Home on a slab with a sloping backyard. Identifying Issues

[Sean Lynch]

Hello All,

Hoping to get tips on recognizing and troubleshooting potential foundation/water damage. I've found a home on a slab that I am interested in but worried about the back yard. The yard is sloping towrads the home and I am trying to find what to look for in regards to damage/ potential problems from water flow.

 We will have an inspection before any decision is made but can anyone provide me with tips for identifying major issues with a slab foundation?

What to look for, where to look and any way that I can check the condition of the slab prior to an official inspection.

We will check into the condition of the soil (Clay, Sand etc.) and any noticeable wear and tear on the outside but prior to inspection, are there any red flags I could look for myself or any questions to ask? The current owner had it as a rental and didn't have much information to provide.  

I have a landscape background so we wouldnt have an issue adjusting the grade to the house and tiering the back yard, adding drain tile etc if we decide to move forward. If you know of other possible solutions for keeping water away from the house please let me know.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks,

[Marc Winter]

Make sure to check for any mold or water marks on the interior walls towards the back of the house where the water would come towards the house.  Use a moisture meter outside and inside.  Also check moisture content of the slab (if you can get to it). 

What kind of flooring is over the slab?  Does the house smell of mold? 

In houses with exterior slope towards house, I like a passive approach; exterior French drains (I'm not a fan of sump pumps--they can fail).  Make sure gutters and leaders are clean, angled properly, and run FAR AWAY from the house.

Good luck!