Tips & Info
Before We Arrive
Do you have special collections? CYA will photograph and document these as a group unless a separate detailed inventory is requested.
Closets should be accessible unless you prefer we not enter those areas. If you have any items in the closets that need to be photographed, we recommend you make those items available so they can be documented for insurance purposes. Respect for your privacy is CYA’s goal so we will only inventory what you wish to include.
If you wish to have a more comprehensive inventory, we suggest that you have your documents such as receipts or appraisals available for us when we arrive. This documentation will make your inventory more complete.
For your insurance, you will be able to place a value in the “Cost” column of your Home Inventory Checklist for all items photographed. These values will be provided by you. either estimated or based on past appraisals or receipts. We are not appraisers and will not speculate as to the value of your property.
Should you wish to have us record any of your important documents such as irreplaceable family photos, certificates, titles, or licenses, please have them available when we arrive.
Questions & Answers
How do I prepare for an inventory?
A little preparation is required from you.
1. Gathering available receipts and backup documentation for major and valuable items to be inventoried. Any form of documentation provided will be recorded on site to be included in your home inventory. Items will still be inventoried even if you cannot locate a receipt.
2. This is an inventory not an inspection, cleaning your house for us is not required. However, easy access to areas and items to be photographed is required.
3. If there are items in storage that should be included in the inventory, please take the time to retrieve and unpack those items so they’re ready on the day of the inventory.
What happens on the day of my inventory?
Upon arrival, you will be provided with proper identification as to who is conducting your inventory.
We request that our clients accompany us throughout the inventory. This is for your peace of mind as well as ours.
We are pet friendly. Please be considerate in maintaining control of any “not so friendly” pets.
First, we’ll conduct a preliminary interview to discuss the process, handle formalities and offer additional options. Then request a walk-through of the area(s) being inventoried. Familiarity of your home’s flow will help us tag each space.
We will begin the inventory with a video of the exterior of the home including the property. The video will continue inside, room by room. Later. outside, stills of the structure and property are also taken.
If you would like, we invite our customer to participate in the video process. You can make the video as serious as you like or make it fun. While you do not have to appear on camera, you know more about your home than we do, so your verbal explanations and descriptions add clarification and credibility. And, this is not a full length motion picture. The video is normally only 10 to 15 minutes in duration depending upon the total area being inventoried.
After the video portion is complete, we then take digital photographs and perform a written inventory of items, room by room. Detailed pictures are taken of major items such as appliances, computers, game consoles, jewelry, guns, etc. You can add the make, model, and serial numbers to your finished Home Inventory Checklist.
Finally, any backup documentation provided by you will be recorded to be included in the final inventory.
Once the video, photos and recording of other documents has been completed, we’ll review with you the information that was gathered for your verification. We will then schedule a date for the delivery of the final inventory Thumb Drives.
What is the cost of your service?
Pricing is based on square footage, detail, collections and special requests.
How long does it take to perform a full inventory service?
The physical inventory process takes approximately 6-8 man hours for a 1200 sq. ft. dwelling. Inventory services take longer for larger homes and businesses or special requests.
Do you appraise?
CYA is not a licensed appraiser. We can, however, recommend reputable appraisers upon request. You can then enter their appraised values along with your values, on the Home Inventory Checklist.
How long does it take to get my inventory thumb drives?
Thumb drive delivery is usually within two weeks. Larger properties could take an additional week. An optional portfolio binder could take an additional 1-2 weeks.
When is payment due for my inventory?
Payment in full to be received when the final inventory thumb drives are turned over to the client.