Difficult drainage problem. My house sits 5ft lower than neighbors. Steep slope with narrow distance between my house and base of slope.-est. 4 ft to slope base. Heavy rain= water into basement. Have very sandy soil! Landscape suggestions have included high-cost retaining wall with french drain, orw/ rock-filled trench only, (probably can't afford wall?)and most appealing and affordable riprock on slope with rock filled trench and complete re-grading on end and around ends of house to draw water away. Landscaper reluctant to use drain, says can clog, thinks rock trench with grading best.Will water carry off quickly enough in sandy soil or drain into basement as before? Also wondering if am crazy to consider riprock option at all, and if need to save my cash and do wall (or two level timber bed consideration) and will that make substantial difference in slowing water down. Looking at cost difference for rip rock solution with rock trench only at 1800.00 vs. over 5,000-6,000 for rock wall (55-70 ft wall, 5 ft high). Good luch with ideas and thanks!!