When you perform home inspections every day you start to see some patterns. Over the last five years of home inspections here in the Grand Rapids areas there are two issues I see on almost every home I inspect; missing gutters and neutral or negative grading. These items may not seem like a big deal but if they go unchecked long-term they can cause big issues and cost you thousands of dollars.

The state of Michigan surprisingly does not (as of 2021) require gutters on new homes, so this is not just an issue on older homes. Gutters help collect the water from the roof and direct it away from the home and its foundation. It is worth noting that just because a home has gutters that does not mean they are working correctly. Many of the home I inspect with gutters are just draining the water next to the foundation. Over time this water can find its way into the basement causing water damage and mold issues or if the soil does not allow the water to drain this water will start putting pressure on the foundation and can cause cracking bowing and serious structural issues. So make sure your home has gutters and that the downspouts are directing this water away from your home!.

The second item is Grading. Grading is the slope of the dirt around your home. When homes are built here in Michigan they are normally excavated to put in the basement and foundation. After that work is done they are backfilled. Over the first few years the area around the house will normally settle a few inches and create a negative slope back towards the foundation. The problems this can cause are similar to those that not having gutters can cause. The solution is to get some top soil with a clay content to build up the area around the home so that it slopes away.

95% of the home I inspect have one or both of these issues. Having gutters installed can usually be done for under $1000 and grading can be done over a weekend or hired out to a landscaping professional.

Although these may not seem like big issues they are important to take care of now to avoid large issues in the future!

Danny Geurink, Certified Master Inspector

Your Grand Rapids Home Inspector