Top 5 Signs Your Property Needs Regrading or Drainage Fixes
Living in the Iowa Great Lakes region means enjoying scenic lake views, beautiful seasons, and spacious properties. But if your yard is often soggy, your basement has a musty smell, or water tends to pool near your home, it might be time to take a closer look at your property’s grading and drainage.
Proper grading and drainage are essential for protecting your home from water damage, especially in areas like Spirit Lake, Okoboji, and around East and West Lake Okoboji, where water levels and soil conditions can vary seasonally. Here are five clear signs that your property may need regrading or drainage fixes—and what you can do about it.
1. Standing Water or Puddles After Rain
If rainwater tends to linger on your lawn, driveway, or near your home’s foundation long after the storm has passed, it's a strong indicator of poor drainage. Water should naturally flow away from your house and into designated drainage paths. When it doesn’t, it can saturate the soil, attract mosquitoes, and eventually cause structural issues.
In areas like Okoboji and Spirit Lake where the terrain can be flat or gently sloped, even minor misgrades can result in major water collection. Regrading the land to improve slope or adding surface drains can often resolve this issue.
2. Erosion Around Your Property
Have you noticed bare patches on your lawn, exposed roots, or washed-out areas along your landscaping? These are signs that water is moving too quickly or forcefully through parts of your yard. Erosion can remove topsoil, damage plants, and weaken retaining walls or walkways.
This is particularly common on sloped lots near the Iowa Great Lakes. Without proper grading, water runoff gains speed downhill and strips away the soil. Installing retaining walls, regrading slopes, and using erosion-control measures like ground cover or drainage swales can prevent further damage.
3. Wet or Musty Basements and Crawl Spaces
One of the most common drainage-related complaints from homeowners around West Lake Okoboji and East Lake Okoboji is a damp or musty basement. If water is pooling near your foundation, it can seep into basements or crawl spaces over time. This not only creates an unpleasant smell but can also lead to mold growth, wood rot, and long-term foundation damage.
Proper grading ensures that water flows away from your home. You may also need to add exterior drainage solutions such as French drains or sump pumps to keep water from entering below-grade spaces.
4. Cracks in the Foundation or Patio
When water sits against your home’s foundation, it can slowly weaken the concrete and cause it to crack. This applies to patios, sidewalks, and driveways too. Even hairline cracks can signal that your property is shifting due to moisture in the soil.
In Spirit Lake and the surrounding areas, seasonal temperature changes paired with improper drainage can cause soil to expand and contract, placing pressure on your foundation. Regrading, sealing cracks, and installing proper drainage solutions can prevent these issues from escalating.
5. Soggy or Spongy Yards
Does your lawn feel soft and squishy long after it rains? Is the ground too wet to mow or walk on without sinking? A persistently soggy yard is a classic sign of poor drainage or an incorrect slope. Not only does it damage your grass and landscaping, but it can also become a breeding ground for mold, pests, and mosquitoes.
In the Iowa Great Lakes region where lake-effect weather and spring thawing are common, waterlogged yards can be more than just an annoyance—they can also indicate deeper problems. Regrading to improve runoff and adding subsurface drainage can help restore a dry, healthy lawn.
Don't Ignore the Warning Signs
Regrading and drainage issues don’t just affect your yard—they can impact your home’s structure, comfort, and long-term value. If you’re experiencing any of these five signs, it's time to call in a professional who understands the unique landscape of the Iowa Great Lakes region.
Ten Bears, LC, Randy Walters is your go-to custom home builder in the Iowa Great Lakes. Thinking about building a custom lake home in this beautiful area? Give us a call!