Be sure you have a clear picture of its present condition, a general idea of the remaining service life, and the steps you should take to preserve your investment. Geographical conditions vary. Natural phenomena and human intervention occur in different forms. Many of the construction techniques to resist these phenomena were developed long after the completion of most homes in America. Be sure your inspector can address such situations correctly.
Safety is the first concern of any occupant.
Any essential system or component that has failed or is not fulfilling its intended function should be recognized. Much like a family doctor, the home inspector performs a general examination and may then recommend further evaluation by a specialist for particular areas of concern. Be sure you have a clear understanding of any areas requiring further evaluation. While many inspectors have a rough idea of materials and labor costs, they will not be the individuals performing the work, so the client is better served by gathering multiple estimates from the technicians who actually perform the work. When the inspector mentions something on site, be sure to ask him or her where that information will show up in the report.