A step up from this is a computer-generated report, which offers a combination of the checklist and a narrative reporting formats, and which includes specific comments to each home. A detailed picture of the house on the day of the inspection, itemizing all the major components and their condition. This is any defect with the potential to present a significant expense to you, in the near term. The Inspection and Report should give you the information that you, as the buyer, need to make an informed decision about your new purchase. This information will help to give you insight into the background, and depth of industry involvement of the Inspector you plan to hire.
Many Home Inspectors bring nothing more to the Inspection than a flashlight.
Today's Home Inspector though, should be taking advantage of some of the newer technologies being introduced, and fully utilizing the best testing equipment available. Of course one should always try to be budget conscious, but when hiring a Home Inspector, you should always search for the most qualified and most experienced person you can find.