Home Inspections
You should always have a home inspection. Sometimes you will see that a home is being sold "as is", which means the seller probably won't negotiate with you if there is a major defect found. Have an inspection anyway. A home inspection is a visual exam of the structure and systems of a house. It details problems with the property and if they’re serious enough to prevent a sale. The certified home inspector will give you recommendations on what should be taken care of immediately, what you will need to do down the road, and if there are any "major defects" found. The three main points of an inspection are physical condition, items in need of repair or replacement, and the remaining useful life of major systems.
A report won’t cover defects that are not visible, inoperable systems (e.g., A/C during the winter), or code violations.
As the buyer of the property, it is very important to be present during the inspection so you can ask the inspector questions and understand what issues were found, if any, and the inspector may offer maintenance tips, as well.
Expect an inspection to take 2-5 hours (old homes may take longer),and expect charges of $200-$500 depending on size.
The seller is not required to make repairs, but the buyer can use the inspection report in negotiating.
To hire an inspector, get recommendations from your realtor or from others who have used them in the past. Be sure to ask about references, memberships in professional associations, professional training, and experience.