Free homeowner resource
Sunken concrete
inspection checklist
Use this worksheet to document a settled driveway, walkway, patio, porch, or slab before requesting an estimate.
CCOlympia &
Thurston County
Thurston County
1. Identify the surface
Check every area that appears to have moved.
- Driveway or garage apron
- Sidewalk or front walk
- Patio or porch slab
- Steps or landing
- Garage or interior slab
- Other concrete surface
2. Describe what you see
Record observable conditions without trying to diagnose the cause.
- One edge is lower than the adjoining slab
- The slab slopes toward the house or garage
- Water pools after rain
- The slab rocks or sounds hollow
- There is a visible gap or void beneath an edge
- Doors, gates, or transitions are affected
3. Check cracks and surface condition
Leveling changes slab position; it does not restore deteriorated concrete.
- No significant cracks
- One or two narrow cracks
- Several cracks crossing the slab
- Crumbling or broken edges
- Flaking, scaling, or widespread surface damage
- Previous patching or repair is visible
4. Look for water sources
Drainage conditions can contribute to soil movement and should be part of the evaluation.
- A downspout discharges nearby
- A gutter overflows above the area
- Irrigation or a hose connection is nearby
- Runoff crosses or collects beside the slab
- The ground remains soft after rain
- A plumbing or drain leak is possible
5. Take three simple measurements
Approximate measurements are enough for an initial conversation.
Sketch the affected slabsMark the low edge, cracks, house, driveway, and direction water flows.
6. Take useful photos
One wide photo showing the entire surface
Close-up of the largest height difference
Each significant crack or broken edge
Nearby downspouts and drainage
Visible gaps beneath slab edges
A ruler or tape measure for scale