What to observe after rain
Look for water collecting along the foundation, low spots, erosion, downspouts discharging at the perimeter, and runoff from adjacent grades.
Grading and water direction
Surface drainage generally should move water away from the structure toward a safe discharge area.
Drainage is not automatically structural repair
Correcting a drainage issue can be important, but it does not prove that structural repair is needed.
Connect the issues
If drainage concerns appear with cracks, settlement, or floor changes, have both the structure and site conditions evaluated.