“AFTA strongly recommends that you read this page in full before booking any house clearance company. The last thing you want to do is to make an uninformed bad choice that could result in a hefty fine, prosecution, and a criminal record.”
- Before You Hire A House Clearance Company – Need To Know
- House Clearance Cost: Disposing Of Waste Legally Average Prices
- House Clearance Costs: Employee Expenses
- House Clearance Vehicle Costs
- General Costs to Run a Legitimate House Clearance Company
- The Average Total Cost For A Legitimate House Clearance?
Before You Hire A House Clearance Company – Need To Know
When seeking to hire a professional company to clear a property, the initial question people ask is “How much does house clearance cost?”
Before compiling this cost analysis, AFTA consulted with twelve reputable house clearance companies and various waste transfer stations to determine the average cost involved in conducting a legitimate house clearance.
The cost of legitimate house clearance services in the UK may vary depending on several factors, for example the type of service required, such as a standard house clearance or a hoarded or verminous house clearance. It will also depend on the type of waste that requires disposal, for instance, whether it is contaminated or verminous, and lastly, how many days or loads will be required to complete the house clearance.
To demonstrate the average cost to you and the expenses incurred by a legitimate house clearance company, we base this cost analysis on one large Luton van load. This analysis is not based on a quarter or half a van load, weight, or per item, as some clearance services offer.
House Clearance Costs: Disposing Of Waste Legally Average Prices
The biggest expense for any legitimate house clearance service is the legal disposal of waste. Such companies must comply with strict environmental responsibilities stipulated in Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This means that all waste resulting from a house clearance must be safely transported to an authorized waste transfer recycling center.
The cost of transporting a Luton-sized van filled with general waste is typically around £200-£300 + VAT per load. However, this does not include any additional fees that may be charged by waste transfer stations, such as for mattresses, fridge freezers, and other items. (Note: Not all waste transfer stations apply these extra charges.)
Waste Transfer Station Costs? £200-£300 + vat per Luton sized van load.
House Clearance Costs: Employee Expenses
Another significant expense associated with employing the services of a legitimate house clearance company is staff/employee wages. The company must pay its staff a fair wage to retain hardworking individuals in their team. The average wage for a house clearance team of three staff members in the UK is around £215 per day.
Staff Wages: Based On Three Members Of Staff Is Around £215 per day.
House Clearance Vehicle Costs:
A legitimate house clearance companies typically use large Luton vans, to transport waste and other items from the property to a waste transfer station or a charitable organization. However, these vehicles require regular maintenance and fuel, the company will also have to pay road tax and insurance to use them legally. On average, the cost of using a house clearance vehicle roughly adds up to around £100 per day.
Daily Vehicle Running Costs: Maintenance, Fuel, Tax And Insurance Around £100 Per Day
General Costs to Run a Legitimate House Clearance Company
Finally, running a legitimate house clearance company comes with general costs such as licenses, website fees, office rent, telephones, and liability insurance expenses, which can add up to around £90 per day.
General Costs: Approximately £90 per day.
So, What Is The Average Total Cost For A Legitimate House Clearance?
Based on one van load, a legitimate house clearance company incurs charges of approximately £600 to £700 per clearance.
Total Average Cost: £600 to £700
“Remember, if you receive a low-priced quote from a house clearance company that sounds too good to be true, be cautious. Your waste is your responsibility, and if illegally fly-tipped waste is traced back to you, you will be held liable.”
Ask your self the simple following questions:
- How can a company legally dispose of waste for such a low price?
- How can a company possess all the necessary licences and insurances and still charge such a small amount?
Choose An AFTA member for house clearance and know your waste will be disposed of legally and responsibly.
Please Do Not Let This Happen To Your Waste: