Three great questions to start off the process...

#1 What is a home inspection
#2 What is covered in a home inspection
#3 What is not covered in a home inspection
 

This is a very important question and the answer is even more important for any property buyer to know. Not only is the answer one that sets expectations, but one that is both reasonable and practical.
Every home inspection Standard of Practice (SOP) as well as every state home inspection licensing criteria states that "A home inspection is a visual general inspection of a property and it's components that are accessible at the time of inspection."
This definition is important to understand since a home or its components can not be disassembled or exhaustively tested. Unless a home is brand new, most properties inspected are "used" with "used components". Normal wear and tear WILL take place.
The real purpose of a home inspection is make sure they you, the buyer, will not be confronted with unexpected major safety issues, major functionality issues, and major impending cost issues.
This is why SNH Inspections will provide you a summary page specifically highlighting these major significant issues.

Areas that are inspected:
-Lots & grounds
-Roof shingles and roof structure
-Attic (insulation,ventilation, and circulation
-Siding, trim, windows, & doors
-Decks, Steps, stoops, and porches
-Electrical, heating, cooling, hot water
-Plumbing supply and drainage, baths
-Interior Ceilings, Walls, Doors, Floors, etc
-Kitchens
-Basements, garages
-Visible damage done by wood destroying insects

Additional cost items: Radon, Water Analysis, Mold, Asbestos, Lead, Septic Systems.