Start by documenting the condition
Track where it's located, when it appeared, any weather correlation, how it has changed, and prior work done. Photos and simple measurements strengthen the first conversation.
Read the local context
Troy's shift from township farmland to a city happened fast: incorporation in 1955, subdivisions and shopping centers filling in through the 60s and 70s, then the office towers that followed the Somerset Mall's 1969 opening. All of that construction sits over Oakland County glacial till -- sandy moraine in places, poorly drained Blount and Lenawee clay in others -- while Michigan's humid continental climate, with winter relative humidity averaging near 85 percent, keeps ambient moisture high enough that ventilation details matter regardless of which decade a given house was built in.
Ask what will be sealed away
Visible growth is only one part of the problem -- a solid plan also covers water entry, humidity, material condition, containment, and post-work verification. The written scope should spell out prep and verification steps that won't be visible once finished.
Evaluate complete proposals
Confirm protection measures, access, materials, permits, testing, cleanup, restoration, exclusions, warranties, and change-order terms are all addressed.
What official local sources add
The City of Troy's Engineering Department manages floodplain information, storm drains, and soil-erosion permitting, and its Streets and Drains Division investigates residential stormwater issues under Oakland County's stormwater permit program. Because Troy's housing spans several distinct construction eras built over the same slow-draining clay soils, current permitting and drainage requirements should be confirmed with the city before major exterior or crawlspace work begins.
Sources were reviewed 2026-07-26. Confirm parcel-specific flood zones, historic-district status, permits, and current requirements with the relevant authority before authorizing work.