High Cost of Zombie Houses
Examples provided by the Town of Babylon. Click the points on the photo for more information.
Structural damageStructural damage at abandoned homes can lead municipalities to board them up. The average cost of a board-up is about $3,700.
Tree trimmingOvergrown vegetation often leads to complaints that municipal crews have to address. The costs average between $500 and $1,000.
Grass overgrownComplaints about overgrown grass can result in municipal work crews mowing lawns at abandoned houses. These costs average between $500 and $800.
Debris removalPiles of trash and debris are removed by work crews. These costs average between $500 and $2,000.
Accessible entranceOpen doors are boarded up to prevent entry. The average cost of a board-up is about $3,700.
BOARD-UPSBroken windows and open doorways lead to properties being boarded up. The average cost of a board-up is $3,700.
DEMOLITIONIf the property is deemed unsafe, municipalities will seek to tear it down. The average cost of a demolition is $25,000.
Published as part of a series on March 20, 2015