Would you pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for a home that was falling apart? Without the benefit of a qualified home inspector, many people do just that. Home inspectors check the condition of the home, including the foundation, roof, plumbing, and electrical systems. Though home inspections can be expensive, it is worth it to know if the roof is leaking or there's a problem with the pipes in the basement before you purchase the home. Because a home is often the largest single investment a person will make in his or her lifetime, the importance of a proper home inspection cannot be overstated.