Tackling a hoarder house can be one of the most challenging cleaning jobs imaginable. At North West Clean Team, we've helped countless families and property owners transform severely cluttered homes into clean, safe living spaces. If you're looking at cleaning a hoarder house, understanding the costs involved is crucial for planning and budgeting—and it all begins with knowing how to start cleaning a hoarder's room.
Hoarding disorder affects over 1.2 million people in the UK, though actual numbers may be higher due to underreporting and social stigma. When cleaning a hoarder house, we're not just dealing with typical clutter – we're managing a situation that often involves extreme accumulation of items, potential health hazards, and sometimes structural damage to the property.
Hoarded homes can contain hundreds of kilograms of waste, with some jobs requiring multiple skips, thorough disinfection, pest control interventions, and hazardous waste removal. The overall cost varies based on several factors that we'll explore throughout this article.
Let's address the question directly: what is the average cost to clean a hoarder house? Based on our experience and industry data, professional hoarder cleaning costs in the UK typically range from £500 to £5,000+, with severe cases potentially costing much more.
Here's a breakdown by severity:
These costs reflect the reality that hoarder house cleaning is specialized work requiring professional expertise, careful planning, and specialized equipment.
The size of the property directly impacts the cost of cleaning a hoarder house. Larger homes with more rooms naturally require more time, personnel, and resources to clean thoroughly.
It's important to note that even a small space with severe hoarding may cost more than a larger home with mild hoarding. Property size is just one factor among many that influence the final price.
The level of hoarding significantly affects cleaning costs:
A study found that 25% of fire deaths in the UK occurred in homes with hoarding levels that blocked escape routes or hindered fire services, highlighting the serious nature of severe hoarding situations.
The presence of hazardous substances substantially increases cleaning costs due to the need for specialized handling and disposal methods. Hazardous materials we commonly encounter include:
When hazardous waste is involved, costs can increase by 30-50% due to the need for proper protective equipment, specialized cleaning agents, and appropriate disposal methods.
A significant portion of hoarder cleaning involves house clearance – the removal and disposal of accumulated items. House clearance costs typically account for 30-50% of the total expense, especially when multiple skips or specialist waste removal are needed.
House clearance companies typically charge £300-£800 per day, depending on the volume of items and required labor. For larger jobs, costs can reach £2,000+ for a complete house clearance service.
Once hoarded items are removed, thorough deep cleaning is essential. This service usually costs between £12-£20 per square meter, depending on the property's condition and the extent of contamination.
Deep cleaning for a hoarder house includes:
Inhabited hoarder houses often have pest infestations that require professional extermination. Pest control services typically range from £150-£500, depending on the type of infestation and property size.
Common pests found in hoarder homes include:
Long-term hoarding can cause structural damage to properties due to excessive weight, moisture trapped beneath items, and neglected maintenance. Structural repairs might include:
Costs for structural repairs vary widely but typically start at £500 for minor repairs and can exceed £5,000 for significant structural issues.
To give you a clearer picture of what to expect, here are some examples based on actual jobs we've completed:
Example 1: One-bedroom flat with moderate hoarding
Example 2: Three-bedroom house with severe hoarding and hazardous waste
Example 3: Large four-bedroom house with severe hoarding, animal waste, and structural damage
While professional help is usually necessary for hoarder situations, there are ways to manage expenses:
Professional cleaning services like North West Clean Team, a trusted cleaning company, don't just remove items – we provide a comprehensive solution that includes:
While minor clutter can often be handled without professional intervention, certain situations demand expert assistance:
Delaying professional cleaning of a hoarder house can lead to escalating costs due to:
When selecting a cleaning service for a hoarder house, look for:
Cleaning a hoarder house is a complex project that requires professional expertise, specialized equipment, and a compassionate approach. At North West Clean Team, we understand the challenges involved and offer comprehensive hoarder house cleaning services tailored to your specific situation.
We provide free, no-obligation quotes after a thorough assessment of your property. Our team brings years of experience in handling even the most severe hoarding situations with sensitivity and professionalism.
For a confidential discussion about your needs and a free quote, contact North West Clean Team today. We're ready to help you transform a challenging space into a clean, safe, and livable home.
