Buying a house is a big deal. You envision your dream home. You shop for homes for sale, find realtors or real estate agents to consult, make an offer, and negotiate the price (again, realtors will come in handy here). There is also the home inspection.

The home inspection is a critical part of the home buying process. It’s wise to take your time and not overlook the home inspection. You need to know what is going on with your home, especially in the areas that are not apparent or easily visible.

The following are suggestions to keep in mind during your home inspection.

What Not To Do On A Home Inspection

1. Do not dismiss the inspection in the first place. Homebuyers are often more aware of the need for a home inspection when they buy a previously owned home, but what about a for a new home? It doesn’t need an inspection, does it? Answer: It does. Realtors and home inspectors say that buyers often skip the home inspection. Get your home inspected. Even new homes have problems.
   
   
2. Do not go with the least expensive inspection option. You’ve heard it said, “You get what you pay for.” This is true of home inspections as well. Some inspectors low-ball their price to get work, but this is not necessarily the person you want inspecting your home. Are they going to rush through it? Time is money, and the less he spends on the inspection, the more he makes. Do not go with the cheapest estimate simply because it is the cheapest. Do your homework. A good realtor can find you competent home inspectors to call.
   
   
3. Do not miss the inspection. You want to be present during the course of the inspection. Realtors insist that homebuyers be present and not rely only on the written report. But there are photographs, you say? Yes, in a professional report there are photos; however, a picture may not tell the whole story. Inspections can take a few hours. You may not have the time to spend three or four hours at the inspection, but you can spare one hour near the end of the scheduled time. You’ll want to be present when the inspector finishes the report. That way you can go over the report and talk to the inspector in person and ask him or her any questions.
   
   
4. Do not stress out if the report shows deficiencies. An inspection’s purpose is to find any issues that need to be addressed. It is not a test. Realtors say to expect as many a five to six dozen problems. Most of these will be minor and easily fixed. You’ll want to know what is happening with your home, nonetheless. If there are issues to address, there’ll need to be a reinspection.
   
   
5. Do not pass on the reinspection. You’ll want to know that any problems with your home have been fixed, especially if there are quite a few of them. The reinspection certifies that everything is A-OK. Just as you should be present at the original inspection, you should be present and have questions ready for the reinspection.

These five what not to do things regarding the home inspection will set you up for a more pleasant home buying experience.

The home buying process can be time consuming, stressful, and exciting. You want to make sure that your home is inspected by a professional. That way, you have peace of mind that your house can become your home, your sanctuary. Call a realtor or real estate agent to have all of your home buying questions answered.