First, accept that perfect flatness is a myth, like finding a parking spot at Trader Joe’s. What we’re after is functional flatness—a surface that doesn’t funnel rainwater directly into your basement or create a mudslide every time the sprinklers run. Grab a long board, a spirit level, and a friend who owes you a favor.
Place the board across the bumpiest area and check the bubble. If it’s wildly off, you’ve found your problem child. Mark the high spots with a flag—or a dramatic sigh, whichever comes first.
