VERT / GREEN
Observe where rain/snow water goes before excavating or lowering the threshold.
Exterior basement entry and drainage
Coordinate stairs, side walls, guards, threshold, drain, possible pump, snow and grading to avoid creating a water basin against the foundation.
JAUNE / YELLOW
A below-grade entrance depends on reliable drainage and a watertight threshold/foundation detail.
ROUGE / RED
Drain without reliable outlet, excavation near footing, retaining wall or non-compliant egress: design/permit required.
Interactive triage
Helps choose the next step; does not replace design, permits or professional diagnosis.
Useful tools and data
- Grades/elevations
- Drain outlet
- Foundation plan
What the professional checks
- Verify stability/excavation
- Size drainage
- Detail threshold/waterproofing
Official sources
Checked 2026-08-22.
Related path
Continue with the right tools
These links connect this page to the next useful checks and decisions without repeating the full content.
Start from a symptomOrganize plausible causes, observations, urgency and the right professional.Open →Track water useCompare meter readings and flag unusual changes.Open →Review water resilienceConnect flooding, drainage and future events to building adaptations.Open →Score home resiliencePrioritize water, outages, fire, climate, health and records.Open →Plan site, drainage and utilitiesCoordinate access, water, sewer, wells, septic, grading and site constraints.Open →
Tools related to this issue
Manage the project through closeout
Special check related to this project
V14
Systems to check before closing the work
V14 connects envelope, air, fire, structure, water and code instead of treating each project in isolation.
V15
Remaining system checks not to miss
V15 covers issues that can block a project, cause a loss or become expensive once concealed.
V16
Advanced diagnostics to cross-check
V16 connects water, soil, climate, safety, materials and seasonal use to existing projects.
V17
Specialized systems to cross-check
V17 completes gas, soil, water, fire, climate and structural interfaces.
V18
Specialized diagnostics to verify
V18 connects systems that become costly or regulated when a primary project triggers them.
V19
Edge systems to integrate into the project
V19 covers interfaces that become important when multiple home systems interact.
V28
Finish and service details to verify
V28 connects small details that become costly once finishes are closed.
V29
Household safety and compliance details
V29 connects smaller risks that often fall between finishes, appliances, plumbing and local code.
V33
Invisible constraints before work
V33 checks electrical, legal, environmental and climate constraints that can block a project before demolition starts.
V47
V47 interfaces not to miss
These details are small on a drawing but can control water, structure or durability.