Home Inspections in
Washington DC
Historic rowhouses, condo conversions, and pre-war homes need specialized expertise. We understand DC's unique housing stock — from lead paint to party walls to original plumbing systems.
DC's housing stock is dominated by pre-1940 rowhouses, mid-century condo conversions, and brick-and-mortar buildings that have been rehabbed dozens of times. The systems are old, the spaces are shared, and the regulatory backdrop is unique. Inspecting in DC requires a different lens than the suburbs.
What's different about inspecting in DC
Local knowledge matters. Here's what we focus on for DC properties specifically.
Historic rowhouses
Pre-1920 construction is the norm in much of DC. Original plaster, subfloor irregularities, and end-of-life systems require careful evaluation — and historic-district rules constrain what can be modernized.
Condo unit inspections
Most DC inspections we do are condos. Shared walls, HOA documentation, and boundary questions (where does my responsibility end?) are central to every DC condo inspection.
Lead paint concerns
Pre-1978 homes carry lead disclosure requirements under federal law. We document presence indicators; certified lead testing is separately available.
Party walls & easements
Shared structural walls between rowhouses create legal and practical interdependencies — and drainage problems on one side often manifest two doors down.
Common defects we find here
- •Original cast iron sewer lines with bellies and root intrusion
- •Knob-and-tube wiring in pre-WWII rowhouses
- •Galvanized supply plumbing at end of useful life
- •Asbestos in insulation, popcorn ceilings, and floor tile
- •Basement moisture and efflorescence
- •Roof age on older rowhouses (frequently flat or near-flat)
- •HVAC systems oversized for partitioned older spaces
Neighborhoods we serve
Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U Street, Shaw, Columbia Heights, Petworth, Brookland, Anacostia, NoMa, Navy Yard, Foggy Bottom, and the rest of DC.
DC Inspection Pricing
| Property Size | Polaris Price |
|---|---|
| Condos & homes up to 1,500 sq ft | $399 |
| 1,500–3,000 sq ft | $459 |
| 3,000–5,000 sq ft | $579 |
| 5,000–7,500 sq ft | $699 |
| 7,500–10,000 sq ft | $849 |
Other areas we cover
Ready to book?
It takes 60 seconds.
Most Polaris inspections book within 2–3 business days.