Water in basement

4 years ago

We are building with a tract builder and this is the second time we've seen water pool in this exact spot in the basement. The house almost completed, we are about 2 months from closing.
Does anyone have experience with basement drainage issues or know what may be causing this? Also, any ideas on if this is something the builder will be willing to help with if we bring it up? I figure it wont hurt to bring up either way, but just need to gauge where I should place my expectations.

Featured Answer

worthy

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Two months from closing means this is not a completed house. Final grading, sodding, landscaping and additional drains may not be completed and eavestrough and downspouts not connected.

Before painting or otherwise finishing a basement floor, I've had the floor rinsed down with water first. This could be as simple as that. Never hurts to ask the builder. Which btw, is not the same thing as yelling, accusation and threats.

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Comments (9)

vaimeta
Original Author
4 years ago
functionthenlook
4 years ago
There should be no water in a new build basement. Yes, tell the contractor to fix it and make sure he does correctly.
vaimeta thanked functionthenlook
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whaas_5a
4 years ago
What is going on with the exterior as far as grading and gutters in this location?

Is the sump pump up and running?

Your drain tile shouldn’t allow water to seep in at this location.
rrah
4 years ago
This is absolutely something the builder should rectify before closing. As said above, it could be as simple as incomplete grading, etc. right now. Many tract builders have warranty. I hope your builder does.
vaimeta
Original Author
4 years ago
There's definitely still a lot of work they need to do with grading and landscaping, so it's good to hear that this may be a factor instead of a possible foundation issue.

Sump pump is not up and running yet, it's on the opposite side of the basement.

I did go ahead and let our sales agent know and she will engage with the foreman about it. I always try to be as polite as I can when talking about these issues that come up with the agent or anyone involved. I know that they're all human and yelling and getting mad won't fix the issues, but @worthy I think it's a good point to bring up that these concerns should be brought up in a civil and respectful way.

Thank you everyone!
Izzy Mn
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Did the inspector sign off on the foundation work, was there a inspection. Can you get that sign off information.

Also, just because they signed off doesn't mean it was done correctly. As in, exterior water proofing, drain tile done correctly. And the final regrading before did is laid, also gutter installation.

FYI, by nephew had major issues with drain tile, grading, waterproofing on a new house. Took 3 years to resolve with builder, arbitration and settlement, foundation rebuild by another company. Problems didn't show up until 4 months after move in during spring snow melt. BTW, his was inspected, but inspector signed off on, they were friends.
vaimeta
Original Author
4 years ago
They did finish grading this week and plugged in the sump pump and it seems to have cleared up this puddle recurrence. Hoping it doesn't come back, thank you all for your thoughtful responses!
worthy
4 years ago
Since the "like" functions are inoperative, nice to hear the outcome. And a good one at that!

Water in basement

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