Homes Builder

The Cost of Removing Wallpaper – A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you’re renovating a room or just looking to update the decor in your home, removing wallpaper can be an essential step. But it can be challenging, and there are a lot of factors that can affect the cost.

Among them is the type of paper, the condition of the wall behind it, and how many layers of wallpaper need removal. Some older papers, for example, are porous, meaning they absorb water quickly and require steaming to remove them.

Cost of Materials

The cost to remove wallpaper depends on the method used, the type of wall, and any underlying damage to the drywall. It can range from a relatively minor problem like a few holes to severe issues such as unseen water damage that can lead to mold or mildew growth.

Removing old, dated, or stained wallpaper can help improve the air quality of a home. It can also give homeowners a chance to assess the condition of the underlying walls, which can help identify structural problems and unseen water damage that could cause mold or mildew growth.

Some of the most affordable methods for removing wallpaper include steaming, soaking, or chemical stripping. These methods are available for both porous and nonporous wallpaper.

Stripping is the simplest and least expensive way to remove wallpaper, but it can be labor-intensive and may require scoring or moistening the wallpaper before stripping. This method can cost $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot, depending on the type of wallpaper and whether it is porous or nonporous.

Traditional porous wallpaper is the easiest to remove, while vinyl-coated paper can be the most difficult and requires a combination of stripping, soaking, or chemical stripping. In addition, if the wallpaper is oil-based paint, it will take longer to remove than latex-based paint. It will also require more prep work and cleaning, which can increase the cost of a project.

Cost of Equipment

Several factors will impact the cost, whether you plan to remove the wallpaper or just a few small sections. These include the type of wallpaper, its age, and its adhesive strength.

Older wallpaper has a weaker adhesive than modern peel-and-stick types, and it is more difficult to remove because it can get stuck on the wall harder and stay there longer. It also can be more challenging to remove if there are multiple layers of paper or if the wallpaper has been painted over especially oil-based paint.

Damage to the underlying walls or wall condition is another factor that may increase the project’s cost. It will likely happen with drywall and require filling holes, sanding, texturing or other repairs.

Steaming is a method that uses hot water to loosen the glue that holds the paper in place. It can be a cheaper alternative to stripping but is also more time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Soaking and scraping is another method that uses liquids to saturate the paper. Then, a scraping tool removes the paper from the wall.

If you are going to remove wallpaper, make sure that the project is done correctly and safely. It will ensure you don’t make costly mistakes that can damage your walls or fixtures.

Cost of Labor

The cost of removing wallpaper can vary based on the type of paper, age, and condition. Older wallpaper may require steaming or soaking to remove, which adds to the labor. Soaking can also cause damage to the wall and should be avoided if possible.

A professional will use a specialized solution to soak the wallpaper and its backing, which helps to penetrate the glue that holds it on the wall. The key is made from a concentrated liquid mixed with hot water and then applied to the wall using a pump sprayer.

Some professionals will also score the paper before soaking it. It is to ensure that the soaking solution gets between the glue and paper so that it can be easily removed.

A professional must often do some room prep work, including removing wall plates, covering outlets and switches, and laying down a tarp. It will also add to the labor cost since it involves a lot of time and effort to get the job done right.

The cost of removing wallpaper can vary widely depending on the type of paper, its age, and how many layers of wallpaper are present. It can also be more expensive if it has been painted over. It is because it will be harder to remove and more costly to paint over.

Cost of Cleaning

Wallpaper is a common choice for homeowners, as it offers a range of patterns and textures. But, like paint, wallpaper can fade or get damaged over time, requiring more care to keep looking good.

Aside from food and pet stains, footprints and crayon marks can damage a beautiful wallpaper. Even the most durable wallcoverings can be vulnerable to these problems and take a long time to remove.

The cost of removing the wallpaper will vary depending on the condition of the paper and whether it’s strippable or nonporous. A professional wallpaper removal company will charge between $0.60 and $1.50 per square foot. However, it could be higher if the wall needs repair or if there are multiple layers of paper and powerful adhesive.

One technique involves soaking the wallpaper in warm water and detergent. However, this can damage the paper if you use less soap or water, so it’s best first to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous spot.

Another method to clean wallpaper is using a sponge dipped in warm water and mild dish soap. It will help remove dirt and stains without adding moisture to the wallpaper, but you should still use caution if your wallpaper is older or delicate.