Owning a hoarder house in Oklahoma City can present unique challenges and unexpected costs. These properties often come with significant issues that can be both financially and emotionally draining. This blog will cover six surprising things you need to know about owning a hoarder house, including potential costs, dangerous problems, and conditions under which a property may be condemned. Toward the end, we’ll explain how Kenneth can offer a hassle-free solution by purchasing problem properties as-is.
Extensive Cleanup Costs
Professional Cleaning Services
Cleaning a hoarder house can be an overwhelming task, as it often involves not just decluttering but addressing safety and hygiene concerns. Here’s a list of areas and items that will likely need attention when cleaning a hoarder house:
1. Floors
- Clutter Removal: Clear out piles of items, trash, and debris from the floors to ensure the space is usable.
- Deep Cleaning: After clearing the floor, sweep, mop, or vacuum to remove dust, dirt, and grime that may have accumulated.
2. Walls and Ceilings
- Dusting and Cleaning: Dust and dirt may have collected on walls and ceilings, especially if items are stacked high.
- Mold and Mildew: Check for mold or mildew, especially in areas that are damp or have poor ventilation. You may need to scrub moldy areas with specialized cleaning products.
3. Surfaces (Countertops, Tables, Shelves)
- Sanitizing: Clear off all surfaces, clean, and sanitize countertops, tables, shelves, and cabinets. Many surfaces in hoarder homes may be covered in grime, food particles, or dust.
- Wipe Down: Use disinfectants to remove germs, bacteria, and odors, particularly on kitchen surfaces.
4. Kitchen and Appliances
- Food Waste: Remove any spoiled or expired food, which may attract pests or cause odors.
- Appliances: Clean the fridge, oven, microwave, and other kitchen appliances. These areas often accumulate grease, spills, and dirt.
- Sanitize: Make sure to disinfect surfaces that come into contact with food.
5. Bathrooms
- Sanitization: Thoroughly clean and disinfect toilets, sinks, showers, tubs, and countertops to remove bacteria and grime.
- Mold Removal: Bathrooms in hoarder homes are especially prone to mold and mildew due to humidity. Use mold removers and scrub affected areas.
- Clutter Clearing: Clear out unnecessary items from bathroom counters and cabinets.
6. Trash and Debris
- Trash Bags: A large portion of cleaning a hoarder home is removing excess trash. Be prepared to sort through piles of discarded items and separate recyclables, garbage, and things that might still be useful.
- Pest Control: Trash and food waste can attract pests. Consider hiring pest control professionals if there’s a significant infestation.
7. Carpets and Upholstery
- Vacuum and Shampoo: Carpets in hoarder homes may be covered in dirt, pet hair, or other debris. Vacuum thoroughly and, if possible, shampoo the carpets.
- Upholstered Furniture: Clean furniture by vacuuming, spot cleaning, or using professional upholstery cleaning services if needed.
8. Windows and Doors
- Dust and Clean: Windows in hoarder homes can be covered in dust and grime. Clean the windows, frames, and sills.
- Inspect for Damage: Make sure windows and doors are functional, properly sealed, and safe.
9. Attic, Basement, and Garage
- Declutter: These areas often accumulate a lot of unused or forgotten items. Sort through them to identify what can be discarded or donated.
- Pest Inspection: Attics and basements may attract rodents or insects. Inspect these spaces and clean any nests or droppings.
10. Basement or Crawl Spaces
- Water Damage: These areas can often have mold, mildew, or water damage. Clean up any visible mold and address any dampness or flooding issues.
- Storage Organization: If the basement or crawl space is used for storage, organize and clean it up, removing items that are no longer needed.
11. Air Vents and Ducts
- Dust and Mold: If there is a significant accumulation of dust, pet hair, or mold in air vents and ducts, consider having them professionally cleaned to improve air quality and prevent the spread of contaminants.
12. Odor Removal
- Deodorize: Hoarder homes can often have strong, musty odors from mold, food waste, or pets. Use air purifiers, odor neutralizers, and natural deodorizers like baking soda or vinegar to eliminate unwanted smells.
