Tulsa woman uncovers spider infestation and box of teeth in hoarder dad’s home — now she expects a $100K renovation bill

That’s because Lovelle’s dad, Martin, was a hoarder and his 1,200-square-foot Tulsa condo was packed with decades-worth of moldy papers, old mail, furniture, trash and odds and ends that she needed a shovel to scoop up — which she documents on her TikTok account.

But creepy finds like spiders and teeth weren’t even the hardest part. That, Lovelle told Moneywise, is “the emotional weight” of the job.

“Every time I walk in, I’m grieving my dad while facing things that hurt me growing up,” she said. “Some days I have the energy to clear a room; other days, opening the door takes everything I have. Learning to respect those limits without feeling guilty has been a challenge of its own.”

She told People that, growing up, she felt “ashamed” of the hoarding and worried what kids at school would think. She’s also noted to USA Today that she moved out as a teen when her dad forbade her to throw anything away. And while she was her dad’s caregiver in her own home prior to his death, she hadn’t stepped inside his condo in 15 years before returning to clean it out.

Uncovering treasures — and costly repairs

Lovelle, 40, said the condo is essentially a “time capsule” dating back to her infancy and that she’s found some heartfelt hoarded treasures, like old toys and childhood clothes. The most meaningful discovery, though, was the marks on the kitchen wall where her dad tracked the heights of both her and her brother growing up.

“Finding those little pieces of our childhood has reminded me that, alongside everything painful, there were memories I’m grateful to have back,” she told Moneywise.

Lovelle explained that cleaning is only the first step toward a full remodel, but that, “years of cat urine and deferred maintenance mean there’s a lot to address before I can think about finishes.”

She’s been advised that once everything becomes exposed, she will likely find that most of the plumbing and electrical wiring will have to be brought up to current code. And until then, she won’t know the final tally.

“I was told to be prepared to spend $100,000,” she said. “Then there is that old saying that when planning for your construction budget, take the number they gave you and then double it!”

That number, by the way, is in addition to the $15,000 she told People that she’s already spent on cleaning and exterminating costs.

And clean-up — which can run you near $25,000 for extreme cases — is just one of the cost considerations facing those who inherit a hoarded home.

What to know if you inherit a hoarded home

A 2024 Senate report, “The Consequences of Clutter,” defined hoarding disorder (HD) as “a chronic and progressive condition that leads people to accumulate more objects than their homes can accommodate.” It added that HD impacts older people most, And that, with seniors expected to rise from 16% of the population to 25% by 2060, “hoarding activity will increase as well.”

That means that the number of Americans who inherit hoarded houses could rise as well.

Realtor.com notes that “not all hoarding is the same” and that for those who hoard collectibles like baseball cards, toys or expensive clothing, an appraisal of items found in the home could yield an extra windfall.

Liz Nielsen, a Texas-based estate planning lawyer, added to take caution when sorting through what’s left behind, citing cases where valuables have been found wrapped in clothing or tissues. She also suggests checking the deceased’s will to ensure any final wishes related to the home are honored.