North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

What indicates insufficient drainage around a foundation?

1. Poor landscaping

2. Cracks in concrete

3. Wet soil against the foundation

4. Loss of vegetation

The correct answer is: Wet soil against the foundation

Insufficient drainage around a foundation is most clearly indicated by wet soil against the foundation. When drainage is inadequate, water tends to pool around the base of the structure instead of flowing away. Over time, this can lead to an accumulation of moisture in the soil, which may compromise the integrity of the foundation and contribute to issues like mold growth, foundation shifts, or even structural damage. Wet soil acts as a clear signal that the water management system—whether through grading, gutters, or downspouts—might not be functioning effectively to direct water away from the foundation. Other factors, such as poor landscaping or cracks in the concrete, may contribute to or indicate drainage issues, but wet soil directly reflects the presence of water accumulation and inadequate drainage systems. Loss of vegetation can also be a secondary indicator, but it does not directly show the impact of insufficient drainage as clearly as wet soil does. Therefore, wet soil against the foundation serves as the most definitive sign of drainage problems.