We’ve got some exciting updates to share from our second week at the hoarder house. It’s been quite the journey, and we’ve learned more than we ever expected.
The Layered Mess and the Smell That Stays
Who knew that a hoarder house had so many surprises? We discovered that the smell isn’t just from the trash; it’s the house itself. With 20 years of clutter, the top layer of trash—think milk bottles and Sonic cups—acted as an insulator. Once we started stirring things up, the smell got even worse. It took us until day three of the demo to realize how bad it was.
Dumpster Count and Cleanup Costs
In one week, we’ve filled up four dumpsters and spent around $5,000 on cleanup. This includes hiring four guys for five days and all the necessary cleanup materials. If you’re wondering about the scope of this mess, consider this: we’ve cleared out three feet of trash from an eight-foot ceiling room.
Inside the House
Let’s walk through what we’ve uncovered:
- Living Room: It’s more spacious than we thought. With some clearance, you can now see the ceiling fan!
- Kitchen: There’s a lot of potential here. With new cabinets and some paint, it could look great.
- Laundry Room: This room is packed. The previous owner was meticulous about laundry.
- Bedrooms: We initially thought there were just two, but we found a third bedroom. The master bedroom is piled high with stuff and has a neglected bathroom.
Real Estate Insights and Strategic Planning
After a quick walk-through last Friday, we found out the house is listed as a 3-bedroom, 2-bath with decent square footage. It’s in a good neighborhood in Arlington, making it a valuable property. Even with all the trash, the rehab costs shouldn’t be too high.
Exit Strategies
We bought this house at the right price, giving us multiple exit strategies:
- Resell As-Is: We could clean it up a bit and list it for wholesale.
- Rental Property: Given the location, it could make a great rental property.
The Unexpected Discovery
Then came the weird part. I got a call from my team saying they found something odd. The master bathroom tub was filled with—you guessed it—everything you’d expect to be flushed down a toilet. It’s a nightmare, but it’s manageable.
Takeaway
Our second week at the hoarder house has been an eye-opening experience, revealing both the challenges and the potential of this property. From battling the pervasive smell to uncovering hidden rooms, we’ve made significant progress. Despite the overwhelming amount of trash and unexpected discoveries, we’re optimistic about the house’s future.
With strategic planning and the right exit strategy, this property in Arlington holds promise as a valuable investment. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey to transform this hoarder house into a home.
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