The home inspector's service to the purchaser is primarily one of education. The goal of the inspector is to provide the purchaser with a better understanding of the physical condition of the home in order that they can make a well-informed decision. It is also the inspector's role to keep his findings in perspective for the buyer. After the inspection is completed, a written report should be prepared for the home buyer, documenting the results of the inspection, along with suggested repairs and safety hazards evident in the home.

The home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, an environmental audit, or a home owner's warranty.

A complete home inspection should cover all of the major systems of a house, including structure, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior. As a minimum, an inspection should meet the Standards of Practice of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors(NACHI).

Consumers should be very careful when shopping for a home inspector. The industry on the whole is unregulated and many unqualified people offer home inspection services. Home inspection companies that offer to do repair work, or recommend repair companies, should be avoided.