This comprehensive audit form helps homeowners identify and mitigate exterior drainage risks before storm season. Complete all sections thoroughly to ensure accurate risk assessment and effective action planning. Mandatory questions ensure critical data is captured for safety evaluation.
Property Address
Assessment Date & Time
Assessor Name
Property Age (Years)
Property Type
Single Family Detached
Townhouse
Duplex
Other
Document recent weather patterns to contextualize current drainage performance and standing water observations. Accurate weather data is essential for evaluating drainage system adequacy.
Recent Rainfall Intensity (Last 48 Hours)
Light Drizzle
Steady Rain
Heavy Downpour
No Recent Rain
Time of Last Significant Rainfall
Estimated Rainfall Amount (mm or inches)
Is additional rainfall forecasted within the next 72 hours?
Have you experienced any flooding or water intrusion during previous storms?
Evaluate each exterior zone for proper drainage, slope direction, and standing water duration. This is the core assessment for identifying foundation risks. Complete every row with current conditions.
Exterior Zone Drainage Analysis
Exterior Zone | Slope Direction | Standing Water Duration | Current Water Depth (if applicable) | Zone Photo | Immediate Action Required | Risk Level | Notes & Observations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Walkway | Slopes Away From House | Drains Instantly | 🟢 Safe | |||||
Garage Apron | Flat/Level | Pools 1-3 Hours | 🟢 Safe | |||||
Patio Deck | Slopes Toward Foundation | Standing Water >12 Hours | 🔴 High Foundation Risk | |||||
Basement Window Well | Slopes Toward Foundation | Pools 1-3 Hours | 🟡 Caution | |||||
🟢 Safe | ||||||||
🟢 Safe | ||||||||
🟢 Safe | ||||||||
🟢 Safe | ||||||||
🟢 Safe | ||||||||
🟢 Safe |
Does your property have a gutter system installed?
Are all gutters free from visible debris, leaves, and blockages?
Do gutters show signs of sagging, detachment, or improper pitch?
Are downspouts securely attached and directing water at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from foundation?
Do you have downspout extensions or underground drainage pipes installed?
Total number of downspouts on property
Have you observed water overflowing from gutters during heavy rain?
Foundation Type
Basement
Crawl Space
Concrete Slab
Pier & Beam
Other
Is the soil grade (slope) around your foundation properly sloped away from the house?
Recommended slope is 6 inches over 10 feet (5% grade). How many zones meet this standard?
Have you observed foundation cracks, water stains, or moisture in the basement/crawl space?
Is there visible settlement or sinking of soil around the foundation creating water collection points?
Soil Type Around Foundation
Clay (poor drainage)
Sandy (good drainage)
Loam (balanced drainage)
Unknown
Mixed composition
Are there visible gaps between soil and foundation wall indicating soil shrinkage?
Do you have a French drain or perimeter drain system installed?
Are there any catch basins or storm drains on your property?
Do you have a sump pump installed?
Are there any dry wells or rain gardens installed for stormwater management?
Do you have permeable paving materials installed (porous concrete, pavers, gravel)?
Are there any swales or berms directing water flow on your property?
Are there trees or large shrubs within 10 feet (3 meters) of your foundation?
Are mulch beds or flower gardens graded properly to slope away from the house?
Do you have retaining walls on your property?
Are there any paved surfaces (driveways, walkways) that slope toward the foundation?
Do you use automatic irrigation systems near the foundation?
Based on your observations above, rate the overall risk level for each major category. This helps prioritize remediation efforts and budget allocation.
Rate the following risk factors (1 = Low Risk, 5 = Critical Risk):
Overall Foundation Water Risk | |
Gutter & Downspout System Failure Risk | |
Negative Grading Severity | |
Standing Water Persistence | |
Drainage Infrastructure Adequacy | |
Storm Readiness Level |
Which exterior zones require immediate attention within 7 days? (Select all that apply)
Front Walkway
Garage Apron
Patio Deck
Basement Window Well
None - All zones are safe
Other zones not listed
Do you estimate that any standing water is within 2 feet (60cm) of the foundation?
Estimated budget available for drainage improvements
Overall Storm Readiness Score (1 = Not Ready, 10 = Fully Prepared)
Based on your assessment, identify specific actions to mitigate identified risks. Prioritize tasks by urgency and potential impact on foundation safety.
Rank the following improvement measures by priority (1 = Highest Priority, 10 = Lowest Priority):
Re-grade soil to slope away from foundation | |
Install or repair gutter systems | |
Add downspout extensions | |
Install French drain system | |
Create swales or berms | |
Install sump pump | |
Repair foundation cracks | |
Remove problematic vegetation | |
Install catch basins | |
Add permeable paving |
Which professional services will you require? (Select all that apply)
Landscaping/Grading contractor
Gutter installation specialist
Foundation repair contractor
Drainage system installer
Arborist for tree removal
General contractor
None - Will handle as DIY
Other
Will you need to coordinate with neighbors for shared drainage solutions?
Target completion date for critical repairs
Do you have homeowner's insurance that covers foundation water damage?
Upload overall property photos showing grading and drainage patterns
Attach any previous inspection reports or drainage plans
Additional observations, concerns, or notes:
Would you like to schedule a follow-up assessment after improvements are completed?
I acknowledge that this assessment is for informational purposes and does not replace professional engineering evaluation or structural assessment
Assessor Signature & Completion Confirmation