Equipment Appraisal Blog | Understanding Machinery Appraisals

What happens when appraising construction equipment?

Posted by Equipment Appraisal Services on Thu, May 31, 2018 @ 12:22 PM

When you work in construction, your machinery is a big part of your company's assets. But part of being a responsible business owner involves knowing the value of your assets. How do you determine how much your equipment is worth once it's gone into service? Here's a quick look at what happens when appraising construction equipment.

 

What happens when appraising construction equipment?

There are a number of different areas that an equipment appraiser considers when appraising your equipment, some of them not what you may consider when setting up an appointment to have your machinery appraised. 

  • How old is the equipment? Though age isn't a solid indicator of performance, it can create a lower overall value as newer machinery has features that have become standard because they are very handy and help improve your rate of production. As an example, a miter saw with a laser cut indicator helps speed up cutting time, allowing your crew to get back to work on the project instead of lining up careful cuts one at a time.
  • What is that model's performance history? Some models are known to have specific issues that can impact performance, lifespan or functionality. If there has been a remedy provided by the manufacturer to deal with a specific problem that has not been installed on your machinery, it can negatively impact your machinery's value.
  • What features are available for that specific model? If you have a pickup to help haul materials and tools, does it have four wheel drive or a towing package that will improve its functionality on the job and improve its overall retail value? Added features and kits that improve functionality often improves overall equipment value.
  • What condition is the equipment in? If it's in good shape and has been well maintained, your equipment may value much higher than you may expect. If, however, it is nearing the end of its expected useful lifespan, the value may be much lower than you'd expect. A good equipment appraiser will take a solid look at the equipment's workings to determine its condition.
  • Are there signs that the equipment has been abused or neglected? If it's obvious that there are problems with the equipment, most people can pick up on it and would offer a lower value. But what if the equipment you're considering buying has had panels replaced or fluids changed to hide abuse or neglect? A good appraiser will catch issues like this.
  • Are there receipts or maintenance logs available? Being able to prove the machinery has been well maintained proves it has not been abused or neglected, as above, and may help build value through the documentation. It also helps the appraiser determine what has been done on the machinery, whether it has been well maintained from the beginning or if it has had to be rehabilitated at some point.
  • What is the industry or market like for reselling machinery? When the housing bubble burst and helped crash the economy, construction equipment wouldn't resell for very much, especially compared to a few years prior when the industry was booming and finding equipment was virtually impossible.

Appraising construction equipment can seem like a confusing process, but by understanding how that process works, you can have a better appreciation for how equipment values are determined. By knowing how the appraisal process works, you can leverage this information to your company's best interests.

Tags: construction equipment appraisal

What are USPAP appraisal standards and how can they impact your valuation?

Posted by Equipment Appraisal Services on Tue, May 01, 2018 @ 09:06 AM

When you're considering having your equipment values determined, you may hear the term USPAP Appraisal Standards tossed around. But what are these standards, how can they impact your valuation and why should you work with an equipment appraiser who is familiar with these standards? Here's a quick overview of the standard and how it impacts your machinery values.

What are USPAP Appraisal Standards and how can they impact your valuation?

When it comes to appraising real estate, property, intangible assets and business values, the Universal Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice provide a type of quality control to the process. It was established prior to the Savings & Loan Crisis in the late 80s and was then taken over by The Appraisal Foundation following the crisis. TAF is overseen by the Appraisal Subcommittee in Congress to ensure that artificial inflation of a valuation can't grow out of control again.

Since 2006, the standard has been updated every other year. This allows it to remain current with changes in the industry and new regulations. Though it's mainly used in the US, it's been adopted either in whole or partially by a large number of professional appraisal organizations in foreign countries. Though it controls the standard of how appraisals are performed, including requiring that the appraiser be familiar with and use the appropriate methodologies, it does not, in fact, require particular methodologies to be used.

There are a wide range of different certifications available that address the USPAP standards, dealing with a number of specialties. There are some that cover different aspects of real property, while others focus on federal government property appraisals. The Personal Property Appraiser certification is the specialty that deals most closely with machinery valuations. To meet the qualifications for this certification, the appraiser is required to remain in compliance with USPAP, have successfully completed 30 hours of college-level work from an accredited educational institution, have passed the 15-Hour Personal Property USPAP Course or a 45+ hour course and exam dealing with valuation practice, additional hours of coursework and many other qualifications. 

But how do you benefit when you choose to have an equipment appraiser use USPAP standards to appraiser your machinery? You'll know that the appraiser is well-educated and experienced in the appraisal process and can be counted on to provide you with a calculated appraisal report that is accurate and will be accepted in virtually all circles, including legal, insurance, financial and tax agency situations. You'll know that the appraiser has dedicated significant amounts of time to studying the standard to ensure that they remain in compliance with the USPAP and will be knowledgeable about any questions you may have about their practices and methodologies. You'll also know that you can count on their calculations to provide a solid figure for negotiations when you're planning on buying, selling or trading a piece of equipment, which in turn can help keep you from being taken advantage of.

By understanding the USPAP Appraisal Standards and how they impact your equipment valuation, you can gain a better understanding of how machinery is valued and what aspects can impact those values. When you're having your equipment appraised, using a certified appraiser who is familiar with the machinery in your industry and the appropriate USPAP standards is the best way to ensure your appraisal is as accurate as possible.

Tags: USPAP appraisal standards