A price made over the phone is a ballpark. A price made after someone has opened your closets, measured your hallway and looked at the garage is an estimate. The in-home survey is what turns the first into the second, and for O'Brien's customers in Reno and Sparks it is the free, no-obligation visit that comes with 10 free heavy-duty boxes.
What the rule requires
Section 375.401(a) says a mover must conduct a physical survey of the household goods and provide a written estimate based on it, covering the transportation and all related services. The survey can be waived, but only if the waiver is in writing and signed by the shipper before loading, and the mover keeps a copy as an addendum to the bill of lading. The FMCSA booklet adds a warning worth remembering: avoid movers that refuse to perform a physical survey.
What the estimator looks at
The visit also settles a question the phone cannot: how many people and how much truck the job needs.
- Every room, closet, garage, attic, shed and storage space
- Large and fragile pieces: pianos, pool tables, glass, art, appliances
- Stairs, elevators, driveways, gates and the distance from truck to door
- What you are taking, what you are leaving and what is going to storage
- Anything you plan to pack yourself, and anything you want packed
What you get from an O'Brien's survey
An O'Brien's estimator visits, and Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet are the estimators. The estimate that follows is itemized and in writing, and long-distance moves are priced by weight. If the move involves packing, the itemized inventory and condition report is made before packing starts. Because the survey is free, you can invite more than one estimator and compare the paperwork at your own pace.
How to prepare
Make the visit easy to do thoroughly. Unlock the attic, the shed and the storage room, and keep a list of anything that is not yet in the house, such as a purchase arriving next month. Tell the estimator which items are staying, because those lines come off the estimate. Have the building rules for your destination if you know them: elevator hours, parking, move-in fees.
Walk the home with the estimator. Point at things, open doors, and ask the estimator to write down what you mention. What you mention is what gets priced.
Booking the survey
Call 775-359-6683, Monday to Friday between 8 am and 5 pm, or use the free estimate request. If you are not near Sparks yet, read virtual survey for what the federal rule allows, then ask the office which option suits your move.