Poor Drainage and Grading Around a Home

Visible clues to document

Photograph both a close view and a wider view that shows location and scale. Note whether the condition appears active, repeated, recently repaired, or associated with weather or system use.

• Soil or paving sloping toward the building, low areas, erosion, ponding marks, or saturated ground.
• Short, disconnected, damaged, or poorly discharged downspouts and gutters.
• Water staining, efflorescence, foundation moisture, damaged landscaping, or settlement near the structure.

What the clues may—and may not—mean

Similar-looking conditions can have very different causes. Surface appearance alone cannot confirm severity, concealed damage, material composition, structural movement, leakage source, or health risk.

Reasonable next steps

• Observe safely during or after rain when possible.
• Keep discharge away from foundations without sending water onto neighboring property or unsafe areas.
• Request a site-specific drainage plan before major grading or waterproofing work.

Who to contact

For a property-specific assessment, contact a qualified drainage, landscaping, civil, geotechnical, foundation, or building-envelope professional. Ask for findings in writing and request a defined scope before authorizing invasive testing or repair work.