Why do inspectors care about grading and drainage around the foundation?
Quick answer: Grading and drainage are among the most important things an inspector evaluates because water is the leading cause of home damage. The ground should slope away from the foundation so rain and snowmelt drain away rather than pooling against the walls. In Bloomington's clay-heavy soils with deep frost and spring thaw, poor grading and short downspouts push water toward the basement, causing seepage, cracks, and even structural movement over time.
Soil that slopes toward the house or sits flat lets water collect against the foundation. That water finds its way through cracks and porous block, producing the wet basements that are among the most common Minnesota homeowner complaints.
Downspouts and gutters are part of the system. When they discharge right at the foundation instead of extending several feet away, they concentrate roof runoff exactly where you do not want it, overwhelming even good grading.
The good news is that drainage problems are often inexpensive to correct by regrading soil, extending downspouts, and managing surface water. An inspection identifies these issues so you can fix the cause cheaply before it leads to costly foundation and water-intrusion repairs.
