Start With Water
Look for standing water, washed-out soil, low spots and areas where downspouts empty too close to the foundation. Check sprinkler lines and outdoor water connections once freezing weather has passed.
Walk the Hard Surfaces
Inspect asphalt, pavers, walks and approaches for heaving, settlement or new cracks. Movement often becomes easier to see after freeze-and-thaw cycles.
Check Fences and Exterior Features
Look for loose posts, leaning sections, damaged gates and fasteners that worked loose over winter. Small corrections can prevent a larger section from failing.
Inspect Interior Walls
Pay attention to water stains, soft drywall, new cracks or areas where paint is bubbling. The visible finish may not be the source of the problem, so moisture should be understood before patching.
Clean Up the Yard
Remove winter debris, redefine bed edges and identify bare or overgrown areas before adding mulch or rock. Planning the order of work avoids covering problems that still need correction.
Take wide photos and close-ups, note when you first noticed the issue, and include the property location when requesting a quote.