• When building a new house ensure that it is built at an elevation that would minimize surface or groundwater drainage problems. Hire an engineer or architect to inspect it for you.

• If there is a nearby stream or a dry ditch, ask a hydrologic engineer for potential flooding

• Check out your home builder before hiring, check other property that he has built to see if they are having drainage problems.

• Check to see that the perimeter foundation drain/basement drain/crawlspace drain will lead water away from the house. The following diagram shows how to cut a swale to lead water away:

• Check a new house to be sure sloping lawns and landscaping run away from the foundation wall. Driveways, walkways and patios force water away from the wall. Sloped lots, standing water, dry walls; Are there salt deposits on the foundation walls that may be left from previous flooding or moisture?



Is the neighbor's lot/roof being drained properly? Downspouts should drain away from the foundation wall and make sure that there are no spots in the ground that could hold water causing seepage. Ask your realtor or builder questions and document everything.