General Repairs and Maintenance

Manage Repairs from Start to Finish for Probate Properties

When a property enters probate, it often requires a range of repairs and maintenance to preserve its value and ensure it’s ready for sale, rental, or habitation. Leaking pipes, broken windows, faulty electrical systems, or worn-out roofing—these issues can quickly escalate if not addressed, diminishing the estate’s value and exposing fiduciaries to legal risks. For estate attorneys, overseeing these repairs is a critical part of fulfilling fiduciary duties, but it’s a task that demands time, coordination, and expertise, all while you’re juggling court filings, beneficiary negotiations, and other legal responsibilities. At DBD Estate Services, our General Repairs and Maintenance Service is designed to take this burden off your shoulders, managing every aspect of the repair process from start to finish, so you can focus on settling the estate with confidence.

The challenges of managing repairs in probate are significant. A neglected property can lead to costly damage—water leaks can cause mold growth, broken windows can invite pests, and a deteriorating roof can compromise the entire structure. These issues not only reduce the property’s market value but also create safety hazards, potentially resulting in lawsuits if someone is injured on the premises. We’ve seen cases where a probate property’s HVAC system failed during winter, causing frozen pipes that burst and flooded the home, costing the estate $20,000 in damages. From a legal perspective, estate attorneys must ensure that the property is maintained in a condition that protects the estate’s assets, as failure to do so can lead to allegations of fiduciary negligence. At the same time, coordinating repairs can be a logistical nightmare—finding reliable contractors, scheduling work, overseeing projects, and inspecting completions all take time and effort that you may not have.

Our General Repairs and Maintenance service begins with a thorough assessment of the property, identifying all repair and maintenance needs. We work closely with estate attorneys to understand the property’s condition, any immediate concerns, and the goals for the estate—whether it’s preparing the property for sale or ensuring that it is habitable for heirs. Our inspection covers every aspect of the property, from structural elements like the foundation and roof to systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, to general maintenance tasks like fixing drywall or replacing broken windows. We prioritize repairs based on urgency and impact, addressing critical issues like a leaking roof first, while scheduling less urgent tasks like repainting for later. In one case, we assessed a probate property that needed a new water heater, updated wiring, and a repaired deck. Our prioritized plan ensured that the water heater was replaced immediately, preventing further damage, while the other repairs were completed in time for the property’s sale.

With the assessment complete, we coordinate with licensed contractors to execute the repairs. We have a network of trusted professionals across various trades—plumbers, electricians, roofers, carpenters, and more—ensuring that we can handle any type of repair or maintenance task. Our team manages the entire process, from scheduling the contractors to overseeing the work to inspecting the final results. We ensure that all repairs are completed to a high standard, using quality materials and adhering to local building codes. For example, a plumbing repair might involve replacing a leaking pipe, testing the system for pressure, and ensuring that the fix meets code requirements. We also handle any necessary permits, coordinating with local authorities to ensure compliance. Throughout the process, we keep you informed with regular updates, providing a detailed report of the work performed, the costs incurred, and the final outcomes.

Our service is designed to address the unique needs of probate attorneys, focusing on minimizing liability and maximizing efficiency. We understand the legal implications of neglecting property maintenance—a damaged property can lead to disputes among heirs, code violations, or lawsuits from neighbors, all of which can delay probate and strain client relationships. Our detailed documentation provides a clear record for probate proceedings, demonstrating due diligence and protecting against claims of mismanagement. In one memorable case, we managed repairs for a probate property that had a crumbling chimney, a safety hazard that had gone unnoticed. We hired a contractor to rebuild the chimney, ensuring it met local codes, and the property sold for 15% above its appraised value, a win for the estate and the heirs.

We also recognize the emotional weight of this process for heirs, who may feel overwhelmed by the state of the property. A home in disrepair can be a painful reminder of neglect, especially if the decedent was unable to maintain it in their later years. Our team approaches every project with empathy, ensuring that repairs are completed in a way that respects the decedent’s legacy while meeting the legal needs of the estate. We work closely with heirs to address any concerns, such as preserving a specific feature of the home, while ensuring that the property is brought up to a safe and functional standard. In cases where heirs are unable to participate, we act as their proxy, making decisions with their best interests in mind while keeping you informed at every step.

At DBD Estate Services, we’re committed to helping estate attorneys navigate any difficulties related to the physical properties during the probate process. Our General Repairs and Maintenance service ensures that every repair is completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard, giving you the confidence to manage the estate without fear of oversight. We take pride in our professionalism, our attention to detail, and our commitment to supporting the probate process. Whether you’re dealing with a small fixer-upper or a large estate with extensive repair needs, we have the expertise to manage the repairs with care and precision.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your next probate case with our expert repair and maintenance services.