How to Fix the Slope Grading for a House

Determine the Current Slope

• 1

  Measure 10 feet out from the foundation wall. Push a wooden stake in the ground close to the foundation and another one at the 10-foot mark.

• 2

  Tie one end of a piece of string at least 12 feet long to the stake near the foundation. Pulling the string taut as you go, bring the other end of the string to the stake located at the 10-foot mark. Use a level to be sure the string is straight and level before securing it to the stake.

• 3

  Measure the distance from the string to the ground at both stakes. The distance from the string to the ground at the 10-foot stake should be at least 6 inches more than the stake near the foundation. This is the minimum requirement for residential settings. If the distance is 6 inches or more, the grade of the ground near your foundation is just fine.

• 4

  Repeat at various points around your foundation. Check all questionable areas around your foundation to be sure the grading is sufficient. If the grading around your house meets or exceeds minimum requirements, your job is done. If your grading falls short, you need to fix it.

• 5

  Record your measurements, making note of where each was taken, if you have to change the slope.

Grading the Ground

• 6

  Deposit dirt near the foundation and outward toward the 10-foot mark. Your goal is to attain a slope in which the ground at the 10-foot mark is at least 6 inches below the ground at the foundation. Use your measurements to determine where to put the dirt and how much to put down.

• 7

  Pack the dirt. Tamp down the dirt with shovels to compact it a bit and keep it from shifting. Remove the stakes and string.

• 8

  Finish the soil as you wish. This may mean adding sod or grass seed, flowers or lawn ornamentation.