Home inspection in Smithland.

Yes. Smithland sits where the Little Sioux River valley courses through the Loess Hills on its way to the Missouri River floodplain. Loess holds a steep face well when dry and moves when it is saturated, so drainage matters more here than in flat country. How roof and downspout water leaves the house, retaining walls and sloped yards, and foundation cracks and stair-step patterns in masonry are the things to watch. Smithland has shrunk from 224 residents in 2010 to 181 in 2020, so homes that have sat vacant are worth a close look for signs of frozen lines and dead sump pumps.

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.