Start with conditions, not a product
On Charleston's low, flat ground, drainage and structural planning are really one problem: standing water against a foundation accelerates the same settlement that soft marsh soil is already causing on its own.
Build a complete scope
- What was measured, and whether the ground is original or filled marsh
- Whether the structure is historic masonry, a raised pier house, or slab
- Whether the scale of work triggers floodplain elevation requirements
- Whether preservation review applies to anything that becomes visible
- Access on a constrained lot, restoration afterward, and warranty terms
Charleston structural and drainage context
Tidal proximity and a high water table mean drainage choices near Charleston carry more weight than they might elsewhere, since there's less margin before water reaches the foundation again.