Home inspection in Harris.

What we see in Harris homes.

Harris was platted in 1873 along the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad and named for railroad officer Philip S. Harris. A post office opened in 1874 and the city incorporated in 1883. It covers about 20 square miles, almost all of it land, and had 1,111 residents at the 2020 census, with Interstate 35 running through it. That makes Harris a mostly rural city: a small townsite with older houses, farmhouses across the surrounding land, and newer acreage homes built on larger parcels. Ages and construction methods vary widely from one address to the next.

Rural properties bring a different checklist. Farmhouses and older homes get inspected for original wiring and plumbing, foundations, older roofs and additions. Acreage homes may rely on a private well and septic system, so ask for records and separate testing, since a general inspection covers only what is visible. Drainage across larger lots, outbuilding condition where included, and the heating system and fuel source are also worth a look. Newer acreage builds get the usual attention to attic ventilation, flashing, grading and decks.

Local facts checked September 2026 against: Wikipedia.