The attic is one of those spaces that can add so much storage or living space potential to a property, but it is often left unloved and underappreciated. It doesn’t help that they tend to be the most dust-prone areas of a house- and cleaning them can feel like the last thing anyone wants to do.
That is where a professional attic cleaning service in LA can come in handy- but how much does it cost to clean an attic?
In this guide, we cover the national average cost of attic cleaning in 2023, the factors that influence the overall price, the types of attic cleaning services you may require, and how much it will cost if you decide to clean your attic by yourself.
How Much Will It Cost to Clean My Attic?
Attic cleaning can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000, depending on a few key factors. The overall average cost in the US is around $200, but it is difficult to use this as a reliable price point because of how different one space is from another.
Average Cost Per Square Foot
Per square foot, attics cost between $1.00 and $1.50 to clean, based on the standard service a homeowner is likely to require.
What Factors Influence the Costs of Attic Cleaning Services?
Current Condition and Property Age
Understandably, the worse a condition your attic is in, the more it will cost. Older properties are also more expensive in most cases because of the increased risks of working in the attic.
Design and Layout
Size, shape, and features all contribute to the overall cost. If your attic is used as a living space, and has floorboards, furniture, or other fixtures that need treatment, this is likely to increase the cost.
Accessibility
Attics can be tricky places to get into and work in, which is why most people don’t want to do it themselves. If yours is an awkward space, cleaners may increase their hourly rate.
Labor Costs
The more things there are to clean or remove, the longer it takes, and the more worker hours are required. Most cleaning companies charge $30-$50 an hour.
The Different Types of Professional Attic Cleaning
You can arrange a complete attic maintenance package that includes the whole works, but there are individual services that contribute and can be booked on their own. The price of your job largely depends on which of the following services you need.
Cleanup and Decontamination
Decontamination is required in attics that have been out of use for a while. If you want to make use of your space, you need to make sure it is safe first!
Attic decontamination costs up to $3.00 per square foot if you arrange it alone, and it will generally remove rodent droppings, insects, dust, and other hazardous materials.
Pest Control and Rodent Removal Services
If you have an insect or rodent infestation, you probably need an additional service to remove them. Roof rats and other pests can also leave damage behind, which can increase the cost.
The price can range from $200 to $600, and prevention measures to keep the place free from pests usually cost an extra $100-$200.
Deodorizing and Disinfecting
Another popular type of cleaning for attics is a general disinfectant treatment to kill bacteria and nasty smells. It often comes after a general cleanup, rodent problem, or mold treatment to get the air smelling and feeling fresh and livable.
This cleaning service usually costs $100-$200.
Mold Treatment
Attic mold remediation and removal services cost between $1000 and $4000. Unfortunately, this is a pretty mold-prone area unless you have it dehumidified and air-sealed. Once an infestation sets in, having this service arranged is the only effective way to get it under control.
Attic Insulation Services
Installing new insulation costs anywhere in the $1000 to $3000 range, but it is worth it. It stops cold air from seeping in and can save you money on heating. Many cleaning crews work with insulation in the attic and crawl space.
The cost of your insulation will vary depending on the area and how much the attic insulation removal costs come to before work can begin. On average, attic insulation services cost between $1500 and $3000.
Attic insulation installation may also require other cleaning services first to properly prepare the space. Cleaning and insulation removal or installation often go hand-in-hand with renovation projects or new buys.
Furniture Clear-Outs and Junk Removal Services
Junk removal costs usually depend on how much you need taken out and how heavy the individual objects are. On average, junk removers start their prices from $50 for a single item (although furniture and other large items can cost much more).
They usually charge less to remove additional items and the average total spend ranges from $130 to $360.
Ways to Save on Attic Cleaning Costs
The best way to save money on your attic cleaning costs is to do it yourself rather than hiring a professional. Like any house cleaning, it will probably take longer- but at least the labor is free! DIY attic cleaning costs less than $100 in most cases. Talk to Pure Eco Inc specialists to know how much it will be in your case.
If you choose not to have your attic cleaned, you need to factor in the cost of cleaning materials and other items, such as rodent traps or protective gear if you are working with insulation. Large removal jobs may also require you to hire a skip.
You can help reduce the cost of attic cleaning by preparing the area a little and removing what you can in advance. It also helps to contact multiple attic cleaners and ask for a free estimate to find the best deal.
Many attic cleaning professionals offer discounts when you include it as part of a general house cleanup.
Final Things to Consider Before You Hire a Professional Attic Cleaner
When you search for attic cleaning services near you, make sure you find a company that is fully licensed and insured and has all the proper qualifications and tools for the job.
Remember, cleaning an attic and installing insulation can improve the energy efficiency and air quality of the entire house- good for your health and your wallet! It is definitely cheaper to do it yourself, but there are plenty of other beneficial factors to having it done professionally.
This guide gives you a rough idea, but the best way to find out how much your attic cleaning may cost is to speak with a reputable company and ask for an estimate.
