A home inspection is when a paid professional inspector—often a contractor or an engineer—inspects the home, searching for defects or other problems that might plague the owner later on. They usually represent the buyer and or paid by the buyer. The inspection usually takes place after a purchase contract between buyer and seller has been signed.
Plumbing, electrical and roof problems represent significant and complex systems that are expensive to fix. A home's physical condition greatly affects its value.
You do not want to pay top dollar for a home that looks great, but underneath is loaded with defects. Be sure to check for all "patent" (obvious) and "latent" (hidden) defects.