Home inspections are visual inspections of the main areas and systems of the house and are not usually required and they do pose an extra expense but they are an important step in the home-buying process. Home inspections are an in-person objective evaluation of the physical structure and systems of a home, and a functional check of all its major systems and appliances which are important whether you're buying, building or selling a home. Home inspectors should meet or exceed the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Keep in mind that home inspections are not intended to point out every small problem or any invisible or latent defect in a home but to give you an over view of the home and major system with in the home.