I am not an inspector but used an inspector when we bought our home and none of these issues were even mentioned as potential problems besides the mold we could see. Purchased home two years ago and there was a mold problem in basement and crawls spaces( attach to basement area) We though it was because how humid it is here in N. VA and there was a plumbing leak the mold remediators found. The home has cedar siding that is touching the soil on front half of home. There is a concrete walkway next to that higher than the soil which we can’t raise to fix grade since it’s already touching and rotting the cedar and snake and wasps are finding there way in. Now we notice water coming in through foundation in crawlspace. Plus our sewer pipe in crawlspace wasn’t even sealed and we had plumpers,inspector, and mold remediators under the home and my husband finally caught it when he went under. I really feel like the inspector should’ve caught that our water problems are from the horrible grade and cedar touching soil was a major problem especially w the amount of rain we get here. Plus we have a steep pitched roof w regular size gutters and rain just pours right over them. We have extended the gutter drains multiple feet away from the home. My question is what can I do to fix the grade if soil is already touching the home? Gravel, concrete, soil, what can we put there if we can’t grade it properly? I’m so upset inspector or no one mentioned anything and feel like everyone is just out to get money. I was thinking of digging down 6 inches or so, busting the concrete path next to it and trying to regrade but our sewer pipe is just a few inches down and septic is in our front yard. Any advice on what we should do and what professional might be able to help?
How do I add pics from phone?
Maya …
Its fairly obvious from your comments on grading, water in crawlspace that what you should do is get on the phone and call either a competent landscaping contractor and/or competent water-proofing contractor to service and correct your problem.
To be honest if you have to ask HOW, you need a professional so you don’t make it worse.
Yes, we def. Want a pro but are having a difficult time finding a competent one and just wanted to hear suggestions. The “professional” waterproofers that serviced thus house before we bought did a French drain inside basement but didn’t even suggest grading,gutters, and sealing exterior foundation to actually prevent water coming in and cheaper than work they did. “Professional” inspector didn’t even mention grading and siding touching soil even being an issue so just trying to gather as much info and recs to sort through the crap:)
Where are you located? If you are in the Detroit area, I may know just the professional to help.
NOVA. contacted a couple landscapers so we shall see. It’s like people don’t want work these days. Everyone we call doesn’t answer, doesn’t call back.