How much does attic cleaning cost?
Attic cleaning costs $163, on average. But prices generally range from $150-$200. Homeowners pay $75 on the low end and $600 on the high end. Additional services like junk removal and organization services will increase the total cost of an attic cleaning project.
Attic cleaning cost:
| National average cost | $163 |
| Average cost range | $150-$200 |
| Low-end cost | $75 |
| High-end cost | $600 |
The state of your attic has a big impact on the health of your home and the people who live in it. If it’s not cleaned regularly, cracks and gaps will allow dust and rainwater to get inside. Left alone, that will produce mold colonies, trigger allergies and allow pests like roof rats, mice, birds and squirrels to move into the space. Water and rodents can (and will) also destroy your attic insulation, lowering the energy-efficiency of your home and sending heating and cooling bills through the roof. In addition, and perhaps most concerning, rodent feces and urine can spread diseases throughout your entire home.
A thorough attic cleaning by a professional cleaning and insulation service can help eliminate these problems and restore your attic to a good, clean and healthy condition.
What's in this cost guide?
Attic decontamination costs
Attic decontamination averages about $1.50 per square foot, in addition to a flat cost of around $200 to deodorize and disinfect the space. Rodent droppings are considered biowaste and can be dangerous to remove. Professionals use personal safety equipment, including biohazard suits and respirators, to avoid disease.
Attic insulation removal or installation costs
Removing damaged attic installation is included in the decontamination price ($1.50 per square foot). New installation typically costs about $1 per square foot. It’s especially important to replace the installation if you’ve found rodent or mold infestation in the attic, as the insulation will likely be contaminated. Removing it on your own can be dangerous as it may spread mold spores or disease.
The first step to cleaning your attic is to remove any junk or debris, which means you may need to hire a junk removal specialist. The average cost of junk removal is $170-$375 nationally, but varies depending on the type of junk, how much there is, the accessibility of the attic and other factors.
You will need to hire a junk removal specialist before you hire a professional cleaner, as most attic cleaners don't handle that part of the job.
Rodent removal costs
The nationwide average cost for rodent removal is $95-$235. The animals these services typically include rats and mice (which are more commonly a problem indoors) and gophers, which live mostly outdoors and infest lawns and gardens.
Rodent-proofing costs
Dealing with an infestation of rodents can cost an additional $125 to $200, as the next step is to locate the areas of the attic that have been compromised and seal and block all entry points. The total price will depend on the severity of the infestation. Some attic cleaning professionals will handle this, but in other cases, you may need to call an exterminator.
When should you get your attic cleaned?
You should clean your attic every two years, and any time you have any of the following issues:
- dust and dirt from things sitting untouched for months or years
- holes and cracks are allowing in cold or hot air
- water and moisture (and therefore mold)
- ineffective insulation
- rodent infestation.
Without proper cleaning, all of these issues will only get worse, which at best can negatively impact your energy bill — and (at worst) your health.
How to save money on attic cleaning
Paying a professional to clean your attic will save you money on heating and cooling, as well as potential damage to items that are stored there. However, there are a few ways to save a little extra up front.
For example, remove junk yourself before the pros come. Enlist a helper to go through your belongings, identify what should be kept, and dispose of the rest.
Or, have a yard or online sale. You can even make some money by selling the things that are still in good condition but no longer wanted.
Benefits of hiring a professional to clean your attic
A professional who cleans attics on a regular basis can inspect your attic, tell you exactly what needs to be done to make it sanitary and safe, and provide you with a quote. In the best-case scenario, you may just need someone with specialized equipment to improve the air quality in your attic (and therefore your home).
However, if there's any type of animal infestation or contamination, a professional cleanup crew will be able to determine the next steps and do everything necessary to return your attic to a pristine state, ultimately saving you time, worry and money.
Find attic cleaning services near you
Look for a professional attic cleaner who has good online reviews, is licensed and insured, has the proper equipment for the job and will provide you with a warranty. Start your search on Thumbtack today.
