Ferguson Home Inspections

03/09/2026

What appliances do home inspectors actually test?

During a standard home inspection, built-in kitchen appliances are typically operated to check for basic functionality.

This usually includes:
• Dishwasher
• Oven and cooktop
• Built-in microwave
• Garbage disposal
• Range hood / vent fan

The goal is to verify that the appliances that stay with the home operate as expected at the time of the inspection.

Items that typically fall outside the scope of a standard inspection include:
• Portable appliances
• Washers and dryers
• Outdoor grills
• Smart appliances requiring apps or Wi-Fi

Setting expectations ahead of time helps buyers, sellers, and agents understand what’s included in the inspection process.

03/06/2026

Kitchen exhaust venting matters more than most people realize.

During inspections, I often see range hoods connected to flexible or corrugated duct like this. The problem is that kitchen exhaust ducts should be made of smooth-walled metal ducting that vents all the way to the exterior.

Why this matters:

• Grease builds up much faster inside corrugated ducts
• The ridges trap grease and lint, which increases fire risk
• Flexible ducts restrict airflow, so the fan doesn’t remove moisture, smoke, and cooking odors effectively
• Over time this can lead to moisture problems in the attic

Smooth metal duct allows grease to pass through more easily and improves airflow so the vent system works the way it’s intended.

If you’re buying a home, this is one of those small details that can make a big difference in long-term performance and safety.

Ferguson Home Inspections
Central Arkansas

03/04/2026

Not every home has one of these — but they should.

This is a water pressure regulator. Its job is to reduce high pressure from the public water supply before it enters the home’s plumbing system.

Residential plumbing systems generally perform best around 50–60 PSI. In many areas, readings in the 80–100 PSI range are fairly common, but pressure readings over 100 PSI can begin to create concerns for plumbing fixtures, appliances, and piping over time.

During a home inspection, we check for the presence of a pressure regulator and test the water pressure to make sure it’s within a reasonable operating range.

It’s one of those small components most homeowners never think about… until something starts leaking.

Ferguson Home Inspections Serving Central Arkansas

03/02/2026

I get this question a lot:

“Did you inspect the fireplace?”

Yes… but probably not in the way most people think.

During a home inspection I do examine the fireplace — I look at the visible firebox, damper operation, hearth clearances, chimney structure, and I check for obvious defects or safety concerns. But a home inspection is a visual, non-invasive inspection. I’m not lighting fires and I’m not running cameras up inside the chimney flue.

And that’s why you’ll almost always see me recommend a qualified chimney/fireplace professional even if I didn’t find major issues.

Many of the most serious fireplace problems (cracked flue liners, hidden creosote buildup, internal chimney damage) can only be discovered with a specialized Level II chimney inspection using proper equipment.

So when an inspector recommends a chimney inspection, it doesn’t mean the fireplace is bad — it means we want you to safely enjoy it.

Ferguson Home InspectionsServing Maumelle, Little Rock, Conway, and surrounding Central Arkansas areas.

02/25/2026

This is one of the most common issues I find during a home inspection.

See those open holes in the electrical panel?

They’re called missing knockout covers. They may look minor, but they’re actually a safety concern. Those openings allow fingers, pests, or debris to reach energized wiring inside the panel.

It’s an inexpensive and simple repair, but most buyers would never think to look for it during a showing.

This is a good example of what a home inspection really provides — not just big problems, but safety issues you didn’t even know to check.

02/16/2026

Hi — I’m Matt, owner of Ferguson Home Inspections.

I inspect homes throughout Central Arkansas including Little Rock, Maumelle, Conway, and surrounding areas.

My goal isn’t to scare buyers or help deals fall apart — it’s to help you understand the house you’re buying so there are no surprises after closing.

I specialize in:
• Pre-purchase inspections
• New construction inspections
• 11-month warranty inspections

Reports are delivered the same day.

If you ever have questions about a house — even if you haven’t hired me — feel free to message or text me.

501-772-7722

11/27/2025

04/10/2025

Me trying to figure out blinds at an inspection. 😆

03/04/2025

03/03/2025

01/26/2025

Help me wish my wonderful wife, Shanda, a Happy Birthday today! Like a fine wine, she gets better with age.

01/23/2025

How confident are you in the stability of this foundation wall and pier?