Property check deceased in Exeter
Professional property check deceased services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Respectful property checks for deceased relatives - securing homes, checking for issues, reporting condition. Gives you peace of mind when you can't be there yourself, especially during probate.
When You Can't Be There
Dad's house is three hours away and you're worried about leaving it empty while probate drags on for months. Will pipes freeze? Has someone broken in? That's where regular property checks help.
💡 Pro tip: First check should happen within days of the death - secure the property properly before word spreads that it's empty.
Why Regular Checks Matter
Here's the thing: empty properties deteriorate fast. A small leak becomes ceiling damage. A blown fuse means a freezer full of ruined food.
| ✅ Regular Checks | ❌ No Checks |
|---|---|
| Issues caught early, cheaply fixed | Major damage discovered months later |
| Property looks occupied (lights on timers) | Obviously empty, attracts break-ins |
| Insurance valid (many require regular visits) | Claim rejected - property "abandoned" |
| Family has peace of mind | Constant worry from distance |
What I Check
🔧 Security Check
| Area | What I Look For |
|---|---|
| Doors & windows | All locked, no damage, no signs of attempted entry |
| Property exterior | Broken fences, unsecured gates, obvious vulnerabilities |
| Letterbox | Mail collected (prevents "obviously empty" look) |
| Garden | Not becoming overgrown eyesore (signals neglect) |
📦 Condition Check
- Leaks, damp, or water damage
- Heating operational (winter visits critical)
- No electrical issues or blown fuses
- Pest evidence
- General deterioration
- Post office notices or official letters
📋 What You Get
- Written report with photos
- Immediate call if urgent issues found
- Recommendations for any work needed
- Records for insurance/probate purposes
Pricing Guide
| Service | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single check visit | 1 hr | £60 |
| Initial secure + check | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Weekly/fortnightly checks | 30-45 mins each | £60 per visit |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Regular visits can be arranged at fixed weekly/monthly rate.
Add-on services:
- Mail forwarding to executor
- Utility meter readings
- Specific photographs for estate agent/solicitor
- Coordinating tradespeople for repairs
Perfect If You're...
✅ Executor living far away - eyes on property you can't visit yourself
✅ During probate - property empty for months needs monitoring
✅ Insurance requirement - many insurers require regular occupied property visits
✅ Winter concerns - heating checks prevent freeze damage
Why Choose Us for Property check deceased in Exeter?
Respectful, sensitive service during difficult time
Property secured and checked properly
Detailed reporting for family/executors
Peace of mind when you can't be there
What to Expect
Step 1: Initial Contact
We discuss access arrangements (keys collection), what specific checks you need, and reporting preferences. I can start immediately if urgent.
Step 2: Property Visit
I visit at agreed time, conduct thorough inside and outside check, photograph key areas, collect mail if requested.
Step 3: Reporting
You get written report with photos same day, plus immediate call if any urgent issues discovered. Recommendations for any work needed.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you're checking a deceased relative's property yourself from distance:
🔧 Security essentials (do immediately)
- Change all locks - you don't know who has keys
- Fit timer switches to living room and bedroom lights
- Cancel newspaper/milk deliveries
- Redirect mail to executor's address
- Tell neighbours and ask them to call you if concerns
- Inform police property is empty during probate
📐 Each visit checklist
- Walk perimeter - check for forced entry attempts
- Run taps - prevents pipes seizing, checks for leaks
- Check heating - ensure it's working if winter
- Empty bins - prevents smells attracting pests
- Open windows briefly - air the property
- Take photos - dated record of condition
⚠️ Winter specific
- Keep heating on low (12-15°C minimum)
- Lag exposed pipes
- Know where stopcock is
- Check roof/gutters before winter
- Clear leaves from drains
💡 Pro trick: Leave a car on the drive if possible (family member's old car, or ask neighbour to park there occasionally). Properties with cars outside get broken into far less - thieves assume someone's home.
📋 Insurance requirements
- Check policy wording - most require visits every X days
- Keep dated records of all visits (photos help)
- Report property is unoccupied to insurer
- Some insurers need separate empty property cover
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
⚠️ Insurance critical: Most home insurance becomes invalid after 30-60 days unoccupied unless you've informed them. Regular checks help maintain cover, but you MUST tell your insurer the property is empty.
Keys and access: I can collect keys from you, executor, or solicitor. Keys kept secure and returned when checks end.
Working across Devon: Used to covering regular checks across the Exeter area - I can factor travel into regular visit schedules to keep costs down.
Respect and sensitivity: I understand this is a difficult time. I work discreetly, report clearly, and handle your family's property with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a property check involve?
I'll visit the property, check it's secure (doors, windows locked), look for any obvious issues like leaks or damage, check heating/frost protection if winter, collect mail if needed, and take photos. Then I provide a written report of the property's condition and any actions needed. It's peace of mind when family live far away or can't visit regularly.
Can you do regular checks while the estate is being sorted?
Yes - many families need weekly or fortnightly checks during probate, especially if the property is empty for months. I can visit on a regular schedule and report any issues immediately. Empty properties deteriorate fast, so regular checks prevent small problems becoming big ones.
What happens if you find a problem?
I call you immediately and send photos. If it's something urgent like a leak or break-in, I can arrange emergency repairs if you authorise it. For non-urgent issues, I'll include them in my written report with recommendations on what needs doing.
Can you help secure the property initially?
Yes - often needed right after someone passes away. I can fit additional locks, board windows if needed, install timer switches for lights (deters break-ins), and make sure the property looks occupied. First visit often combines securing and initial condition check.
Do you work with probate solicitors and executors?
Yes - I'm used to providing reports for executors and solicitors. I can also coordinate with estate agents if the property is being sold, and arrange for specific maintenance work if needed during the probate period.
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Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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