Landscape Grading and Wall Clearance in New Homes
In new construction homes, especially here in Las Vegas, one of the most common and easily overlooked issues involves landscape grading and the clearance between the soil and the home’s exterior walls. These may not be the first things that come to mind when walking a new property, but they are key factors in protecting a home from long-term moisture and structural problems.
As a home inspector, I regularly encounter grading issues and improper wall clearance that could lead to water intrusion, foundation damage, and pest entry. These are preventable issues, but they’re often missed during construction or go unnoticed by buyers and agents focused on more visible features.
Here’s why proper grading and wall clearance are essential to the health of a newly built home and what to look for before the home is finalized.
Landscape Grading and Wall Clearance Are Critical in Las Vegas New Construction
What Is Landscape Grading?
Landscape grading refers to how the soil is sloped around the home. Ideally, the ground should slope downward and away from the foundation to carry rainwater or irrigation runoff away from the structure. The general recommendation is a slope of at least six inches over ten feet.
In Las Vegas, we may not get frequent rain, but when storms do hit, they can come fast and heavy. Combined with the fact that many yards rely on irrigation systems, poor grading can lead to water pooling near the base of the home. Over time, this can result in:
Water seepage into the foundation or slab
Moisture buildup that promotes mold growth
Erosion that undermines patios or walkways
Cracking or settling of concrete surfaces
Proper grading is not just a best practice—it’s a protective measure.
What Is Wall Clearance?
Wall clearance refers to the space between the finished soil grade and the bottom edge of the home’s exterior wall material. For stucco, brick, or siding, there should typically be at least four to six inches of vertical clearance from the soil. This prevents water from splashing onto the wall system and helps avoid direct contact with wood framing or other moisture-sensitive materials.
When clearance is too low or the soil is in contact with siding or stucco, it can:
Allow water to wick up into the wall system
Cause premature deterioration of materials
Create an entry point for termites or other pests
Trap moisture that leads to rot or mold inside the wall cavity
Many homeowners don't realize that something as simple as a raised flower bed or poor landscaping can create these conditions—even if the rest of the construction appears sound.
Why These Issues Happen in New Construction
In Las Vegas, new construction happens fast. Builders often work on tight schedules, and multiple crews handle different parts of the job. Site grading and final landscaping may be completed by separate subcontractors long after the foundation is poured or the walls are installed. Sometimes the original slope is changed during the installation of patios, walkways, or irrigation systems.
Clearance issues can also happen after construction. Homeowners or landscapers may unintentionally raise the soil level with decorative rock, artificial turf, or garden beds, not realizing they’ve created a risk.
That’s why it’s so important to inspect for proper grading and wall clearance before move-in. It’s also something realtors can flag during walkthroughs or final punch-list reviews.
The Long-Term Risks of Ignoring Grading and Clearance
When water is allowed to collect at the base of a home or come into contact with wall systems, the effects may not be immediate—but they will show up over time. Homeowners may notice cracked stucco, musty smells, mold growth near the baseboards, or uneven floors. By that point, the repairs can be costly and time-consuming.
Termite activity is another concern. In Las Vegas, where subterranean termites are active, soil contact with wood framing or siding gives pests easy access into the structure.
Poor grading and wall clearance can also complicate home warranties and insurance claims. If moisture damage is found and traced back to improper soil height or drainage, repairs might not be covered.
What Can Be Done to Fix or Prevent the Problem
If grading or wall clearance problems are identified before closing, the builder can usually address them with minimal effort. This might include regrading the soil, adding drainage pathways, or lowering soil that’s been placed too high around the home.
After the fact, repairs can be more involved, especially if moisture has already affected interior materials. That’s why it’s much better to catch these issues early.
During a home inspection, I check the slope around the entire perimeter of the house and measure wall clearance in multiple locations. Even in homes that appear finished and landscaped, small grading issues can hide behind bushes, near HVAC units, or at the corners of the property.
Final Thoughts
In new construction, it’s easy to get caught up in finishes, features, and floorplans—but what’s happening outside the home, along the base of the walls, is just as important. Proper landscape grading and wall clearance may not be flashy, but they’re essential for protecting a home from long-term damage.
Whether you’re buying a new home in Las Vegas or representing a client who is, make sure these simple but critical details aren’t overlooked. A professional home inspection can help identify these issues and give peace of mind before the final walk-through or closing day.
