Grading
Also known as: Site Grading, Lot Grading, Drainage Grading
The process of shaping the land around your home to ensure proper water drainage away from the foundation. Poor grading is one of the most common causes of water intrusion and foundation problems in new construction.
Detailed Explanation
Proper grading means the land slopes away from your home's foundation on all sides, directing rainwater and surface water away from the structure. The general rule is a slope of at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet from the foundation.
Poor grading — where water pools near the foundation or drains toward the home — can cause basement flooding, foundation damage, soil erosion, and moisture problems in crawl spaces.
Grading issues are one of the most common complaints in new construction. The original grading may be correct at closing but can shift over time as the soil settles. Many builder warranties require the homeowner to maintain proper grading after closing.
In Your Contract
Your builder warranty may require you to maintain proper grading as a condition of coverage. Check the maintenance requirements section.
Key Points
- 1Land should slope away from the foundation on all sides.
- 2Poor grading causes water intrusion and foundation damage.
- 3One of the most common new construction complaints.
- 4Soil can settle and change the grading over time.
- 5Many builder warranties require you to maintain proper grading.
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