- Professional Cleaning: In extreme cases, you might want to hire professional cleaners who specialize in hoarder homes to address deep odor issues.
13. Pest Control
- Extermination: If pests such as rodents, cockroaches, or termites are present, you will need to contact a pest control professional to ensure the home is safe and free from infestations.
Cost Estimate: $1,000 – $10,000+
Waste Removal
Disposing of the vast amount of waste generated by hoarding can be expensive. This includes hiring junk removal services or renting dumpsters, with costs varying based on the volume of items.
Cost Estimate: $500 – $5,000+
2. Structural Damage
Weight and Moisture Damage
The excessive accumulation of items can cause significant structural damage to a hoarder house. Floors, walls, and ceilings may suffer from weight strain and moisture damage, requiring costly repairs.
Cost Estimate: $2,000 – $20,000+
Pest Infestations
Hoarder houses are prone to pest infestations, which can further damage the property’s structure and create unhealthy living conditions. Professional pest control services are often needed to address these issues.
Cost Estimate: $300 – $2,000+
3. Health Hazards
Mold and Mildew
Poor ventilation and moisture accumulation in hoarder houses create ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth. Mold remediation is essential to ensure the property is safe and free from health hazards.
Cost Estimate: $500 – $6,000+
Biohazards
Hoarder houses may contain biohazards such as animal waste, decaying food, and human waste. Addressing these hazards requires specialized cleaning and disposal services to prevent health risks.
Cost Estimate: $1,000 – $5,000+
4. Legal and Regulatory Issues
Code Violations
Hoarder houses often violate local building and health codes. Addressing these violations can involve costly fines, legal fees, and mandatory repairs to bring the property up to code.
Cost Estimate: $500 – $3,000+
Condemnation Risks
In severe cases, a hoarder house may be condemned by local authorities if it poses a significant health and safety risk. This can result in eviction and potential demolition of the property.
Conditions for Condemnation:
- Extreme structural damage
- Severe pest infestations
- Persistent health hazards
- Failure to comply with code violations
5. Emotional and Psychological Impact
Emotional Strain
Owning a hoarder house can be emotionally taxing, especially if the property belonged to a loved one. The process of cleaning out and repairing the house can bring up difficult emotions and memories.
Psychological Effects
Living in or dealing with a hoarder house can also have psychological effects, including stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s important to seek support from friends, family, or professionals when navigating these challenges.
6. Financial Burden
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Even after initial cleanup and repairs, hoarder houses often require ongoing maintenance to prevent future issues. This can include regular pest control, mold inspections, and structural assessments.
Cost Estimate: $1,000 – $3,000+ annually
Reduced Property Value
Hoarder houses typically have reduced property value due to their condition and the stigma associated with hoarding. This can make it challenging to sell the property at a fair market price.
How We Buy Houses Nationwide Can Help
At We Buy Houses Nationwide, we understand the unique challenges and unexpected costs associated with owning a hoarder house. As real estate investors, we specialize in purchasing properties as-is, meaning you don’t need to worry about cleanup, repairs, or legal issues. Here’s how we can assist:
- Quick and Fair Offers: We provide fast and competitive offers, allowing you to sell your property without delay.
- No Cleanup Required: We buy houses in any condition, so you don’t need to spend time or money on cleaning out the hoarder house.
- Streamlined Process: Our straightforward buying process ensures a smooth and stress-free transaction.
By choosing We Buy Houses Nationwide, you can avoid the complications and expenses of dealing with a hoarder house, making it easier to move on from your property quickly and efficiently.
Owning a hoarder house in Oklahoma City comes with numerous challenges, from extensive cleanup costs and structural damage to health hazards and legal issues. Understanding these surprising aspects can help you better prepare for the task ahead. However, if you prefer a hassle-free solution, We Buy Houses Nationwide offers a convenient option by purchasing hoarder houses as-is. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you sell your hoarder house without the stress and financial burden. 4059993129