15-30 Minute Assessment

Yard

Your yard can help protect your home by managing water runoff. Gas, sewage, and water lines often run beneath it.

For drainage, your yard should slope away from the house a bit. Fences and retaining walls give it shape and prevent erosion. They might be brick, stone, metal, concrete, or wood.

Seasonal upkeep and regular maintenance pay off. A well-kept yard adds curb appeal, has fewer pests, and provides safe play space for kids and pets.

When: Every spring

Typical costs:
Seal driveway: $250 – $725
Repair fence: $280 – $225
Replace fence: $1,700 – $4,000
Trim or remove tree: $430 – $1,300

Steps to Assessing Your Yard

 

Step 1: Check for puddles that linger for more than a day. Large divots, holes, or bad smells could mean you have a broken underground pipe or a septic problem. Address these issues right away.

 

Step 2: Inspect your trees. Remove damaged or dead branches and any that hang over your home or near power lines. Take down trees with hollow or rotten trunks.

 

Step 3: Check your walkways and driveways for cracks, heaving, or sinking. Repair cracks larger than 1/8 inch to prevent further damage. Consider resealing every 2-3 years.

 

Step 4: Check your fences and retaining walls for damaged, leaning, or weak sections. Fix any nails, screws, or sharp edges that stick out. Gates should open, close, and latch easily.

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