Question
We had new landscaping installed around our stucco home.  When thet put the D.G. in to finish it comes up to the top of the foundation right where the bottom of the stucco wall begins.  I am afraiad it is too high and we may get water in the house.  What is the proper height of the soil against the foundation?

Answer
Most codes require 6 to 9 inches of distance between the top of the finished grade and the bottom of any artificial stucco, siding or exterior finish treatment. If you have real stucco (with no foam behind it) that is solid cement over a concrete or masonry wall then it is not as important as long as the soil level is below the finished floor level.

I would recommend 9 inches so that you have 3 inches for mulch allowing for 6 inches of final clearance...over time mulch gets thicker from added layers.

Best of Luck
Sean J Murphy

www.seengineering.co,
www.amenityarchitects.com