Site Visit Policy

Appraisal Site Visit Policy

Last Update: January 17, 2024

At Rikrland Valuation Services, the site visit (or observation) is one of the most important steps in the appraisal process. This policy outlines key expectations, safety requirements, and responsibilities to ensure a smooth, safe, and thorough visit. It is designed to answer common client questions and help property contacts prepare.

Why the Site Visit Matters

The site visit allows the appraiser to verify and document critical property characteristics that directly affect value, including quality, condition, amenities, features, challenges, and layout. USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) and Alaska statutes require appraisers to consider these factors, and many clients require photos and descriptions in the final report.

Key elements typically verified include:

  • Site size and boundaries
  • Improvement characteristics and condition
  • Original quality vs. current state
  • Dimensions (interior and exterior)
  • Rentable area, gross building area, footprint
  • Heating, cooling, and utility systems
  • Overall layout and utility of improvements

Scope of the Site Visit

The scope varies depending on the appraisal type and intended use. It may be as minimal as reviewing satellite images and online historical data, or as extensive as a full interior/exterior walkthrough, including mechanical rooms, crawl spaces, attics, storage areas, sheds, and accessible land.

Typical minimum requirements include:

  • Exterior view of all improvements
  • Interior view of common/public spaces and mechanical rooms
  • Access to any areas showing repair or renovation needs

Commercial properties often require interior access to each type of unit for spot measurements to verify dimensions. Litigation or other high-stakes assignments may require complete access to all spaces. We will communicate the required scope in advance so you can prepare accordingly.

Appraisal Site Visit Scope Reference Chart – Rikrland Valuation Services

Safety & Protection

Safety is our top priority. Remote or hazardous sites may require specialized PPE, equipment, or access methods (aircraft, off-road vehicles, boats, etc.). Clients must disclose any known hazards in advance so we can evaluate risks and include any additional costs in the appraisal fee.

Standard client responsibilities before the site visit include:

  • Clearing all walkways, doorways, and access paths of snow, ice, or slip hazards.
  • Clearly marking or disclosing potential hazards (broken boards, weak floors, holes, structural issues).
  • Removing or moving personal property/equipment that blocks access to required areas.

A knowledgeable property representative must accompany the appraiser during the visit to answer questions and provide access. If this is not possible, disclose it before signing the engagement contract so we can assess risks and adjust accordingly.

Failure to prepare the site or disclose hazards may result in cancellation, rescheduling (with fees), or delays beyond the contracted delivery date. See our Appraisal Cancellation Policy for details on fees related to site readiness issues.

Access & Special Capabilities

Appraisal fees and timelines are based on reasonable access assumptions disclosed upfront. Our firm has extensive capabilities to access properties statewide, including aircraft, on/off-road vehicles, boats, and specialized equipment for remote or challenging sites. Any special access needs must be disclosed prior to contract execution so costs and logistics can be planned.

We look forward to working with you to ensure a safe, efficient, and thorough site visit.

Contact us with any questions or to discuss your upcoming appraisal site visit.