Will tiers keep water from getting into my basement?

Question

My backyard slopes toward my house. I've read about berms and french drains, and I do not think that those options will work for me. I was thinking of putting tiers in and I think the yard is set up well for that. Would tiers keep water away and out of the basement? We already had cracks in the basement wall.

Also, I didn't know if it would be a good idea to put a cement patio on that back wall? Will it hurt or help the water getting into the basement?

Answer 1

I would contact a Landscape Architect,(LA). You have really big problems that I don't think you are going to solve yourself. The options you have asked about will just direct more water to your basement.

A LA would be able to design a system that will direct the water away from your house. That MAY include french drains, terracing and other things.  

The reason I suggest a LA is because if you do something to your property to divert the water, and it ends up impacting one or more of your neighbors, you can be sued for damages. A LA is LICENSED for doing that kind of work. Yes, it will be expensive. The property you describe will have NO easy fix. But, the job will be done right, and not have to be done over at greater expense, and alleviate the prospect of damage to adjoining properties.

And I have to tell you, you need a LICENSED LA or even a Landscape Engineer. Both are licensed. A Landscape Designer is NOT licensed to work with these kind of problems.