A home is the most expensive item most of us will ever buy, and most, if not all, home inspections will cost less than 0.5% of the Purchase price. Having peace of mind knowing your investment is sound is more than worth it.  Putting a home under contract is just the beginning when you're a Buyer. In most cases, the purchase agreement will specify a duration of time in which the Buyer can hire a Home Inspector to inspect the home.  A Home Inspector is a licensed professional who specializes in analyzing the current condition of the property for any defects, potential maintenance items, and/or sub-standard contruction practices which he/she will then list in a report for the home buyer.