Totally agree on the prep for self-leveling—seen a few crews rush it and regret it later. I’ve had better luck when we vacuum, then hit the slab with a primer, even if it looks clean. As for water, I’m always surprised how a “flat” lot can still find ways to pool water in weird spots. French drains have saved me more than once, but I’ve also started sloping patios just a hair more than code requires. It’s those little tweaks that save headaches down the line.
BUILDING ON LEVEL GROUND: STEP-BY-STEP TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF A FLAT LOT
Funny how “flat” never really means flat, right? I’ve had spots in my backyard where water just sits for days, even though everything looked level on paper. I started using a long straightedge and a marble to find those sneaky low points before pouring anything—sometimes it’s just a quarter inch off, but that’s enough. Curious if you’ve ever tried trench drains instead of French drains? I’ve found they’re a bit easier to clean out, but not sure if they hold up as well over time.
