Inspector vs. Contractor: Who's better for Rehabbing?

[Mario Lowe]

When buying or looking to buy a new home whose better to check out the house a contractor or an inspector? I've read and heard conflicting views on both. What are the upsides and downsides of both?

[Karen Margrave]

@Mario Lowe It's not that simple. The question is, what are the qualifications of each?  A licensed contractor is perfectly capable of doing inspections, and they know what is involved and costs of repairs. A good inspector may have all the same qualifications without the benefit of having a license.