Cleaning a hoarded house is no easy task. There is usually much more involved than just clearing some clutter. It often entails everything from deep cleaning, sorting possessions, removing hazards, and restoring livability to a home. This complex process also comes with unique challenges that affect pricing. However, how much does it cost to clean a hoarder house? The answer?
It depends on several factors, from the severity of the hoarding situation to the level of cleaning required. To provide clarity, we’ll break down the key considerations, costs, and services involved in this type of cleaning project.
How Much Does It Cost To Clean A Hoarder House?
On average, the cost can vary from $1,000 to $10,000 or sometimes higher depending on the degree of hoarding and the specific services required. Rates may differ from company to company or from place to place and are generally calculated by the hour or by the square footage of the residence. Cleaning and decluttering services usually run between $50-$100 per hour per worker.
In instances when a hoarding condition involves hazardous substances, mold removal, or pest infestations, the costs escalate. These increases can be intensified in cases of severe conditions requiring structural damage or professional restoration.
Factors Affecting Hoarder House Cleaning Costs
Extent of Clutter
One of the primary factors affecting cost is the volume of items to sort and dispose of. Light-hoarding homes will cost far less to clean than homes in which every room is packed to the ceiling with belongings.
Square Footage of the House
Cleaning a bigger house will naturally take a longer time and be more tough. When cleaning prices of hoarder houses are estimated, professional cleaners will often consider the size of the house.
Types of Items to Be Removed
If the home contains an unusual volume of hazardous materials, biohazards, or damaged items, specialist services may be necessary. Equipment such as syringes, human or pet waste, or anything that is moldy should be disposed of by following proper protocols. These disposal methods carry an extra charge.
Services Needed Beyond Cleaning
Most hoarder houses undergo a massive cleaning and decluttering that can take various extra services like pest control, odor removal, deep cleaning, and minor repair works. All this adds to the costs.
Location of the Property
Price differences also have a regional basis. Cleaning services in urban cities or an area with a much higher cost of living would be expected to charge more than in smaller towns.
Labor Intensity
Hoarding cleanup is often physically and emotionally demanding for the workers involved. The complexity and intensity of the job may lead to higher labor charges.
What Does a Hoarder House Cleaning Service Include?
Service costs can vary quite a bit between cleaning companies and depend on the scope of the work. Below is a breakdown of common services involved in hoarder house cleaning, their costs estimate, and organizations who service that.
Assessment and Planning
The first step entails having cleaning experts thoroughly examine the level of hoarding, safety hazards, and the steps necessary to restore the home. Companies, such as Bio-One, provide hoarding assessment services, usually as part of a package, but may also do an assessment-only arrangement costing $200 to $500. Planning makes the implementation of work sustainable and cost-saving in the long run regarding the overall costs.
Sorting and Organizing
The sorting process is crucial in deciding what to keep, donate, or throw away. Sorting involves sensitivity and organizational skills. Companies like Clutter Trucker charge $50 to $100 per worker per hour for sorting and organizing. For larger sort-and-organized jobs, the final cost can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the scale of the project and number of workers needed.
Decluttering
Decluttering involves getting rid of unwanted objects, often including furniture, appliances, or rubbish. Junk removal firms such as 1-800-GOT-JUNK? specialize in hoarder house clearance. Their prices start around $200 per truckload of debris but can reach $1,500-$2,000 for homes loaded with junk. Pricing depends on how much space your items take up in their vehicles.
Deep Cleaning
Once the clutter is gone, a deep cleaning is essential to address surface grime and long-term neglect. This includes vacuuming, sanitizing surfaces, and odor removal. Companies such as Merry Maids offer deep-cleaning services at $60 to $80 per hour per worker. A standard-sized home may require between 8 to 12 hours of deep cleaning, leading to an overall cost range of $500 to $1,000.
Pest or Mold Treatment
For severe hoarding cases, pests and mold often become unavoidable concerns. These specialized treatments come with their own costs. Orkin or Terminix come in to provide pest control for homes that have an infestation, with prices starting at $200 per treatment. Depending on the nature of the problem, it could rise to $1,000 or beyond. Mold remediation is charged by companies like Servpro from about $500 to $4,000, depending on the severity of the mold problem.
Repairs and Restoration
Some hoarder homes require minor repairs, repainting, or other restoration services to make them livable again. This can include fixing holes in walls, replacing flooring, or other essential tasks. Basically, handyman services like Handy and restoration specialists like Paul Davis Restoration may charge about $50 to $100 an hour for odd jobs, while full-blown restoration work may cost $5,000 or more, contingent upon the size of the job.
Working with reputable companies and being aware of their pricing structures will help a homeowner get a glimpse of the total cost and determine whether the service fits their needs .
Still curious about how much does it cost to clean a hoarder house? While prices can vary, understanding the factors involved and hiring the right professionals can help streamline the process and make it more manageable.
Previous