Start with images of each work (front, back, signature, labels), dimensions, medium, known provenance, and the purpose of the report (insurance, estate, divorce, donation, or other). You can email materials to info@blouinappraisals.ca or use the secure Dropbox upload form.
I confirm assignment type and value definition before research begins. This matters because replacement value and fair market value are not interchangeable. For insurance files, replacement value is often higher because it reflects replacement time and costs, not only likely resale value. Based on the initial call and images, I provide a no-charge estimate and will tell you if it does not make financial sense to proceed with a formal appraisal.
I review artist market levels, comparable sales, object-specific details, and relevant market context. Research takes between 30 minutes and 4 hours per piece depending on available comparables. Works with strong recent auction records are faster; works with limited public sales records may require gallery outreach and deeper market research. Findings are converted into supported value conclusions for each item.
You receive a formal report with itemized entries, image documentation, valuation rationale, and final values. Reports are structured for professional use by insurers, legal advisors, tax professionals, and estate representatives, including court use and fair-distribution matters when required.
Most assignments can be completed remotely from good image documentation. If needed, onsite visits are available, and video calls can be used to guide image capture when clients are uncertain what to photograph.
Under 10 pieces is often about one week. Files with 10-25 pieces are often around two weeks. Larger collections are scoped case by case. Appraisal work is billed at $225 / hr, including onsite time when required, with a 1-hour minimum billing. Auction sales management is typically 4% of hammer price, billed after proceeds are received.