Is it necessary to install french drains when finishing a basement. 3 year old home, no apparent water issues

Question

I'm getting my basement finished and the contracter is strongly recommending french drains. Every other contracter we met with said that if we haven't had any water problems yet, we should be ok. We are not below ground level. Thanks for your suggestions

Answer 1

As a house ages the integrity of even the greatest foundations declines a little, and water can eventually seep right up from the floor. If you go with the drains now you'll spare yourself the trouble of worrying whether your sub-flooring is mildewing, or even rotting underneath you. I'd splurge now to save later in your shoes.

Answer 2

i am not below ground level either and never had any water problems in 10 yrs except that this year i did it cost 30,000 to have a french drain put in after the fact not to mention the cost for cleanup and the basement had to be redone so if you are in the middle of doing it now do while it is cheaper and it is all done at once oh did i mention i even had to redo the deck because it was in the way. just think of all the money u r spending to have it remodeled now and in two years u flood that would suck. safer is always better not to mention cheaper

Answer 3

I see NO reason if the slab is NOT below grade.
Drains are worthless in a flood. Where would it drain to?
If water pipes burst, everything will be flooded anyway. Drains would help, but a pump will do the job.

Answer 4

absolutely not. If you are not having any water problems at all, you don't need french drains. He wants more business from you which means he wants more money.

Answer 5

Better safe then sorry :) New Orleans thought the Levys with Hold. When it comes to your family and livelyhood you can never be to safe.