To inspect or not to inspect

How do I know if a home is going to need an inspection?  Maybe it is nearly new or maybe it is really old.  Maybe it is 40 years old and is straight and true.

The reality is that if a house is more than 40 or less than 15 years old you should really have it inspected.  Both cases are for the same reasons, they are both falling apart.  An old home fails because of maintenance and age related reasons, the foundation might be cracking, the floor joists may be rotting, the windows might be failing.  The newer house can have the same problems except it is due to poor materials and workmanship, maybe the house is settling or being attacked by termites due to the wood and cardboard that was buried around the building site.  Some of the newer homes I have inspected are a disaster in the making.  Building Code?  They set minimum standards.  Think about it.  You want a well made home, new or old.