Honestly, waterproofing and drainage aren't overkill at all—especially these days. I've seen way too many beautifully designed spaces ruined by unexpected flooding or moisture issues. A client of mine once skipped extra drainage in their basement remodel, thinking it was unnecessary, and ended up with a mini indoor pool after one particularly nasty storm... not exactly the spa experience they were hoping for.
If you're already investing in quality materials like stainless steel mesh (smart move, btw), adding some basic waterproofing measures is just good sense. It doesn't have to be complicated either—something as simple as a French drain or sealing the concrete properly can save you from major headaches down the line. Plus, peace of mind is priceless when you're hunkered down during a storm, right?
I'd say go for it. Better safe than soggy.
I get your point about waterproofing, but honestly, sometimes simpler is better. I've renovated a few properties myself, and I've found that if the grading around your structure is done properly from the start, you rarely need extra drainage systems like French drains. They're great in theory, but I've seen them clog or fail over time. I'd rather spend a bit more upfront on proper landscaping and grading—less maintenance and fewer surprises down the road.
I see where you're coming from, and good grading definitely helps a ton. But honestly, with older homes like mine (built in 1923), sometimes you don't have the luxury of starting fresh with perfect landscaping. I've found that a well-installed French drain can be a lifesaver if your property has tricky slopes or mature trees messing up the grading. Sure, they can clog, but regular checks and simple maintenance—like clearing leaves and debris—usually keep them running smoothly. Just my two cents from dealing with an old house...
Totally agree with the French drain recommendation, especially with older properties. Have you found the drains holding up well over multiple seasons, or do you notice them needing more frequent attention as time goes on? I've flipped a few older homes (mostly 1940s and 50s ranch-styles), and drainage is almost always a headache. Grading is ideal, sure, but sometimes you're stuck with what's already there—big old trees, weird slopes, or even neighboring properties that drain right onto yours.
One thing I've started doing lately is pairing French drains with catch basins at key points. Have you tried that combo yet? It seems to help funnel water more effectively and reduces clogging issues overall. Plus, they're pretty easy to clean out every couple of months if you stay on top of it.
Curious though—have you run into any root intrusion problems from mature trees near your French drains? I had one property where the previous owner had installed drains years ago without considering nearby maples; roots got into the system and caused a major backup. Ended up having to redo a good chunk of it...not fun. Since then, I've been careful about placement and using root barriers when possible.
But yeah, regular maintenance is really key here. It's amazing how much difference just clearing out leaves and debris makes in keeping things running smoothly. Have you noticed any particular type of drain cover or screen working better for keeping debris out? I've experimented with a few different options but haven't settled on one yet.
Glad your storm shelter passed inspection smoothly though—that's always a relief when dealing with older homes. Did you have to do much prep work beforehand, or was it pretty straightforward this time around?
I've had pretty good luck with French drains overall, but yeah, roots can definitely be a pain. Had a similar issue with an old oak tree—roots got in and clogged things up pretty bad. Ended up installing root barriers after redoing that section, and it's been smooth sailing since. Haven't tried catch basins yet, but now you've got me curious...might give that a shot next time around. As for drain covers, I've found the metal mesh screens hold up better than plastic ones, especially with heavy leaf fall.
