An inadaquite pitch in grading needs to be raised on one side of a home. How much does a job like that cost?

Question:We're looking into buying a home and one of the issues is some slight moisture in one corner of the basement. Growing up with a basement that flooded, this was a big concern, but I was told it was only due to an inadaquite pitch in grading along the eastern most foundation. We were told it needed to be raised to at least 10" in the first 10 feet around that area of the foundation.

Does anyone have an estimate as to what this job would cost?

Answers:
Typically speaking, basements should have a perimeter drain installed at or below the slab level. Any other situation may experience water infiltration into the basement. Waterproofing the exterior side of the basement wall is better than the inside. Most jusridictions require grading away from the house foundation at 2% (1/4" fall per foot) for 4 feet. You are being told to provide fall at 8% for 10' away from the basement wall. What about the rain gutters? they need to be in 4" to 6" (depending on the tributary area of the roof) PVC pipes, additionally water will still be driven toward the house by wind. You can also pour an impervious surface against the house (4' wide concrete walkway) to help mitigate moisture from getting to the foundation wall. To answer your question, a tractor Skiploader or dozer (that has access) can perform the work in less than a day, including some hand digging work at the house.