Choosing A Valuer

Choosing a valuer

Asking the right questions

There are several questions you need to ask when choosing a valuer to assist you.

EXPERIENCE

Are they experienced in the type of valuation you need? Do they regularly value the sort of objects you have? Ask and they should tell you. Do they have in-house or consultant experts available if required?

QUALIFICATIONS

Are they professionally qualified? Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers (SOFAA) are the most appropriate professional bodies. RICS has a set of standards for valuation known as the ‘Red Book’ and they closely regulate the activities of member firms.

FEES

How do they charge for their services? Is it time-based – by the hour or day? Is there a minimum fee? Or is it a scalable fee, based on a percentage of the items to be valued? Most professional firms’ charges are time-based. Most will also give a quote before instruction. Remember that VAT will be payable.

TIME

How long will it take? Most valuations can be carried out within 7 to 10 days. They will then usually be researched and completed within a few days and copies will be sent to you.

Other things you might like to think about include how the valuers will communicate with you - on the phone or by email. Will you be able to work with your valuer when you meet them, and do you have a good feeling about them?

Our valuer is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and follows their ‘Red Book’ guidance on valuation practice.

Locating the services of a professional