Lot Grading Slopes Toward Home

Upon inspection of the lot grading around the home, at the indicated location(s) it appeared that the grading/soil was sloped toward the home potentially allowing moisture to pool against the home’s foundation wall. Improper lot grading is a serious concern even if moisture intrusion into the structure is not noted or present at the time of the inspection. If water is allowed to pool against a foundation wall or enter a crawlspace/basement for an extended period of time, serious moisture or foundation related problems can occur.  It is recommended that a qualified contractor be asked to further evaluate the lot grading and create an action plan for repairs

Lot Grading Slopes Toward Crawlspace Entry Door

Upon inspection of the lot grading around the home, it did appear that the grading/soil was sloped toward the crawlspace access door allowing moisture to enter the crawlspace. Improper lot grading is a serious concern even if moisture intrusion into the structure is not noted or present at the time of the inspection. If water is allowed to pool against a foundation wall or enter a crawlspace/basement for an extended period of time, serious moisture or foundation related problems can occur.  It is recommended that a qualified contractor be asked to further evaluate the lot grading and create an action plan for repairs

Lot Grading Slopes Toward Home – Below Porch or Deck

Upon inspection of the lot grading around the home, it did appear that the grading/soil was sloped toward the home potentially allowing moisture to pool against the home’s foundation below the indicated porch or deck. Improper lot grading is a serious concern even if moisture intrusion into the structure is not noted or present at the time of the inspection. If water is allowed to pool against a foundation wall or enter a crawlspace/basement for an extended period of time, serious moisture or foundation related problems can occur.  It is recommended that a qualified contractor be asked to further evaluate the lot grading and create an action plan for repairs

Driveway- Grade Slope Toward Home

Upon inspection of the lot grading around the home, it did appear that the driveway was sloped toward the home potentially allowing moisture to pool against the home’s foundation.  Improper lot grading is a serious concern even if moisture intrusion into the structure is not noted or present at the time of the inspection. If water is allowed to pool against a foundation wall or enter a crawlspace/basement for an extended period of time, serious moisture or foundation related problems can occur.  It is recommended that a qualified contractor be asked to further evaluate the lot grading and create an action plan for repairs

Planters Installed Against Exterior Wall

A planter(s) had been installed against the indicated exterior wall. Although this design feature was common in the past, it has been noted that moisture within the planter soil can pass through the brick (brick is a semi-porous material) and deteriorate the framing components within the interior of the wall. Although, no evidence of moisture intrusion was found. It is recommended that the soil level within the planter could be lowered to a point below the rim joist of the house –or- a water impervious membrane can be installed within the planter.

Poor Drainage Between Homes (Close Proximity)

Upon inspection of the lot/yard area between the inspected home and the adjacent home, there was evidence that water has been pooling as a result of improper lot grading. Due to the lack of space between the two structures, special care must be taken to ensure the water runoff measures and or the lot slope are correct and effective. It is recommended that a qualified contractor be asked to further evaluate the lot grading and create an action plan for repairs.

Lot Grading Incomplete (New Construction)

The lot grading was incomplete at the time of the inspection. It is recommended that the lot grading around the home be re-inspected once completed to ensure the grading is sloped appropriately to allow water to run away from the home's foundations.

Soil Erosion – Near Foundation

Soil erosion was noted near the foundation at the indicated location(s). Although this issue is common, if left unaddressed the erosion can lead to foundation settling, cracks, or even failure. It is recommended that the soil void be filled with soil or gravel and compacted once the underlying moisture/rainwater runoff issue has been resolved by a qualified contractor.

Soil Erosion – Near Patio

Soil erosion was noted along the patio edge at the indicated location. Although this issue is common, if left unaddressed the erosion can lead to settling, cracks, or even failure. It is recommended that the soil void be filled with soil or gravel and compacted once the underlying moisture/rainwater runoff issue has been resolved by a qualified contractor.

Soil Erosion – Near Walkway

Soil erosion was noted along the walkway edge at the indicated location. Although this issue is common, if left unaddressed the erosion can lead to settling, cracks, or even failure. It is recommended that the soil void be filled with soil or gravel and compacted once the underlying moisture/rainwater runoff issue has been resolved by a qualified contractor.

Soil Erosion – Near Driveway

Soil erosion was noted along the driveway edge at the indicated location. Although this issue is common, if left unaddressed the erosion can lead to settling, cracks, or even failure. It is recommended that the soil void be filled with soil or gravel and compacted once the underlying moisture/rainwater runoff issue has been resolved by a qualified contractor.

Windowsill Below Grade

The indicated windowsill(s) was at or below grade. Frame and trim components which are at or below grade are susceptible to moisture entry and deterioration due to moisture exposure. It is recommended that the grading be corrected in this area, or alternatively a drainage/window well could be installed to deter water entry and material deterioration.

Door Threshold Below Grade

The indicated door threshold was at or below grade. Frame and trim components which are at or below grade are susceptible to moisture entry and deterioration due to moisture exposure. It is recommended that the grading be corrected in this area or alternatively a drainage well could be installed to deter water entry and material deterioration.

Water Pooling in Yard

At the time of the inspection, water was noted to be pooling in the yard at the indicated location. The risks associated with water pooling within the yard are dependent upon the proximity of the water to the home’s foundation and exterior components. Dependent upon the comfort level of the buyer, a landscaping contractor could be asked to further evaluate the home’s lot grading and make a repair recommendation.

Past Water Pooling in Yard

At the time of the inspection, there was evidence that water had been pooling in the yard at the indicated location. The risks associated with water pooling within the yard are dependent upon the proximity of the water to the home’s foundation and exterior components. Dependent upon the comfort level of the buyer, a landscaping contractor could be asked to further evaluate the home’s lot grading and make a repair recommendation.

Hillside Grading Disclaimer

The home was constructed on the downward slope of a significant hill. As such, the lot grading of the home will need to be closely monitored and maintained as a hillside home is at a significantly increased risk of foundation settlement and moisture intrusion issues due to the increased rainwater runoff directed towards the home. It is recommended that the buyer closely monitor the water runoff patterns and routes during the periods of heavy rain. At the discretion of the buyer, a grading/drainage specialist could be asked to evaluate the lot grading and recommend any necessary improvements.