middlesex County's Choice for Yard Drainage
Homeowners in Middlesex County trust Excellence Masonry and Contracting for quality yard drainage. We serve Essex, Old Saybrook, and Clinton, installing effective systems to protect your home and landscape.
Effective drainage solutions are purposefully designed systems to manage water both on the surface and underground. A French drain, for instance, is far more than a gravel-filled trench. A proper installation involves a perforated, sleeved pipe laid in a trench that is lined with non-woven geotextile fabric. The trench is then backfilled with clean, crushed stone. The fabric is essential as it prevents surrounding soil and silt from clogging the pipe, ensuring the system functions effectively for decades. Proper cleanouts, will need to be installed, as well as other protective measures against soil in some cases. We analyze the specific water problem to determine the right solution, whether it's a French drain for groundwater or catch basins for managing heavy surface runoff.
Why Choose Us?
There are many construction, landscaping, outdoor living, and design companies to choose from- here is what makes us different.
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Our Approach is Thorough and Integrated- no stone is left unturned, and as a design-build company, we have an unmatched ability to assess, plan, and execute projects efficiently.
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The Team We Have is Experienced and Robust- our construction team is comprised of experts who are our family, friends, as well as long-time employees and subcontractors. Our company sprouted from a family business started 25+ years ago, and some members of our crew have more than 50 years of experience.
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Industry-Leading Warranties and a Client for Life Guarantee- on new installations and applicable repairs, we provide warranties well beyond State minimums, and well beyond what most construction, landscaping, masonry, or other companies offer. Our client for life guarantee means that we intend to stand by you and our work, for the life of our business. Our goal is to provide many services and complete many projects for you and the people you know over time. With this intention, we will always be available to address issues, make repairs, or provide maintenance for completed projects- regardless of warranty terms.
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Transparency and Consistent Communication- with us, all cards are on the table from our first conversation, through the end of the project. We want to provide you with all pertinent details, considerations, and options so you are educated and completely in control of your project and your money. Throughout the project, we uphold this commitment to transparency and communication by providing daily updates and informing you of any changes or new information immediately.
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Commitment to Professional Responsibility and Top-Quality- in our view, it is our responsibility to ensure your project is done to the highest possible standard within your budget and within the parameters of feasibility. You will not feel like it is "on you" to know what's best or to manage the project when you work with us, which is a common complaint we hear from clients' past experiences. We also have a commitment to top quality, which we display in our work, our team, our industry partners, and our process.
Our Approach to Projects
Of course, every project and every situation is different, and so is our approach.. Below is a general and simplified outline of our process. We can also bid and build to your preexisting plan or design.
1.
Discovery/Consultation
We start with a conversation to understand your intent for the project, assess your property, and determine the best next step- usually a rough estimate, quote or design agreement. Rough pricing, options, and preliminary considerations are discussed. Email, call or fill the form below to get in touch!
2.
Design / Planning
The design and planning phase is where we value engineer your project- and establish the scope of work, project pricing, and our installation/construction plan. This phase will look a bit different for each project and each scenario, with some requiring more design and pre-construction work than others.
3.
Construction
This is when the proposed plan comes to life! Expect a stress-free, transparent, and efficient construction experience due to our thorough design and planning process and consistent communication. Our team respects you, your project, and your property.
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Walk-Thru & Clean-Up
After the project is completed, we will walk through the project to go over any pertinent information and maintenance information, as well as to confirm that the project is completed as expected.
FAQ's
What are common signs of a yard drainage problem?
Common signs include standing water or puddles that remain long after it rains, persistently soggy or mushy lawn areas, water seeping into your basement or garage, and erosion or washouts on sloped parts of your property.
What is a French drain and how does it work?
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel that contains a perforated pipe. It works by collecting and redirecting surface water and groundwater away from a specific area, like your home's foundation or a low spot in the yard, and moving it to a more desirable location.
What's the difference between a French drain and a curtain drain?
They are very similar, but a French drain typically addresses both surface and subsurface water around a foundation. A curtain drain is usually installed further out in the yard at a specific depth to intercept and redirect underground water that is flowing toward your home from an uphill source.
Do drainage systems require a lot of maintenance?
When installed correctly, most subsurface drainage systems require very little maintenance. The most important step is to keep the discharge end of the pipe clear of leaves and debris. Catch basins should be cleaned out periodically to remove sediment.
Will installing a drainage system ruin my lawn?
While the installation process does involve trenching, we take great care to minimize disruption. We carefully remove and set aside the sod, install the system, backfill the trench, and then replace the original sod. With proper watering, the lawn typically recovers very quickly.
What is a French drain and how does it work?
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel that contains a perforated pipe. It works by collecting and redirecting surface water and groundwater away from a specific area, like your home's foundation or a low spot in the yard, and moving it to a more desirable location.
Will installing a drainage system ruin my lawn?
While the installation process does involve trenching, we take great care to minimize disruption. We carefully remove and set aside the sod, install the system, backfill the trench, and then replace the original sod. With proper watering, the lawn typically recovers very quickly.
What's the difference between a French drain and a curtain drain?
They are very similar, but a French drain typically addresses both surface and subsurface water around a foundation. A curtain drain is usually installed further out in the yard at a specific depth to intercept and redirect underground water that is flowing toward your home from an uphill source.
Do drainage systems require a lot of maintenance?
When installed correctly, most subsurface drainage systems require very little maintenance. The most important step is to keep the discharge end of the pipe clear of leaves and debris. Catch basins should be cleaned out periodically to remove sediment.
What are common signs of a yard drainage problem?
Common signs include standing water or puddles that remain long after it rains, persistently soggy or mushy lawn areas, water seeping into your basement or garage, and erosion or washouts on sloped parts of your property.