True Tide Home Inspection Handbook
Cost • Preparation • Advantages
Everything you need to know about home inspections, all in one place.
Introduction: Why Inspections Matter
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. It can feel overwhelming—but the right inspection partner makes the process smoother, clearer, and more confident. At True Tide Inspections, we deliver thorough, unbiased assessments that protect your investment, highlight issues before they become problems, and give you the clarity you need to move forward.
A home inspection is a detailed visual evaluation of a property’s major systems and components. We identify conditions that may require attention, recommend further evaluation where necessary, and provide a clear, written report. Whether you’re a seller preparing to list, a buyer verifying your investment, or a homeowner monitoring property health, our inspections bring peace of mind.
What Does a Home Inspection Cost?
The cost of a home inspection varies depending on:
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Property size
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Age of the home
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Location
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Special features
At True Tide, you’ll always receive a clear estimate before scheduling your inspection. While cost is a factor, it’s important to remember: a home inspection is only a tiny fraction of the overall price of a home—but it provides peace of mind that can save thousands of dollars and countless headaches.
The real value comes from experience. With decades of building expertise and credentials that go far beyond the basics, True Tide inspections give you the confidence that every detail has been carefully reviewed.
Preparing for Your Inspection
1. Know What to Expect
A home inspection is non-invasive. We don’t cut into walls or move personal belongings—we assess visible, accessible systems. You can help by:
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Clearing access to attics, basements, crawlspaces, and utility areas.
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Unlocking doors, panels, and gates.
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Providing documentation of repairs, upgrades, or warranties.
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Informing us about any pets that will be in the home (if they are not removed or secured) so we can conduct the inspection safely.
2. What We Check
Here are some of the systems and components we typically evaluate:
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Roofing, gutters, and attic ventilation
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Foundation, crawlspace, and basement
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Electrical panel, outlets, and fixtures
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Plumbing systems, water heater, and fixtures
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HVAC systems (heating & cooling)
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Windows, doors, and insulation
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Major appliances
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Safety devices (smoke & CO detectors)
3. Make Sure Everything Works
We operate systems with normal user controls. For smoother results, sellers should:
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Ensure appliances are functional (dishwasher, oven, garbage disposal, etc.).
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Fix minor drips, leaks, or loose hardware ahead of time.
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Make sure windows and doors open and close properly.
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Provide notes on shut-off valves, “mystery switches,” or special access points.
How Long Does an Inspection Take?
On average, a home inspection lasts 3–5 hours, depending on the home’s size and complexity.
At True Tide, you’ll receive a digital inspection report, usually within 24 hours. Reports are clear, detailed, and include photos and recommendations. We also provide a hardcopy for your records.
We strongly encourage clients (and their agents) to be present at the end of the inspection. This allows us to walk you through findings in person, answer questions, and ensure you leave the property with confidence in the next steps.
Why True Tide?
Unlike national franchises, True Tide is built on generations of local craftsmanship in coastal North Carolina. Our inspectors bring not only advanced certifications but also the kind of real-world construction knowledge that comes from decades of building and inspecting homes in our community.
We are proud to hold:
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North Carolina Home Inspector License (state-regulated)
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NC Licensed General Contractor credentials (Commercial & Residential)
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American Concrete Institute (ACI) Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade 1
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NCDOT Concrete Field Technician certification
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OSHA safety training and continuing education
This combination of hands-on construction experience and formal inspection training ensures your home inspection is detailed, accurate, and practical.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Inspection
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Pets: Please secure or remove them during the inspection, or notify us if they will remain in the home.
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Clutter & storage: Clear away items near foundation walls, utility closets, and under sinks.
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Maintenance: Clean gutters, trim shrubs, and document any recent work for your buyer or inspector.
Presence matters: Being available at the walk-through helps you understand findings firsthand.