Collision and body-shop equipment appraisals.
A collision equipment appraisal from Lukes & Lukes is an independent, USPAP-compliant opinion of value for the equipment that makes a body shop: frame and measuring systems, downdraft spray booths, prep stations, welders, ADAS calibration systems and paint-mixing equipment. We account for what generic comps miss: installation, permitting and code compliance on booths and frame machines, and the OEM certification programs that dictate what equipment a shop must run. Built to withstand lender, SBA, IRS, audit and legal review.
What we appraise
The body shop, bay by bay.
We value the fixed and shop equipment that makes a collision center, from a single booth to a multi-bay operation, and we value each class on its own market. The booth and frame machine are usually the anchor assets.
- Frame and measuring: frame machines, benches and electronic measuring systems.
- Refinishing: downdraft spray booths, prep stations, mixing rooms and curing equipment.
- Welding and joining: MIG and resistance welders, including OEM aluminum and rivet-bonding stations.
- ADAS and diagnostics: calibration systems, targets, scan tools and programming hardware.
- Lifts and support: lifts, compressors, dust extraction and shop tooling.
What drives the value
Fixed assets, code, and OEM certification.
Spray booths and frame machines anchor the value, and their worth turns on condition, code compliance and the cost to remove and re-install fixed equipment. OEM certification has become a major driver: as automakers require specific welders, measuring systems and ADAS calibration to keep a certification, compliant current equipment holds value while obsolete tools fall away. ADAS calibration capability in particular has shifted from optional to essential. A booth is worth far more in place than as a unit a buyer must dismantle, transport and re-permit.
Read the full breakdown: what collision equipment is worth →
Which value applies
The right premise for the situation.
The same shop carries different numbers depending on why you need the appraisal. We determine and defend the premise your situation requires.
Video · 36 seconds · with transcript
Repaired is not restored: diminished value
A repaired car still carries its accident history on the VIN, and the market pays less for it. That loss is diminished value, and the insurer's figure is not evidence of it.
Common questions
Answers, up front.
Can you appraise a shop that is still running jobs?
Yes, and that is the usual case. The booth, frame bench, welders and calibration systems are inspected between cycles, and stalls in use are picked up on a second pass. The itemized list is built from what is actually in the building, which is often not what the fixed asset register says.
Does OEM certification affect equipment value?
Yes, increasingly. As automakers mandate specific welders, measuring systems and ADAS calibration to maintain a certification, compliant current equipment holds value while tools that no longer meet a program lose it.
Which value premise applies?
It depends on the purpose. Lending, SBA collateral and wind-downs usually call for Orderly Liquidation Value (OLV) or Net Orderly Liquidation Value (NOLV). A purchase or sale calls for Fair Market Value (FMV). Estate and partnership matters use FMV as of the valuation date.
Will an SBA lender accept this for a collision shop acquisition?
It is written for that review. Frame benches, spray booths, welders and measuring systems are listed and valued individually rather than as one shop total, the value premise is stated on the face of the report, and the work is USPAP-compliant and signed by a CMEA. A credit officer can test any line without calling us.
Related specialties
Also under automotive.
Auto dealership and service shop equipment appraisals →