A commercial property inspection tells you what you're really buying before you're locked in: the roof, the mechanical systems, the electrical service and the building's overall condition, written up in a report your lender and partners can use. Polaris inspects multifamily, mixed-use, office, retail, restaurant, warehouse and self-storage properties across the DMV and the Baltimore metro.
How it differs from a home inspection
| Home inspection | Commercial inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | State home inspection standards | Follows the ASTM E2018 Property Condition Assessment framework |
| Systems | Residential HVAC, 100–200 amp service | Rooftop HVAC units, boilers, three-phase electrical, fire suppression |
| Roof | Shingles, flashing, gutters | Flat or low-slope membranes (TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen) |
| Report | Findings and photos | Property Condition Report with cost-to-cure context for lenders and investors |
| Pricing | Set by square footage | Scoped per property: size, age, use, number of units |
What we look at
- Structure and building envelope: foundation, walls, windows, storefronts
- Roofs and rooftop equipment across every tenant bay
- HVAC, plumbing, water heating and boilers
- Electrical service, metering and distribution
- Life safety: egress, emergency lighting, extinguishers and alarms
- Site: parking, paving, grading and drainage
- Use-specific systems, like commercial kitchens in restaurants
Timeline and price
Send us the address, size, use and number of units, and we'll return a written proposal, usually within one business day. Most small to mid-size properties are inspected in a single visit. Reports typically arrive within 2–5 business days depending on scope, with rush options when a closing deadline requires it.
Who it's for
Investors buying their first multifamily, owner-operators buying a building for their business, and lenders or SBA borrowers who need a condition report before closing.
Request a commercial quote or call (301) 781-7800.