Hidden Costs of Wallpaper Removal
If you’ve ever thought about removing old wallpaper, you might imagine peeling back a corner and having it slide off in one big sheet. Sometimes, it does work that way—but not always. Here in Huntley, Crystal Lake, and nearby suburbs, many homes still have wallpaper that’s been in place for years. For that reson there are usually hidden costs to wallpaper removal
In this post, we’ll walk you through the common pitfalls people face when taking wallpaper down. We’ll talk about how things can go smoothly, how they can go not-so-great, and how they can turn into big trouble for your walls.
Quick Links to Video Examples
- Smooth Removal Video –
- Tricky Removal Video –
These videos will give you a real-life look at how unpredictable wallpaper removal can be!
Top Search Terms You’ll Find in This Article
- Wallpaper removal cost
- Hidden costs of wallpaper removal
- Why won’t my wallpaper come off?
- DIY wallpaper removal tips
- Professional wallpaper removal near me
Basic Wallpaper removal Cost: $1.50 to ? per Square Foot
When you hire a professional, you might see a base cost of around $1.75 per square foot of wall space. This is a typical starting rate and can vary depending on factors like:
- Height of your walls
- Number of doors or windows
- Type and condition of your wallpaper
- Extra prep work needed
But that’s just the beginning.
NOW Let’s look at the hidden expenses that can pop up during a wallpaper removal project.
Wall Damage (When WallPaper Won’t Budge)
“Why won’t my wallpaper come off?”
That’s a top question we hear from homeowners. Sometimes the wallpaper was installed without proper priming or sealing of the drywall underneath. Other times, it might be extra old or multiple layers thick.
If the wallpaper is stuck, you might accidentally rip the surface of your drywall, leading to large patches of torn paper. This isn’t just ugly—it makes the wall uneven. Fixing damaged drywall involves spackling, sanding, or in the worst cases, cutting out sections of drywall and replacing them. That means more labor and higher material costs.
When Removal Takes Extra Time
In some homes around Elgin, Gilberts, and South Elgin, wallpaper has been up for decades. It might have multiple coats of paint on top, or it could be vinyl wallpaper that traps moisture. Removing it can turn into a day-long or even week-long chore.
Extra Time means more Labor hours add up quickly. Even if you’re doing it yourself, consider the cost of rental tools (like steamers or specialized scrapers), plus your own time and effort. If you’re paying pros, those extra hours push up the final bill.
The “Disaster” Scenario: Entire Wallboard Ruined
Check out our [Wall Damage Disaster Video] if you want to see the worst-case scenario. Sometimes the drywall or plaster is so fragile that the wallpaper won’t come off without tearing big chunks of the wall surface. This can happen because:
- No primer was used before applying the wallpaper.
- The wall wasn’t properly sealed or was already damaged.
- High humidity or water damage caused the drywall to weaken behind the wallpaper.
Hidden Cost: In extreme cases, you might have to replace entire sections of drywall or re-plaster. That quickly jumps from a simple “let’s freshen up the room” plan to a major remodel. Plus, you’ll need new primer and possibly skim coating to get the surface smooth again.
Surprises Behind the Wallpaper
Another hidden cost people don’t think about: What’s under that wallpaper? Sometimes you’ll peel back a corner and find:
- Mold or mildew (a serious health issue that needs to be removed)
- Cracks or holes in the wall
- Lead paint on older walls
Each of these problems might require special treatments. Mold removal can be expensive and time-consuming. Lead paint needs to be handled by certified professionals. Even small cracks may mean extra work to repair and prime.
Extra Prep for Painting or Re-Wallpapering
Wallpaper removal isn’t the last step—it’s actually just the beginning of the makeover! Once that paper is off, you’ll need to:
- Repair any holes, cracks, or uneven spots.
- Prime the walls to seal the surface and create a uniform base for your new paint or wallpaper.
- Possibly sand or skim coat if the wall is rough.
Hidden Cost: If you skip priming or rush repairs, you risk having lumpy paint, peeling wallpaper, or even new damage down the road. Professional prep work can be pricey, but it’s the best insurance for a great result.
(By the way, if you’re thinking about installing new wallpaper, using a proper primer is crucial. Check out our blog post on [Primer for Drywall] for more details.)
Why Wallpaper Sometimes Doesn’t Come Off Easily
- No Primer Underneath – The wallpaper adhesive bonds directly to the drywall.
- Age of the Wallpaper – Old adhesives might become rock-hard over time.
- Multiple Layers – Sometimes people just paper over paper. Each layer makes removal harder.
- Moisture and Temperature – Hot, humid areas can bake the adhesive into the wall.
Tips for Future Wallpaper Installations
If you love the look of wallpaper and plan to install it again later, there are a couple of ways to make sure you don’t face these same hidden costs in the future:
- Prime First: Always use a primer or sealer recommended for wallpaper. It makes future removal much easier.
- Choose Quality Paper: Some modern wallpapers are labeled strippable or peelable, which are designed for easier removal.
- Hire a Pro Installer: A professional will know the right adhesives, primers, and techniques to ensure your wallpaper goes up smoothly—and can come down just as easily when you’re ready to change things up again.
Final Thoughts: What to Plan For with wallpaper removal
- Base Cost: Around $1.75 per square foot for professional removal.
- Hidden Surprises: Potential wall damage, mold, or lead paint can all increase costs.
- Don’t Skimp on Prep: Cleaning, repair, and priming after removal are key.
- Future-Proof Your Walls: If you install new wallpaper, use the right primer for easy removal later on.
In some cases, a DIY approach might be fine if the paper is newer or you’ve tested a corner and it peels away easily. But if you suspect trouble—like heavily painted-over wallpaper or damaged drywall—think about hiring a pro. It can save you a lot of time, stress, and even money in the long run, because you won’t end up with larger repairs due to unexpected wall damage.
Some final thouhts on wallpaper and wallpaper removal
Wallpaper can add style and personality to a room, but taking it down isn’t always a simple chore. By knowing about these hidden costs, you’ll be better prepared—whether you decide to go the DIY route or call in a professional. If you have any questions about wallpaper removal cost, why wallpaper won’t come off, or how to avoid future headaches, feel free to reach out! We’re here to help homeowners in Huntley, Crystal Lake, Gilberts, Elgin, Algonquin, and beyond make the right choices for their walls.
Thanks for reading, and happy renovating! If you’re ready to see some real-life scenarios, don’t forget to check out our video links above. And if you’re planning a re-wallpaper or fresh paint job, remember: primer is your best friend!
