Quite often, first time buyers are unsure of what to expect from a home inspection.
The primary purpose of home inspections is to assure that there are no "deficient conditions" that were not disclosed by the seller, specifically anything that would significantly affect the value or safety of the property. The inspection process will also help you to further familiarize yourself with the property and to anticipate minor repairs or maintenance issues that you should address after closing.
The scope of inspections conducted depends on the nature of the property and on your specific needs or concerns. The "physical/mechanical" inspection covers the major structural components (foundation, framing, floors, walls, roof, etc) and the primary systems (heating, electrical, plumbing). Other inspections might include pest infestation (past or present evidence of termites, carpenter ants, etc), septic system & well (if relevant), radon levels, lead paint, and specific inspections of non-standard amenities (e.g. pool inspection). Your agent can help you to determine which inspections to perform.
A thorough inspector will provide you with a report detailing any and all issues discovered, ranging from major problems (e.g. leaking roof, non-functional furnace, etc) to minor flaws (e.g. loose doorknobs, missing trim or molding, etc). Upon reviewing the inspection report, you can choose to go forward with the purchase as is, void the Purchase & Sales Agreement and demand return of your deposit, or request that the seller make specified repairs or provide a credit at closing towards those repairs. Since the definition of "deficient condition" is somewhat subjective, it is common for there to be some negotiation involved in resolving inspection issues.
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