Grading and Drainage Standards
Site drainage is limited to the immediate grades and swales (within 5 to 10 ft. of the foundation, depending on the setback) affecting the structure. Classic will establish grading of the site one time in a manner which assures that the water falling on the site, whether from natural precipitation or from normal lawn irrigation, will flow positively away from the foundation and concrete slabs of the Residence.
Coverage Summary
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ponding water standing more than 24 hours within 5 feet of the Residence | ✓ | First year after Warranty Commencement Date | — |
| Ponding water standing more than 72 hours in swales | ✓ | First year after Warranty Commencement Date | Swale must be within 10 feet of the foundation |
| Settlement over 4 inches in backfilled/excavated areas around the foundation and utility trenches | ✓ | First year | Classic fills these areas, provided grades were not changed |
| Visible sunken areas under exterior concrete due to settlement | ✓ | First year | Classic fills the sunken areas |
| Drainage that differs from the original installed grade | ✗ | — | Compared against the Grading Inspection Certificate (GIC) |
| Damage from new sod installation or watering | ✗ | — | Excluded from this Limited Warranty |
| Settlement in non-excavated areas | ✗ | — | Homeowner responsibility |
| Weather-caused changes to unlandscaped yards | ✗ | — | After grading established or occupancy, whichever occurs last |
If you or the HOA alter the drainage pattern after closing, or if changes in drainage occur due to lack of maintenance, especially on un-landscaped lots or yards, Classic reserves the right to void this Limited Warranty. Classic also reserves the right to void this Limited Warranty if water features are installed within 10 feet of the foundation.
Performance Standards
Drainage and Final Grade
Standard: Classic established the final grade to ensure adequate drainage away from the home. Drainage swales may follow property boundaries. It is normal for the site to receive water from and/or pass water on to other sites. Maintaining the drainage patterns established by Classic is the responsibility of the Homeowner or the HOA. Classic does not alter drainage swales or patterns to suit individual landscape plans.
Coverage: Classic documents the final grade that existed at the time of delivery of your home or, depending on weather, as soon thereafter as possible. Classic will inspect drainage problems that are reported during the Limited Warranty period by comparing the existing grades to those originally established by Classic and documented on The Grading Inspection Certificate (GIC) you received. During the Limited Warranty Period Classic will not repair and correct any drainage that differs from the original installed grade. Classic is not responsible for weather-caused changes to unlandscaped yards after grading has been established or after the date of occupancy, whichever occurs last.
Ponding or Standing Water
Standard: No standing or ponding water should remain in the immediate area of the Residence longer than twenty-four (24) hours after a rain, except in swales where water should not stand longer than seventy-two (72) hours.
Coverage: Classic will correct, during the first year after the Warranty Commencement Date, ponding water which stands for more than 24 hours within 5 feet of the Residence, or more than 72 hours in swales as long as the ponding water is within 10 feet of the foundation.
Settlement
Standard: Backfilled or excavated areas around the foundation and at utility trenches should not interfere with the drainage away from your home.
Coverage: If these areas settle more than four (4) inches during the first year, Classic Homes will fill these areas provided that you have not changed the grades, swales, and drainage patterns for the home. You are responsible for any settlement that occurs in any non-excavated areas of the property. If settlement occurs under exterior concrete, Classic will fill the visible sunken areas under the concrete during the first year of the Limited Warranty.
Winter Grading
Standard: Due to weather conditions, especially during winter and early spring, the final grade may not have been established at the time of closing.
Coverage: Classic documents the status of your grading at the Final Walkthrough/Orientation. When conditions permit, grading work will continue. You must confirm that Classic has completed your grading before beginning your landscaping.
What's Not Covered
The following are excluded from warranty coverage:
- Homeowner or HOA changes to grading or drainage - If the Homeowner or HOA makes changes in grading or drainage, has installed landscaping improperly, or failed to perform required maintenance to maintain the proper drainage, and these are deemed to be the cause of the damages, Classic, as a courtesy, may suggest corrective measures but will not be responsible for their implementation or expense
- New sod damage - New sod installation and the extra watering that accompanies it can cause temporary minor drainage problems; damage that occurs to the yard or home that is the result of the installation or watering of new sod is excluded from this Limited Warranty. If the watering causes any severe problem, please make the appropriate repairs or contact your HOA
- Drainage differing from the original installed grade - Not repaired or corrected during the Limited Warranty Period
- Weather-caused changes to unlandscaped yards - After grading has been established or after the date of occupancy, whichever occurs last
- Settlement in non-excavated areas - You are responsible for any settlement in non-excavated areas of the property
- Water features within 10 feet of the foundation - Water features that are not properly installed can induce large amounts of water into the foundation zone; water features are not to be installed within 10 feet of the foundation, and Classic reserves the right to void this Limited Warranty if they are
Filing a Claim
If you believe you have a warranty issue:
- Confirm the grades, swales, and drainage patterns have not been changed since Classic established the final grade
- For ponding water, note how long the water stands (more than 24 hours within 5 feet of the Residence, or more than 72 hours in swales within 10 feet of the foundation)
- Have your Grading Inspection Certificate (GIC) available for comparison
- Request Service
Related Standards
Care Tips: See Grading and Drainage Use & Care for maintenance and troubleshooting guidance.