Even if you hire an inspector, you should do your own inspection. You can do one in less than an hour. Bring a friend to help. And bring a good flashlight, level, and electrical outlet tester. Shine the flashlight on all ceiling areas, including closets, and look for evidence of a roof leak. If there are long or high walls, shine it parallel to the wall to look for large bows. If there are granite or quartz countertops, run your finger along all edges, top and bottom, to feel for chips and cracks. Inspect all porcelain plumbing fixtures for cracks, especially the toilets. Countertop and porcelain cracks usually cannot be repaired. Run water through the drains. Open and close all doors. Check every light switch and electrical outlet. Check appliances, especially the ice maker. Put the level on everything. Try to walk around every part of tile and laminate floors and listen for squeaks and loose tiles. Check windows for seal leaks between the panes. Inspect the exterior for cracks and to see if the ground is sloped to carry water away from the house. I would do this before your inspector shows up. If you find too many defects, don't not buy the house.
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