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Question
Hi
We are about to close our new Townhouse. We had a Home inspector to inspect the house. He found a small puddle in the garage. In his report he has said-under 1)FLOOR SLAB "standing water in the garage. Any drains, such as discharging lines should be directed away from the foundation so that they do not contribute to water infiltration, erosion or consequential damage from backup".
2) under FOUNDATION-" There may be a crack in the garage foundation that is allowing water to enter the slab area. Chronic water leakage/seepage promote the growth of mold and mildew.
He says it is a serious problem. Can this be fixed by the builder. What kind of assurance do I need to get from the builder to have peace of mind?
Please give your expert opinion.
Thanks
Hemalatha Elango.
Hemalatha - thanks for your question!
This should be easily fixable by your builder. Most water problems in foundations are caused by blocked or disconnected downspouts.
Make sure all downspouts and drains are properly connected and unblocked; make sure the grade slopes AWAY from the foundation; and have the foundation and slab checked for cracks. Once this is done, have your home inspector back out to verify it.
I hope you'll soon be enjoying your new home!
Hope this helps,
Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com
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Answers by Expert:
Richard Taylor, AIA
Expertise
Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.
Experience
I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.
Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America
Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect
Custom Home Architect
Remodeling Architect
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.
Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year
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