Choosing a Valuer

Locating the services of a professional

Asking the right questions

There are a number of 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 upon a percentage of the items to be valued? Most professional firms’ charges are time-based. Most will also give a quote prior to 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 services

Jones & Jacob are pleased to offer assistance to those requiring valuation of a single items or whole contents. We can also sell all suitable items at auction and arrange for properties to be cleared.

We are regulated by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and follow their ‘Red Book’ guidance on valuation practice.