Replacing flowerbed with concrete along the edge of house? (foundations, drain, pipe)

[topdowntx]

We bought a foreclosured house in Houston area. It's our first house, a 12 yr old house. The house is on a slab foundation. One thing we noticed that the corner next to the front entrance is like a little pond when it rains. At that corner, the inside wood trim shows decay. Our remodeling contractor noticed that the house is slightly leaning from toward the front. He suggested we replace the flowerbed with concrete around the house or at least lengthwise of the house. He mentioned that by doing that, it prevents water going down to damage the foundation. In addition, it's time saving for us since we are not good at landscaping or planting.

I am wondering if anyone knows of any functional reason for the concrete to be around the edge of the house. It's very expensive to do that and we want to make sure it's the right way to add value to the house.

Thanks a lot!!!

[ZugZub]

Why not just drain it properly and keep the flower beds? Concrete is ugly.

[cdelena]

Fixing the drainage is usually the way to go.

Many of the foundations in Texas are slabs that are best maintained with a fairly consistant moisture level so concrete on one side could actually cause problems.

[poconoproud]

Is there gutters on the home to direct water away from the corners of the foundation?

Did you have an inspector (other than the remodeling contractor's) evaluate the property to really get the scope of the damage?

can you post a picture?

[GloryB]

I would assume the concrete is used to keep muddy rain splatter from getting on the house and protect the foundation. I always thought people used small rocks with plants in them for the same purpose.
Here's a good article I found about it online:
Brady Home Services - Drainage Around the Home

[K'ledgeBldr]

Your info was a little vague, but here's my take on the info your provided- As others mentioned, try to be more specific with the details and provide some pictures if possible.

I think somebody's trying to take you for a ride!
All foundations, slab, basement, etc. should have a grade of 6/10. 6" of fall for every 10' of run. Water shouldn't be held against the house if the grade is correct. Check gutters (if there is any) for correct pitch and that they are not clogged. If there is only splash blocks at the downspouts- consider using solid drain tile and pipe the downspouts into the yard with pop-ups, or all the way to the curb.
Also check the ground height at the base of the foundation. You should have approximately 6"+ from framing material/siding to the ground. It may be possible that the previous owner has built the flowerbeds up to high and that is holding water against the house.