Can anyone suggest something I might have around the home to cover the metal at the top of my extension ladder to prevent scratching the surfaces that it leans against?

[left]I’m having an issue with water coming into my below grade garage and finished basement. Water comes through the foundation walls in several locations. Adding interior French drains isn’t really an option due to high cost and having to demo finished walls. Exterior footing drains and waterproofing is also too expensive. The exterior soil is graded poorly and water flows towards the foundation where the problem areas are. I am planning on bringing in more soil to grade the yard so that water flows away from the house, but I don’t know if that will solve my problem, but I’m afraid that won’t fix the problem. Can anyone suggest some ways keep water from getting to the foundation? Perhaps some sort of retaining wall / planter bed next to the foundation along with an exterior French drain near the surface that will carry the water far enough away from the house that it doesn’t cause problems? Im looking for a solution that I can do myself. [/left]