Home inspection in Charter Oak.

It matters for any lot that sits low in the valley. Charter Oak grew up along the East Soldier River, and the Milwaukee Road came through in 1887, so the older blocks were laid out close to both the water and the tracks. Grade around the foundation, basement seepage lines, sump pump discharge and drain tile are worth attention, as are old rail-town houses whose original stone or block foundations have moved. The town paved its first street in 1929, so many lots are older than their drainage. Crawford County is EPA Radon Zone 1, so a 48-hour radon test is a sensible add-on.

Plan on two to three hours for an average home; larger, older or multi-unit properties run longer because there is simply more to document.