What Signs Should I Look for During or after Heavy Rain?

After a heavy rain, watch for standing water near foundations, pooling along driveways, and water pooling against walls or under steps. Check whether the ground slopes away from the house and if roof gutters and downpipes route water away from walls and into proper drainage rather than onto paths or into planters that could overflow. Inspect pool overflow channels, surface drains and culverts to see if they direct water to appropriate outlets, not toward neighbouring plots. Note any eroded ground, washed-out soil, or damp patches on exterior walls or interior ceilings. Talk to neighbours about historical ponding and the local drainage performance during peak rainfall. A dry-season photo shouldn’t be treated as proof of wet-season behavior. If you notice potential issues, hire an independent inspector to document ground levels, drainage capacity and actual water flow, and compare notes with other nearby properties to gauge risk.