Cleaning up a hoarder house isn't cheap. According to show star Matt Paxton, "Cleanouts range anywhere from $1,000-$70,000, and rats are not included!" Rocky Mountain Biohazard further breaks down the costs involved. First, there's labor. Cleaning crews can be involve day laborers to experienced veterans, each changing the total cost per hour. If the job is out of town, there will be a per-diem involved to accommodate food and lodging while workers are away and adequate personal protective equipment to perform the task.
Next is junk removal. Those dumpsters aren't free, instead typically ranging from $375 to $525 for a roll out container. Each container has a weight limit too. Finally, cleaning costs will average between $.75 per square foot to $2 per square foot once the trash has been removed. The cost will be higher if biohazards are involved. Removing the hoard may cost thousands and thousands of dollars if done independently, and that does not include repairs to the home or new furniture.
While there is no direct payment to each participant in the show, it's clear that the services offered are worth a significant amount of money. The results of these episodes can be significant to the families involved, as well as cathartic and inspiring to those viewers suffering at home.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEpaCsrF6YvK57kWlocm5nZLGwec%2Baqa2hk569orrTrGSopl2dvKK%2Bw56prGWXmsFuvMCim2g%3D