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Home Inspector Notes from the Field 3-1-08 High Soil

High Soil Against the Foundation

One disturbing trend among builders and home owners in the Houston region is the lack of attention to the grading and adequate exposure of the foundation face. This is a particular concern as Houston has expansive clay soil. Clay soil is sensitive to that amount of moisture that it is exposed to and expands and contracts accordingly. This can wreak havoc on foundations. High soil against the foundation is also an open invitation to ants and termites. It also prohibits you from seeing any issues with your foundation before it causes major damage to your home. The best time to catch these issues is when the builder is still working on the grading of the home before installation of sod and beds.

The following photos are from a new construction final phase inspection.

slope to drain

high soil

high soil 2

high soil 3

Posted by Ion Home Inspection - Houston, Katy, The Woodlands, Sugar Land on 03/02/2008 03:38 PM

Comments (5)

home inspection, houston, soil, real estate, termites, grading

5 Comments on Home Inspector Notes from the Field 3-1-08 High Soil

Good info, pet peeve of mine as well----especially here in the NW where we get a fair amount of rain. I also hate the new trend to pour flatwork over the siding---even if it is hardi-plank.

03/02/2008 05:06 PM

by Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com)

Howdy Jeffrey

I also find that up here to.

Just not good for folks at all.

Have a good one Dale

03/02/2008 05:55 PM

by Dale Baker, Home Inspectior- in NH & VT (Baker Home Inspections and Consulting Service)

Good info. I have seen this in situations where it would cause negative slope towards the house if it wasn't that close to the siding. A catch 22 situation. Personally, I would rather see the grading a bit high to create slope away from the foundation.

04/04/2008 01:51 PM

by David Holden DRH Home Inspection Akron, Ohio Summit (DRH Home Inspection Akron, Ohio Summit County Home Inspector)

Over here in San Antonio we also see the same problem however, I must say the builder's are getting better with proper grading. This is the time of the year to take a walk-around your house and check for any signs of termites or ants.

Nics pics and thanks for sharing these reminders to present and new home owners.

04/06/2008 02:32 PM

by Carl & Ceil Winters (Complete Inspection Service, New Braunfels, Texas 78133)

Nics pics and thanks for sharing these reminders to present and new home owners.

04/06/2008 02:33 PM

by Carl & Ceil Winters (Complete Inspection Service, New Braunfels, Texas 78133)

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