House clearance costs for hoarding are an average of £3,666* for a standard home. If a house is infested with pests, has structural damage and requires deep cleaning, costs can quickly triple.
This is significantly more than the average cost of house clearances which is between £325 and £595, according to Compare My Move data.
In this article, we will be discussing factors that affect the average cost of cleaning out a hoarder's house. This includes the cleaning of mould, potential pests and any repair work.
*Average costs taken from Check A Trade and Property Rescue
What Is Hoarding Disorder?
Hoarding is a complex mental health disorder. It involves an individual collecting and storing high volumes of items in their home. It can have a detrimental effect on the person and others around them. This is because it impacts their living environment.
It can become difficult to move around the home due to excessive items from compulsive hoarding. This can cause stress and anxiety. People with hoarding disorder can find it distressing to have items moved or cleared.
Hoarding can quickly become a health hazard. Pests, human waste and old food are commonly found in hoarder homes. Items stacked at a height can also be dangerous if they fall. There are also fire hazard risks involved with hoarding and being able to leave a home safely in an emergency.
When an individual is ready to clear their home of unwanted goods, it’s useful to seek help from a professional house clearance company.
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Cost Factors for Hoarder House Cleaning Services
Hoarder house clearance requires more waste removal, work and time. Companies will charge more based on this. Here are the factors that will affect the overall costs:
The Size of the Property
House clearance services are based on the size of the removal van needed. Our house clearance cost data shows a small Luton van will cost around £325. A large Luton van costs an average of £595. A hoarder’s home is likely to have more waste to dispose of so it’s likely multiple vans or a larger van will be needed.
You will also need to factor in the costs of the staff members needed. The larger the home, the more staff and hours will be needed to clear the property. The average cost for one staff member is £72 per day according to the Anti Fly-Tipping Organisation. Prices for hiring staff alone could be upwards of £288 for a 4-bedroom property.
The Number of Items that Need to be Removed
If a large or multiple Luton vans are needed due to a high volume of goods, the more the house clearance service will cost. This is because the cost is calculated based on the size and number of Luton vans needed.
The Type of Items that Need to be Removed
Hoarding house clearances can involve extreme cases that include hazardous waste or fire hazards. Companies will need to ensure they are disposing of these items safely and legally. They can carry out a thorough inspection to check whether specialist removal or cleaning services are required. The use of personal protective equipment and professionally trained staff raises overall costs.
House clearance companies legally have to dispose of waste correctly. They cannot fly-tip or dispose of items they are not covered for. This is due to Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. All companies must comply with these environmental responsibilities. It’s essential to choose a company that holds a valid Waste Carrier Licence. They can then legally and responsibly dispose of items at local tips and recycling centres.
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) helps prevent electrical items from entering landfill sites. Electronics need to be disposed of correctly. These items are charged at an additional cost to recycle.
General waste transfer costs around £300 per Luton-sized van. Here are some examples of additional costs for certain items taken from our data:
- Large fridge freezer -£106
- Mattress - £24
- Small electrical items (such as kettles and toasters) - £7.50
Some house clearance companies cannot remove hazardous waste. This is why it’s important to check what a company can and cannot take during the process. If a house clearance company cannot take specific items you will need to find another company that will. This will incur additional charges.
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Cleaning of Mould
Airtasker states it can cost anywhere from £280 to £2,200 to clear mould from a property. Mould is a contaminant and can be a concern in homes being cleared for hoarding. Black mould is a health hazard and can cause damage to a property. Other types of mould you may encounter include:
Green mould
White mould
Blue mould
Rising damp
Necessary precautions will need to be taken to ensure all mould has been removed after a home has been cleared. If mould isn't cleared from a property, it can cause lasting damage to walls, floors and ceilings. Mould that hasn't been removed will continue to spread across the property. This can cause health issues such as breathing problems and rashes.
It’s useful and safer to hire a professional cleaner to remove the mould. Most house clearance services don’t offer this service. A professional cleaning company can assess the property to create a customised cleaning plan.
Cleaning of Pests
A specialist verminous house clearance service will need to be used if a home has an infestation of pests. The vast majority of house clearance companies won’t offer this service and you will need to hire a company to carry this out.
A house clearance company can help to identify underlying issues. This is to ensure there are no biohazards or dangers in the home during their clearance service.
If dead animals, faeces or droppings may be present on the property, a specialist company will need to dispose of any contamination. They will also find the source of the infestation. This can be a lengthy process and will need necessary precautions such as PPE.
Cleaning Carpets
Carpets can be easily damaged and stained in hoarder homes, especially if rubbish, rotting food or animals are present on the property. You can hire a cleaning company to restore any damaged carpets if they can be salvaged.
Cleaning Express states that it can cost up to £120 per hour for carpet cleaning services on average. If the entire home is carpeted and the material is particularly soiled, this can be costly.
Repair Work
If a property is in bad condition due to structural problems or issues caused by excessive hoarding, you may need to hire a company. Most house clearance companies aren’t equipped or qualified to carry out repair work.
You must factor in the costs of hiring a builder or a repair worker to fix the property. Costs will vary based on the damage and what requires fixing. Restoration work can be particularly expensive if a lot of damage is present.
If you are concerned about structural damage or underlying conditions, it’s useful to have a RICS Level 3 Home Survey carried out. If you’re selling the property, potential buyers will likely have a surveyor inspect the property.
Compare My Move can connect you with up to 6 local surveyors in your area through our online form. All our surveyors are either RICS or RPSA-approved. We can help you to save up to 70% on your total surveying costs.
Property Location
The location of a property will have a bearing on house clearance costs. If a large home in the countryside needs to be cleared the transport costs from a rural area will be higher.
If a property or flat is difficult to access and remove items from, a house clearance company will likely charge more. This is due to the additional hours or days it will take to clear large quantities of goods.
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Why It is Worth Investing in a Professional House Clearance Service
It’s worth investing in a professional house clearance service if you are clearing a house with an excessive accumulation of items. While you can clear a house yourself, it’s time-consuming and can be more difficult in severe cases. It can also be dangerous if there are potential health hazards. Hiring a professional house clearance company will provide a stress-free experience.
House clearances should always be carried out professionally. This is to ensure everything is removed correctly and items are discarded safely and legally. House clearance companies are fully insured with Public Liability. They also provide a thorough assessment of the property to provide you with an accurate quote.
A home needs to be a safe and healthy living environment. If you’re selling a property, you want to maximise its chances of selling. If a property is in an unsanitary condition, this can put off potential buyers.
Estate agents may suggest that a house is cleaned professionally after clearance before it’s put on the market. Not only will this help to sell the house, but a clean and safe property will have a higher property and market value.
Finding a House Clearance Company
Here at Compare My Move, we can assist you in finding a trusted and verified house clearance company in your local area. All our partners are fully insured with Public Liability insurance and hold a valid Waste Carrier license.
Fill out our online house clearance form to be connected with up to 6 local companies. We can also help you to save up to 70% on your final house clearance costs. These clearance companies carry out responsible disposal of excessive clutter and old furniture.
