Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home inventory?
A home or business inventory is a detailed list of the personal property located in your home or business. You should also include property that you have stored elsewhere, perhaps in a storage area, warehouse or a garage on the premises.
Personal property is loosely defined in the insurance industry as anything you own which is not a permanent part of your dwelling, out buildings or land.
For a home your list may include: furniture, jewelry, artwork, antiques, appliances, kitchen contents, clothes, carpets, drapes, computer equipment, television sets, audio or audiovisual equipment, musical instruments, clocks, mirrors, linens, lawn mowers, snow removal equipment, tools, sports equipment, and any other items of value.
For a business or non-profit organization your list may include: all merchandise in stock and storage areas, front shelves, cold storage, tables, chairs, vending equipment, cash registers, computer equipment video security equipment, office equipment and any other items of value.
Why do I need your service?
Our service helps to ensure that you receive the proper settlement from your insurance company at the time of a claim. The digital photos will help to identify your property to the police department, in the event of theft or natural disaster. In addition, it is of great value for estate purposes, secondary or vacation homes/cottages, or if you plan to move or place your property in storage.
The most likely answer to that question is because you haven't done it yet. Creating an inventory of your home is one of those "good ideas" you just haven't been able to get to. We have developed an efficient, professional method to complete your documentation with a minimum of hassle and in the least amount of time possible.
Why can't I just do this myself?
There is no reason that you cannot perform your own inventory. We encourage you to do so. Unfortunately even with the best intentions an inventory often gets put off or uncompleted until it’s too late. Our service is fast, complete, and affordable. Also having a third party do your inventory also adds credibility to the documentation and may require less additional proof during claims processing or estate discussions.
What about privacy?
Smooth Sailing Enterprise guarantees that all information acquired during the process of creating your Personal Property Inventory will be kept strictly confidential. Any information about you or your property will never be sold or given to any person or company.
What items should I have documented?
In addition to the contents of your home, we suggest special documentation of all non-standard and/or appraised items, including fine furniture, antiques, jewelry, collectibles, art, extensive wine collections, musical instruments, imported carpets or wall coverings, power tools, etc.
How will you document my personal property?
We'll complete an itemized spreadsheet including description, make, model, serial numbers, and/or other pertinent information to better identify your property. In addition, we'll make a digital video of the contents of your entire home and take digital photos of all non-standard items as needed for proper documentation. See the “Our Service” page for a step-by-step description of our procedure.
What about the exterior of my home?
The video of the interior and exterior of your home will document any extensive home improvements inside and out, landscaping and outbuildings. This will provide proof of major renovations such as new flooring, architectural changes such as skylights, new siding and other improvements you’ve made to your home. Do I need to be there? Yes, we require the homeowner to be present during the home inventory.
How much does it cost?
Our minimum charge is $100 and the average home ranges from $150 to $300 depending on the size of the home and how extensive the personal property and collections. See our “Pricing” page for information on pricing, discounts, referral rewards and gift certificates.
Do you do appraisals or insurance estimates?
Smooth Sailing Home Inventory Service does not do appraisals or insurance estimates. We provide inventory documentation only. If these services are needed, there are professional appraisers in most cities. We will review your policy with you and make suggestions on what you should discuss with an insurance professional. We will also make recommendations on what items you may have that should be appraised by a licensed professional.
A home or business inventory is a detailed list of the personal property located in your home or business. You should also include property that you have stored elsewhere, perhaps in a storage area, warehouse or a garage on the premises.
Personal property is loosely defined in the insurance industry as anything you own which is not a permanent part of your dwelling, out buildings or land.
For a home your list may include: furniture, jewelry, artwork, antiques, appliances, kitchen contents, clothes, carpets, drapes, computer equipment, television sets, audio or audiovisual equipment, musical instruments, clocks, mirrors, linens, lawn mowers, snow removal equipment, tools, sports equipment, and any other items of value.
For a business or non-profit organization your list may include: all merchandise in stock and storage areas, front shelves, cold storage, tables, chairs, vending equipment, cash registers, computer equipment video security equipment, office equipment and any other items of value.
Why do I need your service?
Our service helps to ensure that you receive the proper settlement from your insurance company at the time of a claim. The digital photos will help to identify your property to the police department, in the event of theft or natural disaster. In addition, it is of great value for estate purposes, secondary or vacation homes/cottages, or if you plan to move or place your property in storage.
The most likely answer to that question is because you haven't done it yet. Creating an inventory of your home is one of those "good ideas" you just haven't been able to get to. We have developed an efficient, professional method to complete your documentation with a minimum of hassle and in the least amount of time possible.
Why can't I just do this myself?
There is no reason that you cannot perform your own inventory. We encourage you to do so. Unfortunately even with the best intentions an inventory often gets put off or uncompleted until it’s too late. Our service is fast, complete, and affordable. Also having a third party do your inventory also adds credibility to the documentation and may require less additional proof during claims processing or estate discussions.
What about privacy?
Smooth Sailing Enterprise guarantees that all information acquired during the process of creating your Personal Property Inventory will be kept strictly confidential. Any information about you or your property will never be sold or given to any person or company.
What items should I have documented?
In addition to the contents of your home, we suggest special documentation of all non-standard and/or appraised items, including fine furniture, antiques, jewelry, collectibles, art, extensive wine collections, musical instruments, imported carpets or wall coverings, power tools, etc.
How will you document my personal property?
We'll complete an itemized spreadsheet including description, make, model, serial numbers, and/or other pertinent information to better identify your property. In addition, we'll make a digital video of the contents of your entire home and take digital photos of all non-standard items as needed for proper documentation. See the “Our Service” page for a step-by-step description of our procedure.
What about the exterior of my home?
The video of the interior and exterior of your home will document any extensive home improvements inside and out, landscaping and outbuildings. This will provide proof of major renovations such as new flooring, architectural changes such as skylights, new siding and other improvements you’ve made to your home. Do I need to be there? Yes, we require the homeowner to be present during the home inventory.
How much does it cost?
Our minimum charge is $100 and the average home ranges from $150 to $300 depending on the size of the home and how extensive the personal property and collections. See our “Pricing” page for information on pricing, discounts, referral rewards and gift certificates.
Do you do appraisals or insurance estimates?
Smooth Sailing Home Inventory Service does not do appraisals or insurance estimates. We provide inventory documentation only. If these services are needed, there are professional appraisers in most cities. We will review your policy with you and make suggestions on what you should discuss with an insurance professional. We will also make recommendations on what items you may have that should be appraised by a licensed professional.