Home inspection in Lacona.

Because the slopes here are not uniform. The Southern Iowa Drift Plain carries stepped erosion surfaces — broad steps notched into hillsides — so ground that looks like one smooth grade actually changes pitch partway down, and water that drains well at the top of a lot can pond against a foundation lower down. On sloping Lacona properties, the full lot matters rather than just the perimeter: where roof and surface water collects, retaining walls and walkout corners, and the basement staining that tells you what has happened before.

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.