Cost to Remove Old Outdated Wallpaper

Removing wallpaper from the walls is a good way to give any room in the house an invigorating look. However, removing old wallpaper from the walls can be a time-consuming and tedious process.

How much does it cost to remove the old outdated wallpaper?

The amount of money you are going to spend in order to remove your old outdated wallpaper will depend on some varying factors such as your geographic area, the amount of wallpaper that has to be removed, the configuration of the room, the type of wallpaper, the type and condition of the wall and the number of layers of paper.

You should know that the wallpaper removal services are priced in four different ways: by the job, by the rooms, by the hour, and by the square foot. This being said, expect to pay:

• anywhere between $1.5 and $2.5 per square foot;
• anywhere between $520 and $2,100 per room. Obviously, the cost of the small rooms like the bathrooms will fall on the low end of that range, while for a large room such as a bedroom, kitchen, or living room you will have to pay $810 to $1,500. The most expensive is the two-story foyers and stairwell area, with a cost of $1,550 to $2,100.

The cost per job or per hour depends on the complexity of the job and is difficult to give an exact price for it.

Take into consideration that the costs presented above are just some estimates so you can get an idea about how much you should budget for your next home renovation. Depending on the factors we mentioned, you may have to pay more or less, especially if there are many layers of paper that have to be removed.

Removal methods

There are several options, including steaming or spraying chemicals, but you will need to decide which will work best for you and your wallpaper. People usually have no clue how to remove the wallpaper. It’s not that hard, but it takes a lot of patience and there is an art to taking the wallpaper strips off the wall.

You might also like our articles about the cost of tape and mud drywall, Soffit and Fascia installation, or Certapro Painters services.

The method used to take down the wallpaper will often depend on the product. Some wallpapers can be removed dry, while others will need a solution to be removed. And then any damage to the wall will depend on how the wallpaper was installed. Every job is different. For example, if a wall was not sealed with primer before applying the wallpaper, removing it may cause some damage to the wall texture.

Using a steam tool to remove wallpaper is no longer as popular as it once was. They were used 25 years ago and were heated with propane. Currently, steam instruments are electric. However, with this device, it takes twice as long to remove the wallpaper.

Instead, you can use a solution concentrate mixed with water to remove the wallpaper. The solution dissolves the adhesive on the back of the wallpaper, making it easy to peel off.

How to choose a contractor?

Finding the right contractor may be hard, but there are some tips that can help you choose the right one for you.

First of all, you should look for multiple price offers and compare the costs. Try to avoid the companies that offer incredibly low or high prices.

Take some time and do some background research on the contractor you are thinking to hire. See if they have an official website page and read some online reviews.

Also, check for how long has the company been in business. Definitely, you will want to hire a contractor that has some experience in this field.

Another important thing to consider before signing a contract with a professional company is establishing the exact amount of money you will have to pay.

Finally, make sure that the contractor is fully insured and licensed.

Can I remove the old wallpaper by myself?

Removing old paper wallpaper is not a complicated task, so you can do it yourself without having to turn to a professional. Here are some steps you need to follow in order to remove the old wallpaper.

Step 1. Protect the furniture and parquet

To avoid dusting or watering your furniture or floor, whether you are spraying or wetting the wallpaper with the paintbrush, pay close attention to the proper floor covering. Also, protect nearby outlets from accidentally leaking water.

Step 2. Moisten the wallpaper before peeling

Put the peeling solution or balm or vinegar in the spray bottle with hot water. Then spray or moisten the wallpaper well with the resulting solution. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3. Peel the wallpaper from the bottom up

Once you notice that the wallpaper has softened, start peeling the wallpaper from a bottom corner and gently pull it up to peel off the strip of uniform wallpaper all the way up to the ceiling. Repeat the procedure for each piece of wallpaper. If the wallpaper does not come off easily, use a knife to lift one end and then pull on the wallpaper, applying even pressure.

Step 4. Scrape the glued adhesive and the non-peeled wallpaper residue

Scrape the rest of the wallpaper and adhesive with a metal or plastic squeegee or a knife with rounded corners. Do not press too hard with the spatula, especially if the wall is made of plasterboard.

Step 5. Wash off any traces of glue and stains

This is a very important step because after you finish removing all the wallpaper from the wall, it is very possible to notice stains. The wall needs to be thoroughly washed, using a sponge, dishwashing detergent, and warm water.

Step 6. Repair and finish

If small irregularities result from scraping the wallpaper residue, smooth the wall and then apply a little finishing plaster. On the second or third day, after the wall has dried well, it should be ready for painting or applying new wallpaper.