How is an appraisal different than a home inspection?

The appraiser is not a home inspector and he or she does not do a complete home inspection. The purpose of a home inspection is to evaluate the structure of the house from foundation to top. For the most part, a home inspection report will discuss the amenities and the requirements of the property: air conditioning (weather permitting), electrical functions, the condition of the heating system, the plumbing; then the structural capacity of the home such as the attic, accessible insulation, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, then the foundation, basement and visible structures.