Structural maintenance

Water is the lever you actually control. Rain that lands on a roof and is dumped at the base of the wall soaks the soil right where it does the most damage. Downspout extensions are one of the cheapest interventions available against a repair that averages $5,179 (This Old House, 2026).

Twice a year: clear gutters, check that downspouts discharge well away from the wall, walk the perimeter and look for soil that has settled into a slope toward the house, and check for new cracks. Photograph the perimeter so you can compare year to year.

Watch the extremes. In expansive clay soils, both drought and heavy rain move the ground. Keeping soil moisture reasonably consistent around the perimeter is a widely used approach in those regions; if you live in one, ask a local engineer what is appropriate for your soil rather than following generic advice.

Inside: fix leaks fast, keep crawl spaces dry, and look at posts and beams for rot or crushing once a year. In a basement, note where water enters and when.

How to choose

Downspout extensions first

Cheapest high-value item on this list. Get roof water several feet from the wall.

Re-establish positive grading

Soil should fall away from the house. Settled beds and mulch piled against siding both work against you.

Fix plumbing leaks immediately

A slow under-slab or supply leak saturates soil continuously. Unexplained water bill increases are worth chasing.

Take annual perimeter photos

Free, takes five minutes, and gives an engineer a timeline if you ever need one.

Don't plant large trees close to the foundation

Root systems change soil moisture. Ask a local arborist or engineer about appropriate distances for your soil and species.