Basements - questions to ask

[newhomeb]

Thanks to all suggestions!
NewHomeCarolinas and NJCoqui - points taken...thanks for your expert suggestions!

Our yard is sloped only on one side. When we walk out of the basement it will be pretty flat. We were thinking of asking for a gradual slope on the backyard. Builder says they can either do a gradual sloe or a flat yard and a steep slope at the very end. I did not like the idea of steep fall at the end. The only issue that I see with gradual slope is I will not be able to put a trampoline/swing set for the kids
What can be done for the soil erosion on the left side of the house where there will be slope?

[SCCoqui]

I'd actually opt for the level yard with the steep slope at the tail end, that's what we had. Then whe just raised the retaining wall and leveled out the last few feet by filling it in. We have a completely level back yard.

I'm not sure about the sloped side. I'm having a hard time visualizing it. Is that an area that can also be leveled by adding a wall?

[newhomeb]

You are right...but we do not have the retaining wall on our yard..just comes upto the neighbor's yard...And its not even a wall, just a iron railings fence, wonder how that can be even called retaining wall. Was wondering if I should ask for retaining wall or leave it as is..If I leave it as is, since there are woods behind..the yard gets a bigger feel.

Its sloped on only one side of the house...the other side is not really that steep slope...And we will be coming out onto the patio and facing this not so sloped area ..I did see some pics where they have small retaining walls in the form of steps..I think that helps prevent soil erosion too...I doubt that anyone can even mow on slope...

[newhomeb]

Was also wondering if the builders have any sound proofing between the walls? I have heard toilet flushing in some houses and do not want every foot step on the first floor to be heard in the basement