How to Estimate Residential Cleaning

Residential cleaning is personal. You are going into someone home. They have expectations. They compare you to the last cleaner they had. And they want to feel like the price is fair.

Here is how to build a residential estimate that works for both of you.

See the house first

Never bid a house you have not seen. Pictures help but they do not show you everything. The real condition. How many bathrooms. Whether the kitchen is full of stuff or disgusting. Whether there is clutter everywhere or the house is already pretty clean.

If you bid based on square footage alone, you will get burned. A 2,000 square foot house with three kids and two dogs takes way longer than a 2,000 square foot house where an older couple lives.

What actually matters

Square footage is a starting point but it is not the whole picture. These are the things that affect how long a house takes:

• Number of bathrooms. A house with one bathroom is not the same as a house with four.
• Kitchen condition. Greasy stovetops and appliances that have not been cleaned in months take extra time.
• Floors. Carpet vs hard wood vs tile. Each has different cleaning needs.
• Clutter. A house with stuff everywhere is harder to clean than a minimal house.
• Number of levels. Going up and down stairs adds time.
• Special requests. Inside the fridge. Inside the oven. Those are extra.

Your hourly rate

Most residential cleaners charge between $25 and $50 an hour per cleaner. It depends on where you live and what you offer. Some include supplies. Some bring their own equipment. Some use the customers supplies.

Figure out what it costs you per hour to have an employee on the job. Include wages, taxes, insurance, supplies, travel time, and everything else. Then add profit. That is your minimum rate.

How to price by the house

Some cleaners charge by the hour. Others charge a flat rate per visit. Flat rate is usually better for residential. The customer knows what they are paying. They do not have to worry about you taking too long.

A simple formula is to estimate how many hours the house will take, multiply by your rate, and add a little buffer. That buffer is for the unexpected stuff. The toilet that has not been cleaned in a year. The pile of dishes in the sink.

First time cleanings

The first time you clean a house, it always takes longer. There is built-up grime. You do not know the quirks of the house yet. You are still figuring out what the customer cares about.

Price the first cleaning higher than recurring cleanings. Or charge by the hour for the first time. Then switch to a flat rate once you know the house.

Recurring vs one-time

One-time cleanings are harder to price because you do not know what you are getting. Recurring cleanings are more predictable. You can offer a discount for weekly or bi-weekly customers because they are guaranteed income.

Most residential cleaners offer 10 to 20 percent off for recurring work. It is worth it for the steady schedule.

What to include

Be clear about what is included in your standard clean. Dusting. Vacuuming. Mopping. Bathrooms. Kitchen. Trash. Make a list and give it to the customer. That way there are no surprises.

If they want extra stuff, charge for it. Inside the fridge, inside the cabinets, laundry, windows. These are not part of a standard clean for most people.

When you are clear about what you do and what you charge, customers trust you more. And they book you again.