What it is: Soil sloping toward the house instead of away from it.
Why it matters
Negative grading channels surface water to the foundation, the top cause of wet basements.
Why it's common in Bloomington
A leading driver of Bloomington basement-moisture and efflorescence findings.
Signs to watch for
- soil sloping inward
- mulch/patios above the foundation top
- wet basement after rain
What we check during the inspection
We observe grading and downspout discharge around the perimeter.
How it's typically corrected
Regrade to slope away (about 6" over 10'), extend downspouts well past the foundation.
Concerned about negative grading toward foundation in a home you're buying or selling? Get a free instant quote and we'll evaluate it as part of a full inspection.