Behind the scenes of Estate Administration – Vacant Home Checks

Most individuals understand the basic concept of Estate administration and the concepts of dealing with an individual’s assets and liabilities, tax consequences and legacies, but are people aware of the work that goes on behind the scenes, especially in relation to the deceased’s house?

After a loved one passes away, what happens to their property if there is no-one else living there?

When an individual passes away, it is first protocol to ensure that their property is insured and protected. If we, as a firm are appointed as Executors, it is our first response when dealing with an Estate to put insurance in place for the intended property. As a result, it is then vital that we abide by and comply with insurance regulations provided.

It is often common practice that a property will require checking every 7 days during the winter months and once a month during the summer months. The winter months are much colder and rain is more likely to cause problems to the property. This is why vacant home checks are so important.

A personal approach is taken when dealing with a property. Homeowners are more likely to have the heating on throughout the months of October to March and so we do the same for the properties we hold responsibility for.

Property checks do not just consist of quickly popping into a property and ensuring everything looks normal, a lot more thought and time goes into each property under our care. This reassures clients that their possessions and houses are cared for even after they have passed away.

A typical property check will consists of the following:

• Ensuring the house looks how it ought to (checking windows and doors for any damage).
• Checking the interior of the property for damp and making the necessary steps to resolve this where necessary.
• Checking for infestations – wasps, rodents etc,
• Ensuring the boiler is working correctly and if not, requesting the advice of a professional engineer.
• Ensuring the oil tank is replenished with oil as to ensure that the heating can remain on throughout the winter months.
• Collecting post that may have been left for the deceased and ensuring this is dealt with promptly and efficiently.

As you can see, the work behind the scenes that takes places when administering an Estate is within the best interests of the client. It is ensured that an individual’s possessions are cared for to the best standard and this is our utmost priority.

How we can help

There are a number of different scenarios in which you may wish for us to provide vacant home checks for you. It may be that you wish for us to look after your property after you have passed and until it can be sold, or it may be that a loved one has property that is not near you, or you do not have the time to perform your own checks.

We understand it can be difficult to assess whether this would be required either now or in future. This is why we offer a free no obligation 30 minute free appointment with one of our Estate specialist to freely discuss how our services may benefit you and your loved ones.

Contact us through our website or call us on 01761 414646 should you wish to discuss yours (or a loved one’s) Estate Administration needs.