• 617-733-3114
  • info@christinedeharassociates.com
  • Amesbury, MA

FAQ

Disaster Preparedness Inventory

Will you move furniture or large electronics and appliances?

No, we do not move furniture. We document and photograph all items in place. We will obtain make, model, and serial numbers from electronics, computers and appliances if they are easily accessible without moving furniture or heavy items. We can collect hard-to-reach model and serial numbers if you provide them.

We will take utmost care when attempting to obtain serial numbers from computer and electronic equipment. Occasionally plugs can come unhooked and we will not be responsible for any technical challenges you may experience when reconnecting them. At your request, we can avoid collecting this data.

Can you help me with insurance?

Christine Dehar Associates, LLC does not sell insurance or give estimates. We are independent property and inventory specialists. We may suggest that you consult with your insurance provider once your inventory is complete. Your homeowner’s policy may not cover the cost of particular items, for example- expensive jewelry, fine art or antiques, electronic equipment, or home-based business equipment; or your policy may limit reimbursement to an amount far below the actual value of those items.

Do you provide appraisals as part of the home inventory?

We do not do appraisals. We provide documentation only. We may make recommendations for professional appraisals on items that may need additional insurance coverage. We can refer you to a professional appraiser upon request.

Is it possible to update my inventory annually?

Yes, ownership and assets change over time. We offer annual renewals and updates. These updates will keep your records current so you won’t have to pay for the full service again.

What do you do with my inventory data?

Christine Dehar Associates, LLC  will never share your information with anyone without your written authorization. Your information is strictly confidential. We download your data onto our computer and will store it for one year. We deliver the digital information (pictures, video and comprehensive inventory) to you via secure email and a backup flash drive. After one year we will contact you for renewal. If you opt not to renew, we will delete your inventory permanently. Keep in mind that if we do not retain a backup of your information, we will be unable to update your inventory.

What should I do with my inventory?

You should download the files onto your computer as soon as possible. We also recommend that you store your inventory documentation – including backup flash drive – away from your home. We suggest a safe deposit box, your attorney’s office, or a trusted friend or relative. For an additional fee, hard copies of your inventory are available upon request.

What are the steps involved in my inventory?

The inventory is performed by going room to room with you, photographing and recording your assets in detail – including serial numbers, descriptions, room location, etc. We ask that you be prepared to provide any item values and to have them available. We will also create a video of each room in your home. Once the interior inventory has been completed, we will videotape the exterior of your home or business. Time permitting; we can extend the inventory to your garage, shed or studio if desired. Please be sure to include any equipment or vehicles you wish to include in the inventory.

Once the on-site inventory is complete, we will process your information and send you a password-protected, secure email containing a PDF of your complete inventory and photos. If you would like to make any changes, please email us within two weeks. At that time we will send you a USB thumb drive including a backup copy of your final PDF inventory, a complete set of digital photographs and your video along with an invoice for the balance due payable upon receipt.

Do you document items I have in storage?

If you would like items in storage to be included in your inventory, please have them unpacked and accessible prior to your inventory appointment. Our estimate is based on the size of your property and an anticipated time allotment. A storage unit at an off-site location will be estimated and scheduled separately. Please let us know in advance and we can include that in our quote.  If you need us to unpack your boxes and inventory the contents, separate charges will apply.

Do you document everything – even clothes in my closet?

We inventory most everything; however, we will only photograph the inside of closets, cabinets and drawers at your request. If you have expensive suits, dresses, coats, shoes, or purses that you would like to include, please have them ready for photography only. Itemization of extensive wardrobes will be done on an hourly cost basis and should be scheduled in advance.

What is a Home Inventory?

At Christine Dehar Associates, LLC, Personal Property Inventory Specialists, a home inventory is a detailed and comprehensive documentation of your personal property at your home or business in one convenient report, supported by digital pictures and video. Property in off-site storage should also be included. Personal property is typically anything that is not a permanent part of your home. Email Christine Dehar Associates, LLC today at info@christinedeharassociates.com or call us at 978-388-1739 for a free estimate.

Do I need to be present during my inventory?

Yes, we require you to be present during the inventory. Please make yourself available to us while we are working in your home. We will be gathering information that only you can provide for each item documented. It will be helpful to have a copy of your homeowner’s policy available and any pertinent receipts.

How long will the inventory take ?

We will provide you with an estimate based on the square footage of your home or business and the quantity of assets to be inventoried. We may schedule an advance site visit to give you a more accurate quote. The quote will include a price quote and an estimated amount of time.

  • If your inventory requirements exceed the anticipated time allotment, a per hour charge will be added.
  • We do our best to finish your home or office, garage and outbuildings within the designated time, however, forgotten items may be discovered during the inventory process, requiring additional time. At that time we will discuss stopping or continuing at an hourly rate.
  • For collections (stamps, baseball cards, coins, dolls, etc.) or extensive documentation requirements, hourly charges will apply.
  • For documentation of collections only, email us at info@christinedeharassociates.com for a free estimate.
  • We can customize your service to meet your unique inventory needs.

