Question
An inspector has told me that one area on the front of my house is lower than the yard causing water to collect there.  He says I should build the area up 4-5 inches and then gradually taper it out into the yard.  What should I use for this right up against the foundation...fill dirt, mulch?  I know that rock will just allow the water to seep down.  My thought is to use fill dirt 2-3 inches up the foundation and then follow with black plastic and then 2-3 inches of plastic mulch.  Does that sound right? (thank you!!)

Answer
If your foundation is concrete or concrete block, yes, you can raise the extra 4-5 inches with fill dirt.  The black plastic barrier will also impede root growth, so if you have foundation plants they will not like that idea. The mulch really doesn't do anything but make it look nice.

A gradual taper from raised edge of the foundation, out to the yard should extend at least 5 feet out from the house foundation, beyhond any overhang or eve.  

Hope that helps ~Marc