What does it mean when the inspector flags grading or drainage in the metro?

When we flag grading or drainage, we mean the way the ground and the home's water-management systems direct surface water, and it's one of the most important things we evaluate here, because water is the number-one enemy of any home. Proper grading slopes the soil away from the foundation so rain and snowmelt drain off rather than pooling against the walls and seeping into the basement. In the Twin Cities, sloped river-bluff lots, low-lying parcels on heavy clay, and our heavy spring melts make this especially critical. Common problems we see include negative grading that tilts toward the house, gutters and downspouts that discharge right at the foundation instead of several feet away, window wells without proper drainage, and patios or driveways that have settled and now channel water inward. The good news is that grading and drainage issues are often among the most cost-effective things to correct, extending downspouts, regrading soil, adding splash blocks, cleaning gutters, and they prevent far more expensive basement-moisture and foundation problems down the road. We'll show you exactly where water is likely going and what to do about it. To get a clear read on a home's drainage before you buy, call us or use the free instant quote tool below.