House Clearance Guide: FAQs

I have a house to clear and don't know where to start. How does it work ?

It depends on your circumstances, but here are four common scenarios:

1. The contents of your house have no resale value: In this case we would have to charge you for clearance which will include tipping fees at a local waste site and our labour.
2. The contents include antiques, silver, jewellery, paintings and collectables, (including book, stamp or toy collections) or have good resale value: In this case we will give a good allowance and offset it against the cost of clearance.
3. The majority of the contents are antique or have value. If this value exceeds the clearance costs, we will pay you the difference, in cash or by cheque, according to your preference.
4. Where the contents have been valued for the purposes of probate, this value can be offset against the cost of a subsequent house clearance.

For more information contact Jeffrey Avery on 0800 567 7769.

What happens to modern furniture and general household items which usually form the bulk of a clearance?

We will make every effort to ensure that these items are re-used, and where this is not possible, recycled. We work with charitable and other organisations to ensure that items which in themselves have no real monetary value, are found good homes.

This policy of re-use is not only environmentally friendly, but makes sound economic sense too, because, by spending less on landfill, we reduce our costs, which means that we can keep our prices competitive.

The property to be cleared has become dirty, neglected and insanitary. Can you deal with the problems resulting from this?

Yes. This often happens where, for example, the previous occupants went through a long period of illness or infirmity, and in these circumstances we can not only clear the property as normal, but provide a deep cleaning service for bathrooms, kitchens, and other parts of the property as required. Even in cases of extreme contamination we will be happy to do the job. In addition, we can clear the garden, and generally reinstate the whole property, leaving it ready for immediate sale or transfer.

Can you provide advice and assistance if the contents of a property contain antiques, fine art, or collectables?

We have considerable experience in valuing antiques and fine art, and can use the value of these to offset the cost of clearance, or, if the amount of our invoice is exceeded, we can make a payment to you by cheque or cash. Our valuations are comparable to the amount the item would realise if sold by an auction company.

How much will it cost?

Our clearance fees start at around £350, inclusive, for a small property, but vary according to density of contents and number of rooms.

We load our vehicles efficiently, making maximum use of the available space, and hence provide much better value than other options, such as skip hire or 'price per load'.

How do you deal with confidential documents and items of a personal nature?

We always handle these items with the utmost discretion. If required, we can destroy them by shredding and provide a written confirmation that this has been done. If during a clearance we we find items (such as photographs) or documents of importance, these will be retained for your perusal before disposal.

What additional services do you offer to estate agents and other professional organisations?

If requested, we can drain down central heating and water tanks to prevent pipe bursts, or decomission the water services entirely. We can also isolate all electrical systems and secure the premises by changing the locks. To do this, we offer the services of a locksmith, CORGI gas engineer, plumber, and electrician. This is particularly important where the property is likely to be empty for a while.

What about items I wish to keep?

We are always happy to transport any items you wish to retain to a location of your choice.

I'm not in the UK at the moment. Can you help?

Yes, we often work with overseas clients and are always pleased to assist with international enquiries. We have all the necessary facilities available for individuals and companies requiring our services while abroad.

There is a vehicle included in the estate. Can you deal with this as well?

Yes. This often occurs when clearing a home on behalf of executors, and we can arrange for the purchase of all types of vehicles, irrespective of condition, or organise their disposal, as required.

What standard of service can I expect from Jeffrey Avery and Associates?

We guarantee that we will always clear your house completely, and, when clearing the property of a deceased person, will act with the utmost respect. We will leave the premises clean and tidy ready for sale or transfer, with the minimum of fuss and within the time stated.

For more information on the house clearance services available from Jeffrey Avery and Associates contact Jeffrey Avery directly on 0800 567 7769. You will receive a free quotation or friendly advice with no obligation whatsoever.