Common Defects

Improper Grading / Negative Slope -- what Blaine homeowners need to know.

Negative grading at the foundation is the single most common — and most fixable — moisture defect in Blaine homes.

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Roof and downspout drainage inspected in Blaine MN

How We Document It

We document improper grading / negative slope with annotated photos, measurements where applicable, and a written priority recommendation routed by safety priority. When the finding warrants it, we refer you to a Minnesota-licensed specialist for repair -- never to anyone we have a financial relationship with.

What It Means for Your Deal

Defects discovered during inspection are leverage. Whether you negotiate a credit, request a repair, or walk away, our reports give you and your agent the documentation needed to move forward with clarity. Report in 24 Hours turnaround means you keep your inspection contingency window intact.

Block retaining wall inspected at a Blaine home

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More about this service in Blaine

The Minnesota Residential Code requires 6 inches of fall in the first 10 feet from the foundation; we routinely measure newer Blaine yards (especially in the Lakes neighborhood, where landscape settling on freshly placed clay subgrade is universal) at flat or negative slope within 5 years of construction. The result: rainwater and snowmelt pool against the foundation, eventually finding a way through cold joints, tie rods, or the basement window wells. Fix: regrade with clay-rich fill, extend downspouts 6+ feet, install proper window well covers. Costs $300-$1,500 for most homes. We document slope direction, downspout discharge distance, and water staining on the foundation exterior.

FAQ

Common questions about Improper Grading / Negative Slope

Severity depends on the specific finding, the location, and the home's age. We rate every defect we document by safety priority -- Safety / Major / Minor / Maintenance -- so you know exactly what's a deal-breaker and what's a Saturday-afternoon fix.

Some defects (Federal Pacific panels, polybutylene, knob-and-tube, active mold, recall-class plumbing) trigger insurance carrier requirements. We document every finding so your carrier and lender have the information they need.

They can -- but you have leverage. Most Minnesota purchase agreements include an inspection contingency that allows you to renegotiate, request credits, or walk away within the contingency window.