Don't forget that landscaping does more than beautify your property. It can enhance your home's value and work with the grading and drainage to improve foundation performance. If done right, an investment in landscaping can return as much as 200% of its cost in street appeal and value. The American Society of Landscape Architects website contains some good ideas regarding landscaping. ASLA suggests a realistic budget of 5% - 10% of your house's value. 

If you are going to do it yourself, do it right. 

• Don't fill in the drainage swales that guide water away from the slab.
• Don't put in raised mulch beds without a proper slope or drainage.
• Keep at least a 4-6" clearance of plant bed material from the tops of the slab, footings and foundation. 
• Maintain at least a 12" clearance from the bottoms of wood beams or girders.

This really works, cold water only.  The sink drains into the tank and then you flush. 

Just when I think I've seen it all after 30 years in the business.

Courtesy of the ASHI Reporter

Basement & Foundations

Pour a kettle of boiling water down each drain monthly to dislodge grease and sap scum before it hardens into clogs.