Driveway materials and condition

• Asphalt: most common in south-metro subdivisions. Lifespan 15–25 years with periodic sealcoating. Watch for alligator cracking (structural failure), potholes, raveling edges, and settlement at the garage apron.
• Concrete: longer life (30–50 years) but more expensive to repair. Watch for heaving from frost, cracking, spalling (surface flaking from de-icer), and settled slabs.
• Paver: brick or concrete paver. Watch for heaving, settling, weeds in joints, and edge restraint failure.

We note the driveway slope away from the garage. A driveway that slopes toward the garage (common on walk-out basement homes) can flood the garage during spring melt.

Walkways and steps

Public-side walkways and entry steps need consistent riser heights, tread depth, and a handrail when 4 or more risers are present. Common findings in older Shakopee and Savage homes:

• Heaved concrete sidewalk slabs — trip hazard liability
• Missing handrail at front steps — code requirement since the 1990s
• Decorative-stone "stepping stone" entries with uneven rise — hazardous in winter ice
• Efflorescence (white chalky deposit) on concrete — cosmetic but indicates moisture movement

Grounds and grading

This is the single most important exterior finding for long-term home health: how does water move around your foundation? Proper grading slopes away from the house at 6 inches of fall in the first 10 feet. In south-metro subdivisions we frequently find:

• Settled grade: soil has compacted over time and now slopes toward the foundation. Adding 4–6 inches of backfill and re-seeding is usually adequate.
• Flowerbeds built up above the siding line: a direct water and insect pathway. Lower the bed or install a proper edge.
• Downspouts discharging at the foundation: must extend at least 4 feet from the house, ideally 6. This single fix prevents many wet-basement calls.
• Patio and deck slabs sloped toward the house: more common than you'd think. Documented with a level.
• Low spots and negative grade pockets: puddles near the foundation after a rain. Needs fill or drainage correction.

Landscaping findings we report

• Tree branches overhanging the roof — break limbs and abrade shingles
• Tree roots within 10 feet of the foundation or sewer lateral — potential pipe damage
• Vines on the siding — trap moisture, host pests
• Sprinkler heads spraying the siding — causes rot and efflorescence
• Dead or diseased trees — liability and damage risk