FAQs

At Sweet Real Estate Inspections I do my best to answer all of your questions. Below you will find a list of what I believe are the most frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that have not been answered below, do not hesistate to contact me.

How long does the home inspection take?

A typical inspection should take 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. This can vary, given the current condition and size of the home, the accessibility of mechanical systems, and so on. As a courtesy to sellers, we recommend that they be informed of the timeframe in a pre-purchase home inspection situation.

What do you examine?

I inspect the major systems of the house. These include the Roof, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Insulation, and Interior. My goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical buyer's decision to purchase.

How much does an inspection cost?

My typical fee for an inspection is $350-$400. However, some factors will affect the fee. If you are comparing home inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the deciding factor unless the level of service offered is identical. Remember, you are considering a major purchase and your choice of home inspector should be based on getting the best value, not just the best price.

What is included in the fee?

Complete home inspection conducted by an experienced state licensed professional.
Comprehensive written home inspection report.
General maintenance tips for the future of the home.

Can I follow along?

Definitely. I encourage you to attend. However, due to liability of climbing on roofs and entering attics I can not allow you to use my equipment. In that regards, most clients come towards the end of the inspection to review the findings, ask questions, and gain more understanding about the home. I am totally fine with you being at the home for the entire inspection, but I do prefer if represented by a realtor that they accompany you as well epecially if the home is not vacant.

Do I have to take notes?

You don't have to take notes during the inspection. I will document everything in a written report. However, discussing the report at the end of the inspection is a great opportunity to ask questions and to clarify anything that confuses you.

Can I ask questions?

Absolutely! You may want to bring some questions that you have regarding the home. If the comments or explanations are not clear, please ask for clarification.

Do I get a written report? When?

You do receive a written report. It would be unfair to ask you to remember all of the things we cover during a home inspection. The report includes a summary of the condition of the home and details on all the major systems of the home. It is generally delivered the same day, but at least within 24 hours after the inspection.

If it's really bad, will you tell us not to buy the house?

No. My goal is to report on the condition of the house, indicating potential repairs. Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether or not you buy the house. The home inspection is very important but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Only you know all of the factors at play. Your real estate professional can help you here.

Do you offer a warranty on the house?

A home inspection is a professional opinion based on operating the components and visually examining the house on the day of the inspection. It's a little like getting a check-up from your doctor. It improves your odds of good health but there is no guarantee or warranty. Some problems can only be discovered by living in a house; they cannot be discovered during a home inspection. For example, some shower stalls leak when people use the shower but don't leak when you simply turn on the shower. Some roofs and basements only leak when specific weather conditions exist. Some problems will only be discovered when carpets are lifted, furniture is moved or finishes are removed. As such, I cannot and do not offer a warranty on the house. Home warranty programs are available that you may be interested in pursuing to help cover any unforseen circumstances and I would be happy to provide you with contact information to some great home warranty companies if desired.

Are you licensed by the State of Arkansas?

Yes, I am licensed and certified by the Arkansas Home Inspection Board. AR Lic# HI2136

How many days notice do I need to give you?

I want to do my best to serve you as quickly as I can. However, when the sale of a home is conditional on the results of a home inspection, I recommend that you allow at least three days to arrange for a home inspection.

Profile Box

Eric Sweet

Home Inspector AR HI-2136

Eric Sweet

Home Inspector AR HI-2136

Hi and welcome! I’m Eric Sweet, owner of Sweet Real Estate Inspections. I’m an Arkansas licensed <HI#2136> and certified home inspector who believes in giving my clients the best service possible. I inspect every home as if it were my own.

For full transparency in real estate transactions, I am also a licensed AR Realtor under 725 Foundation Properties at 1201 Garrison Ave in Fort Smith, AR. I do not work as home inspector for 725 Foundation Properties but am independently owned and can not perform any inspections on any property that I may be compensated from the sale.

Contact me today to book an appointment or feel free to ask any questions. I am here to help you!

Sidebar Special Article

Priority Maintenance for Home Buyers

There are so many home maintenance and repair items that are important; it can be confusing trying to establish which are the most critical. To simplify things, we have compiled a short list of our favorites. These are by no means all-inclusive, nor do they replace any of the information in a home inspection report. They should, however, help you get started on the right foot. Remember, any items marked as priority or safety issues on your home inspection report need immediate attention.

One-Time Tasks

Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as required, according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Know the requirements in your area.
Make any electrical improvements recommended in the home inspection report.
Remove any wood/soil contact to prevent rot and insect damage.
Change the locks on all doors. Use a dead bolt for better security and to minimize insurance costs.
Correct trip hazards such as broken or uneven walks and driveways, loose or torn carpet or uneven flooring.
Correct unsafe stairways and landings. (Railings missing, loose, too low, et cetera.)
Have all chimneys inspected before operating any of these appliances.
Locate and mark the shut-offs for the heating, electrical and plumbing systems.
Label the circuits in electrical panels.
If there is a septic system, have the tank pumped and inspected. If the house is on a private water supply (well), set up a regular testing procedure for checking water quality.

Regular Maintenance Items

Clean the gutters in the spring and fall.
Check for damaged roofing and flashing materials twice a year.
Cut back trees and shrubs from the house walls, roof and air conditioning system as needed.
Clean the tracks on horizontal sliding windows annually, and ensure the drain holes are clear.
Test ground fault circuit interrupters, carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors using the test button, monthly.
Service furnace or boiler yearly.
Check furnace filters, humidifiers and electronic air cleaners monthly.
Check the bathtub and shower caulking monthly and improve promptly as needed.
If you are in a climate where freezing occurs, shut off outdoor water faucets in the fall.
Check reversing mechanism on garage door opener monthly.
Check attics for evidence of leaks and condensation and make sure vents are not obstructed, at least twice a year. (Provide access into all attics and crawl spaces.)