@Ryan Dao this is actually happening at a deeper level in our psychological programming.From the time we are little, we go to school and are taught to follow the rules, get good grades, go to college and you will get a good job.

I realized now that those folks used paint grade caulking in bathrooms.

We finished with a hospital grade disinfectant spray from a janitorial supply house.Families were calling us, pleading and crying for housing but we were patient to clean and repair properly.

And lastly, not sure what kind of foundation you currently have (slab on grade, pile, pier, spread footing, etc.) but you can't just install a post beneath the existing foundation and call it ok.

The first, cheaper, and far more common approach is to attempt to seal the masonry walls to create an isolated space, and then use conventional above-grade building materials to finish the space.

As long as your interior lines are tied to the main in front and if you are below grade you have a pump you should not back up again.

I'm sure you'll work out how you deal with the contractor part so I won't comment there.Drainage issues: #1, Identify the source of the problem:Gutter/solid surface water pooling near the houseGeneral grading issues allowing surface water to run towards the houseHigh groundwater tableUnderground water conduit towards the house (solid rock, old abandoned pipes, etc)#2, Identify the solution:Gutter/solid surface pooling - simple - move the water away from the house.General grading issues: sometimes simple, sometimes expensive.

We had the inspection Saturday which revealed the land has a negative grade which needs to be corrected and having using and drain tile put in place (according to the inspector).  

I find City does not want to comply and even with rules on builders side, there no money to fight .  2nd: any grade, flood, fire or density is another issue city will wave the flag on. 3rd: finding builders that have confidence to work in confine yard, things out of the ordinary. 

., clearing, grading, and leveling the land) incurred when constructing a building are generally added to the cost of the land.Some may be depreciated as part of the building cost if they would have to be incurred again to replace or rebuild the building.