Most common is a general Home Inspection used to determine a home’s condition prior to purchase or to reinforce a buyer’s strong offer. However, that is one of 4 typical scenarios.
Pre-listing inspections are used by sellers who want to correct possible deficiencies pre-sale and make buyers comfortable to buy without conditions or create a bidding war.
New construction or warranty deficiency reports are for buyers who want to ensure proper construction practices, building code or quality was upheld and completed. These are also great to help enforce 2,5 and 10 year warranty repairs.
Home health check is commonly used a couple years into home-ownership to determine whether there might be needed repairs to prevent future damage. Or a seasonal inspection to prepare for a change in weather.