Start by placing the house in its era
A South Bend evaluation benefits from knowing early whether the property belongs to the dense, older plat near downtown -- Chapin Park, West Washington -- or a newer subdivision, since footing depth, drainage design, and soil disturbance history differ sharply between the two.
What gets checked
- Elevation survey across the slab or footing
- Grading and moisture conditions relative to the St. Joseph River
- Construction era and whatever footing standard applied at the time
- Glacial till clay behavior specific to that lot
- Photo documentation tied to a written summary
Why river proximity changes the checklist
Lots closer to the St. Joseph River tend to hold more moisture in the till clay, which an inspection should weigh differently than a drier lot further from the water.