As a buyer you have an option to have inspections conducted once you have reached an agreement with the seller on price and terms.  You can either have individual inspections, such as electrical, plumbing, structure, roof, etc or have what is called a whole house inspection.  With the latter, a licensed inspector will look at all the components of a house and point out and potential problems.  Generally the inspector is not an expert in each an every aspect of the house, but can give you a good idea of the condition.  If the inspector feels that there is a major problem, he may recommend that the buyer obtain an detailed opinion from someone that is an expert in that particular area, such as the furnace.

As an agent, I can make a recommendation to the buyer with some named of inspectors.  However, the final decision as to who a buyer will use is up to the buyer.  I want an inspector that will review the house in detail and give me the facts about a house.  I don't want an inspector that gives undocumented opinions.  Some agents would prefer not to have an inspection done on a property, but I welcome it.  I want to make sure that a buyer is fully informed as to the condition of a house before they make the final purchase.  An inspection report in most cases will give a list of items that the inspector found.  Most of the items are generally minor, but it does provide a "to do" list for the buyer.  Sometimes there are major problems and that should be addressed through the agent representing the buyer to the listing agent representing the seller.  If the seller is unable or unwilling to make a repair on a mjor defect, then the buyer has the option of withdrawing from the offer.

Some buyers have friends or relatives that the buyer trusts to give advice on the condition of a house.  Sometimes that is fine, but sometimes it is better to have an impartial third party look at a house.