NASHUA – A citywide revaluation project began this week, kicking off what will be two years of data collection.

The undertaking is being carried out by the appraisal firm Vision Government Solution, of Hudson, Massachusetts.

Four firms submitted request for proposal documents to the city, with Vision’s being the most inexpensive option at $1,125,000. That money is funded by Resolution 19-159, which is a previously approved bonding resolution.

Officials working on the project began Tuesday in Ward 1, wearing reflective clothing and carrying badges identifying themselves as being with the firm. Administrative Services Director Kim Kleiner said they will be heading to Ward 2 in approximately four to six weeks.

These workers will be out and about, approaching properties between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and also will have written documentation from the city stating their affiliation with the project. Employees with the firm will have their vehicles registered with the Nashua Police Department and Assessor’s Office.

Prior to allowing them into their home, residents are encouraged to request identification from the workers. These data collectors are known as “listers,” and will be going around to each property to physically inspect the interior and verify the measurements of the exterior of each building.

“Interior inspections help assure that your assessment will be fair and based on complete and accurate information,” Kleiner stated via email.

However, officials understand the sensitivities some residents may have when it comes to opening up their doors and allowing someone unknown into their home for the interior inspection process. Officials also understand a homeowner may not be home during the times in which listers stop by. If this is the case upon that initial visit, officials with Vision will send a callback letter to property owners requesting them to make an appointment for the inspection.

People do not have to let listers into their homes, but without such cooperation, Kleiner said data collectors are forced to estimate how many bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. there are in someone’s home. There are more than 28,500 properties to collect data on throughout the city, which includes both residential and commercial structures.

“No, they are not required, but it is to everyone’s advantage if the city’s real estate database is as accurate as possible and everyone benefits if the information regarding their property’s measurements, quality, condition, room counts, etc. is accurate,” Kleiner said.

Listers will be noting a building’s size, age, condition, quality of construction, improvements, topography, utilities and various other characteristics of the home both inside and out. Digital imaging also will occur as part of this project, meaning an image will be taken of every property in Nashua to be added to the assessment database. It can be printed on the property record card and allows property owners and city officials to retrieve an image of any parcel in Nashua. The process itself takes approximately 15 minutes for most properties. To verify an inspection took place, homeowners will be asked to sign the data collection form.

There are five major phases to a municipal revaluation, with the first being data collection, which will last for approximately 24 months. From there, the next phases include, market analysis, valuation, field review and informal and formal appeal hearings.

People looking to gather additional information, or ask questions can call the Assessor’s Office at 603-589-3040. People also can call the office or the Nashua Police Department’s non-emergency line at 603-594-3500 if any questions arise regarding the identity of a data collector.

Additional information on the project is available on the city’s website.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.