What else should I do to prepare for my home inventory?

Since we will be photographing and videotaping your home, it would be good to have it fairly clean and orderly. We can also collect your insurance information if you would like it added to the inventory. Please have your policy on hand.

What items should I have ready to be documented?

  • Your list should include: furniture, jewelry, artwork, antiques, appliances, kitchen contents, drapes, computer equipment, television sets, audio equipment, musical instruments, clocks, mirrors, lawn mowers, snow removal equipment, tools, and sports equipment.
  • Other items of value should include fine furniture, collectibles, art, extensive wine collections, imported rugs, power tools, etc., and other items on an insurance rider.
  • You may also include receipts, birth certificates, marriage licenses, deeds, appraisal documents, and any other important documents.

Why can’t I do my own inventory?

You can, and if you have the time you certainly should, but 80% of the American population does not have a home inventory. It’s a time-consuming task and one of those things you keep putting off for another day. It would take an average homeowner many hours to do this. And it can be an overwhelming job, so it often gets put off or left unfinished. A professional, third-party inventory adds credibility to your insurance claim, IRS tax filing, or estate settlement. Our service is fast, efficient and convenient and saves you the time and hassle.

I already have homeowners insurance, why do I need a home inventory?

Most people assume they have everything covered by purchasing an insurance policy only to find out it does not cover what they thought when they actually need it, or that they are unprepared with the proof needed to maximize the claim payout.

  • Do you know the value of all of your belongings and personal property? In the event of a catastrophe, such as a fire, will you be able to recall each and every item in your home as well as the value of each item? Will you remember the model and serial numbers? These are essential to determine the correct replacement cost for what you have lost.
  • Do you know what your policy covers? It’s important to understand your homeowner’s insurance policy. Read it over carefully and contact your insurance agent about anything you don’t understand.
  • Often, following an inventory, customers have contacted their insurance company to find out if they had adequate coverage. In many cases, they were actually underinsured and were surprised at the total value of all that they own.
  • The benefits of a home inventory will be priceless in the event of loss. The added protection and security of being prepared offers peace of mind that cannot be calculated. It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!

Why do I need an inventory?

A comprehensive home or business inventory has numerous benefits:

  1. Insurance agents and financial planners recommend that all homeowners and small business owners maintain comprehensive inventory documentation to maximize and simplify insurance claims.
  2. A home inventory is:
    • A tangible record of your property
    • An essential tool in the event of an insurance claim after loss
    • Credible proof of ownership for your insurance company
    • Documentation to assist the police department in the return of stolen property
    • Documentation of your losses for tax deduction purposes
    • Documentation to assist with Estate Planning
    • A record of your property before you move
    • A good idea!

What is a Business Inventory?

A business inventory provides detailed and comprehensive documentation including digital photographs and video of your business property’s fixed assets at one address. Additional locations require separate documentation. Your business inventory should include computer and electronic equipment, furniture, machinery, vending equipment, cash registers, security equipment, and any other items of value. Since consumable products and merchandise changes rapidly, we suggest you handle that inventory yourself and keep up-to-date documentation stored off site. Business inventory rates will depend on the size of the business and the time spent. Email Christine Dehar Associates, LLC today at info@christinedeharassociates.com or call us at 978-388-1739 for a free estimate.

** For business owners interested in year-end stock or merchandise inventories for one-time accounting purposes, please call CDA at 978-388-1739 for a custom quote.

Disaster Recovery Inventory

How is a Recovery/Loss Inventory done after I’ve had a loss from fire or flood?

The inventory is performed by going room to room with a digital voice recorder and a digital camera. We photograph and record in detail everything that was lost in the fire, flood, or other damaging catastrophe. We will also determine if items can be restored or cleaned. Additionally, CDA will itemize and provide replacement pricing for every affected item.

What happens to the digital voice recording used in my inventory?

The voice recordings are used to facilitate a fast and efficient inventory of the damaged property. The recordings are transcribed by CDA staff into a customized Excel spreadsheet that also includes the current replacement cost for each listed item. Once the spreadsheets are complete, the recordings are erased. CDA will never disclose client information to anyone without prior written permission.

How long will the inventory take?

The time required to complete a Recovery Inventory depends on the square footage of your home or business, the amount of personal property impacted, the ability to access the damaged items, and the extent of destruction caused by the fire, flood or other disaster.

How will you identify the contents I’ve lost if they are burned or completely destroyed?

With over twenty-five years of experience, and thousands of post-loss inventories conducted, the team at CDA has a solid track record identifying the contents of a damaged home. We will do our best to identify the items we find based on what we see. We will also seek input from you, and ask you to make a list to help us identify items that are burned beyond recognition.

How do I get the finished list after you have completed my inventory?

Once CDA has completed an inventory of the contents of your property, and added the replacement pricing for each item on the spreadsheet, we will email the file to you or an adjuster you may be working with. We can also provide a flash drive, or a hard copy printout, to the address you provide.

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