A house can look beautiful on a sunny afternoon, but the way it handles a heavy rainstorm may reveal important details about its condition. Before buying, it is worth looking beyond the roof itself and examining where water travels after it reaches the gutters. Poor drainage can affect landscaping, walkways, crawl spaces, and even the foundation over time. Where Downspouts Release Water Walk around the exterior and locate every downspout. Notice whether it empties directly beside the foundation, onto a walkway, or into a drainage extension that carries water farther away. Water collecting near the base of the house may…