Estate contents and personal property valuer

Executors, families, estate lawyers, trust companies and accountants who handle estates.

Hourly or flat fee per appraisal report, plus travel time. Repeat referrals from estate lawyers can give steady work.

• Knowledge of antiques, art, jewellery or general household goods
• Careful research and clear report writing
• Tact when working with grieving families

• Check whether your province or industry bodies expect specific credentials or standards for appraisal reports
• Professional liability insurance, because executors and tax authorities rely on your numbers
• Conflict of interest: check the ethics rules on buying items you have appraised or charging a percentage of value
• Probate and estate rules vary by province, and Quebec works differently, so check local requirements
• Check with your municipality about a home-based business licence

Estimates suggest startup typically costs around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your tools and how you set up. Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000 in these estimates, depending on how many estates and reports you take on.

Check whether your province or industry bodies expect specific credentials or standards, and consider professional liability insurance. Also check ethics rules on buying items you appraised or charging a percentage of value, probate rules in your province (Quebec differs), and any home-based business licence.

Useful skills include knowledge of antiques, art, jewellery or general household goods, careful research and clear report writing, and tact when working with grieving families. The estimates assume at least about 8 hours a week.