What's Included in a
Polaris Home Inspection
A Polaris inspection takes 3–4 hours and covers every accessible system in your home. Here's exactly what we evaluate — and what we don't.
Structural systems
We evaluate the foundation, framing, and load-bearing components visible during inspection. This includes the foundation walls and floor, visible framing in basements and attics, structural columns and beams, floor systems, and roof structure.
What's not included: hidden framing inside finished walls, or formal engineering calculations. If we see indicators of serious structural issues, we recommend a structural engineer assessment.
Roof and exterior
Roof inspection includes walking the roof when safely accessible (otherwise inspected from ladder or eaves). We evaluate shingle condition, flashing, penetrations, gutters, downspouts, and visible attic underside.
Exterior covers siding, trim, caulking, paint condition, foundation visible portions, grading, drainage, driveways, walkways, decks, porches, exterior electrical, and outdoor faucets.
Electrical systems
We evaluate the electrical service entrance, main panel, sub-panels, branch wiring (where visible), outlets and switches in each room, GFCI and AFCI protection, smoke and CO detectors, and visible junction boxes.
What's not included: opening walls to inspect hidden wiring, energizing dead circuits, or formal load calculations.
Plumbing systems
Plumbing inspection covers visible supply lines and drain lines, water heater (age, condition, venting), all fixtures (sinks, tubs, showers, toilets), functional flow and drainage, visible leaks, main water shutoff, and gas piping where visible.
Sewer line camera scope is a separate service ($599) — important for older homes.
HVAC systems
We test heating and cooling systems in their normal operating mode (weather permitting — we won't test AC in freezing weather as this damages compressors). We evaluate equipment age, condition, ductwork visible portions, filters, thermostats, and combustion air for fuel-burning systems.
What's not included: opening sealed ductwork or HVAC equipment, refrigerant charge measurement, or formal load calculations.
Interior systems
Interior inspection covers walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairs, railings, kitchen appliances (built-in only, basic operation test), bathroom fixtures and ventilation, and visible signs of leaks, pest activity, or environmental concerns.
What's not included: personal property, detached appliances, hidden defects behind finished surfaces, or environmental testing (radon, mold, lead — these are separate services).
What's not included (important)
A home inspection is a visual evaluation of accessible systems. It is not:
- A guarantee against future problems
- An evaluation of items behind finished walls
- A code compliance inspection (codes change; we note significant safety concerns)
- An appraisal or valuation
- An engineering analysis (recommended separately when needed)
- Pest treatment or environmental testing (separate services)
We recommend add-on services like radon, termite, mold, and sewer scope when relevant. These are listed transparently with separate pricing.
Ready to book?
It takes 60 seconds.
Most Polaris inspections book within 2–3 business days.