Cost To Clean An Attic: What To Expect?

Attic cleaning is an important part of home maintenance that many homeowners overlook. It’s important to keep your attic clean and free of debris, pests, and other contaminants to maintain a healthy living environment. Knowing how much it will cost to clean an attic can help you budget for this important task.

So, how much does it cost to clean an attic? The cost of attic cleaning varies depending on the size of the space and the services required. Here is a breakdown of the cost:

• Basic Attic Cleaning: $50 – $500
• Attic Decontamination: $200 – $11,000
• Attic Restoration: $3.30 – $5.50 per sq. ft.
• Attic Insulation Removal: $1 – $2 per sq. ft.
• Junk Removal: $170 – $375
• Rodent Removal: $125 – $200

It’s crucial that you understand the services that are included in your attic cleaning. Most professional services will consist of a thorough inspection, removal of debris and contaminants, and preventive measures. Read on for more on the price breakdown and any other services you need.

How Much Does It Cost To Clean An Attic?

Let’s assume you want to transform your attic into a livable space, looking to declutter your home or you just want to get rid of the nasty odor and droppings that animals have left behind. Whatever the reason, you need to make sure that your attic is properly cleaned and disinfected.

But how much will it cost to clean an attic? The average cost to clean an attic ranges from $50-$1,000, with the national average being around $200. However, costs can vary significantly depending on several factors:

• Size of attic: Bigger attics take more time and cost $1-7 per square foot. Costs can reach up to $10,500 for a 1,500 sq ft attic.
• Attic Condition: Issues like rodent infestation, mold growth, or ineffective insulation increase costs. A severe infestation may require full insulation removal and replacement.
• Additional services: Junk removal ($170-375), insulation replacement ($1-3,500), rodent/pest removal ($95-235), and rodent proofing ($125-200) add to the overall cost.
• Professional vs DIY: Hiring professionals (average $163) ensures safety, proper equipment use, and accurate decontamination. DIY costs less but risks inadequate cleanup.

Specifically, attic decontamination averages $1.50/sq ft plus $200 for supplies/equipment. Insulation replacement is ~$1/sq ft. Rodent infestations may require multiple services like removal ($95-235), proofing ($125-200), and potentially decontamination ($1.50/sq ft plus supplies).

In extreme cases like severe infestations requiring full cleanup and replacement, costs can exceed $6,000 or even reach $11,000 for a large attic. Overall, professional attic cleaning usually ranges from $150-$1,000 depending on the specific needs, with larger/more demanding projects potentially costing thousands. Hiring a pro provides safety and ensures proper cleaning.

DIY Attic Cleaning Cost

If you’re looking to clean your attic yourself, the cost will vary depending on the size of the attic and the materials needed. Generally speaking, you’ll need to purchase supplies such as a broom, vacuum, dust cloths, and cleaning products. You may also need to rent a ladder or other equipment if your attic is difficult to access.

The cost can significantly reduce if you already have home cleaning tools and equipment. But remember, you may want to hire a professional pest control service if there are signs of pests in your attic. Typically, be prepared to spend anything between $50 and $1000.

Here is a breakdown of the basic items for a DIY attic cleaning project and their price range to help you with your budgeting.

Is it okay to clean an attic yourself?

Yes, but that will depend on how much time and effort you will put in. If you have experience with DIY projects and don’t mind spending some extra time in the attic, then it could be relatively inexpensive. However, hiring a professional cleaner could be more cost-effective in the long run if you don’t feel comfortable tackling this project yourself or don’t have enough time available.

However, DIY attic cleaning can be dangerous due to potential health hazards like asbestos or lead-based paint in older homes. If you’re considering a DIY project, it’s best to consult a professional who can assess the safety risks involved and estimate the job.

Professional Attic Cleaning Cost

The cost of hiring a professional cleaner for attic cleaning can range from $150 on the low end to $1,000 on the high end and between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot. This price range includes the removal of debris, insulation, and any necessary decontamination services such as rodent feces or mold removal.

However, the exact cost will depend on the size of the attic, the amount of debris to be removed, and any additional services that may be required. For example, if there’s mold present in the attic, costs could be as high as $4.5–$6 per square foot. Rodent-proofing services will cost between $100 and $250.

When looking for a professional cleaner for your attic, it’s important to research and finds one that best fits your needs and budget. You can start by checking online reviews or asking friends and family for recommendations. It’s also important to ask about their experience with attics and what kind of services they offer.

Why Hire a Professional to Clean Your Attic?

Clearly, you can save some buck by cleaning the attic yourself if you have the necessary tools at hand. But is it worth it? Is it better to hire a professional? It might! Imagine getting into a loft that you don’t even know how. When there, you don’t even know where to start. This project can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time cleaning the space. Hiring a pro for the first cleanup will bring you the following benefits:

1. No Stressful Labor

Cleaning an attic can be a stressful and labor-intensive task. Not only is it physically demanding, but it also requires knowledge of safety protocols and proper cleaning techniques. Professionals have the experience and expertise to handle the job quickly and efficiently with minimal disruption to your home or business.

2. Eco-Friendly Options

When it comes to attic cleaning, professionals use eco-friendly products that are safe for both people and animals. These products are designed to break down dirt, dust, and debris without leaving any harmful residues behind. This helps ensure that your attic remains clean and healthy for years.

3. Efficient Cleaning

Professionals can access specialized tools and equipment that make the job much easier and more efficient than DIY methods. They can quickly identify problem areas in your attic, such as mold growth or rodent infestations, allowing them to take appropriate action before further damage occurs. This ensures that your attic is restored to its original condition as soon as possible.

VIDEO: Attic Cleaning, Decluttering and Organization

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How often should you clean the attic?

It is recommended to clean your attic at least every six months if you live in dusty areas and once a year for other areas.

Q: How long does it take to clean out an attic?

The time it takes to clean out an attic depends on the space size and how much clutter needs to be removed. Generally, it can take between a few hours and a few days.

Q: Why is my attic so dirty?

Attics can become dirty due to dust, debris, and other particles accumulating over time. Additionally, pests such as rodents, birds, and insects can contribute to attic dirtiness.

Can attic dust make you sick?

If inhaled, attic dust can contain allergens that can cause health problems such as asthma or allergies. Wearing protective gear when cleaning out an attic is important to avoid potential health risks.

Q: Why do attics smell?

Attics may smell due to mold or mildew growth caused by moisture buildup or animal droppings left behind by pests such as rodents or birds.

Conclusion

Attic cleaning is an important home maintenance task that can help keep your home healthy and safe. Knowing the cost of attic cleaning can help you budget accordingly. Depending on the supplies needed, DIY attic cleaning projects can cost between $50 and $1000; Professional attic cleaning services can range from $350 to $2000 depending on the space size and any additional services required. While you can save some money by DIYing, hiring a professional may be more cost-effective in the long run if it’s your first time cleaning the attic.