Buying a home is a huge investment and can be overwhelming at times. Many first-time homebuyers aren’t familiar with the entire process, particularly the home inspection stage. While there’s a lot of information about home inspections out there, it can still be stressful to attempt to wade through. However, here are some of the biggest home inspection mistakes to avoid and end up saving yourself both money and trouble in the end.

1. Skipping the home inspection altogether. Some buyers think they don’t need an inspection either because they trust the seller and realtor, or because it’s a new home. However, this is a huge mistake. An inspection gives you the most honest condition of the home, which a seller or realtor may not always do. Additionally, even new construction can have issues that will cost you greatly down the road, even if it passes county codes. Do yourself a favor now and get an inspection.

2. Hiring the first or cheapest inspector you find. With home inspection, you truly get what you pay for. A certified inspector may cost more than an unqualified inspector, but they’re also going to give you a much more thorough and trustworthy inspection. You also don’t want to hire the first inspector you find online or that someone suggests to you. Your home inspection is an important investment in the home buying process, and you should speak to several inspectors to find the best fit for you.

3. Not having your home ready for the inspection. For a home inspector to do their job correctly, they need to have full access to the home. The buyer and seller should coordinate to make sure that the house is clear of debris or belongings that would hinder the inspections, as well as pets that may cause disruptions. Utilities also need to be turned on for an inspection to take place – having them turned off may cause delays and complications.

4. Not going along for the inspection. A home inspector’s report is helpful, but in order to gain the fullest understanding of any potential problems with the home, you should really accompany the inspector as he’s performing the inspection. Also be sure to ask questions and for any clarification you may need. This is one area where you don’t want to miss anything. Getting the fullest picture of the home and any issues it may have now will save you from unpleasant surprises later. However, be sure to ask for a copy of the inspection report before the inspector leaves.

5. Not following up on recommendations. Once the inspection has been performed, some homebuyers may be tempted to ignore recommendations that they think will cost them money now. However, this is a huge mistake. A simple issue now could turn into a much more costly one in the future. Also, some issues like carbon monoxide leaks are extremely dangerous hazards. Taking care of issues right away and going to specialists for repairs will actually save you money in the long run.