A property inspector specializes in the physical attributes of a structure – that’s what they’re trained to observe. Appraisers only deal with the physical (and legal) attributes on a superficial level and only to the extent necessary to appraise the property; they deal primarily with the economic aspects of property ownership.
You want to find a home inspector who has experience working in the trades, preferably as a general contractor. They’re the ones who are qualified to perform the technical inspections you’re talking about.
My brother in law is a construction superintendent and has extensive experience in both residential and commercial construction. When he and his wife bought a new home from a builder he made numerous visits to the site at various stages of construction and made the builder fix every last item. They must have hated him by the time he got done with them.
