- THE APPRAISAL PROCESS -

 After a client contacts Tailored, the first step is to ascertain what the purpose is for the appraisal? How is the appraisal going to be used and who is the intended user? Once this information is shared, Tailored will then determine the scope of work. Questions we will ask include:

1. What is it that’s going to be appraised? 
2. How many items? 
3. Where are they located? 
4. Are they easily accessible?
5. Has the condition of the piece(s) been maintained since ownership? 
6. Is there a timetable to complete the appraisal and produce the report? 

Appraisal reports have many dimensions – some may be completed in a few weeks and others may take months. The scope of the work, condition of the art pieces, accessibility of the items all factor into the depth of the reports, and when they can be delivered to our clients.

After the scope of work is fleshed out and Tailored and the client has entered into a contract, a date is selected to physically inspect the item(s). On the day of the on-site visit, detailed documentation will be recorded for each item being appraised. For items where in-person access is not possible, appraisals may be facilitated through high-resolution digital photography. Documentation will include all physical dimensions, the material it’s made of, distinguishing characteristics, known damage, or post-creation restorations. Additionally, a series of photographs will be taken to be used for comparative analysis in the appraisal report.  At this inspection visit, we ask that the client provide any provenance or sales records available for the items being appraised.

Once the documentation is complete, the research process begins. Identifying the relevant market place and the comparables within that market will determine the final appraisal valuation.All appraisal reports will include photographs of the subject(s) being appraised as well as photographs of all the comparable items uses to determine valuation. The final report will be in a detailed USPAP compliant format.