House cleaning prices depend on a number of factors. These factors may include but are not limited to the following:
Size, layout and design of the home
Type of cleaner
House cleaning services needed
Day/time cleaning is required
In this first of a two-part series, we’ll focus on layout/design, and the type of cleaner.
Why your home layout is critical to House Cleaning Pricing
No two homes are alike. Depending on the layout, frequency of cleaning, and type of surface materials, a house of exactly equal size can take twice as long to clean as an adjacent home.
As an example, textured plastic or fiberglass shower floors may require numerous cleanings due to dirt and grime buildup within cracks and crevices. Non-textured floors usually require less time and effort to clean with an equivalent level of buildup. This can potentially have an impact on your overall budget depending on what areas will be the primary focus for house cleaning.
Another house cleaning pricing factor is the quantity of souvenirs, awards, and various trinkets on desks, consoles, and shelves throughout the home. Removing and replacing these items can be a time-consuming and delicate process for a house cleaner. As before, this could potentially add more time, thereby increasing your budget.
One of the most effective solutions we recommend for avoiding mixed expectations is to request an in-home estimate. Most professional home cleaners will conduct a free in-home estimate that will allow you to customize your needs and set attainable expectations within the agreed budget.
Why the Type of Cleaner you hire is Important for your home and your Safety
Over the last five years, the residential cleaning service industry in the US grew faster than the overall economy. The surge in demand for house cleaning services has created tremendous opportunities for many individuals to start new business ventures and/or supplement their income. This is due to the increased cost of living nationwide.
House cleaning services are ideal for those with limited start-up capital due to the low barrier to entry. Many are able to start with friends and family and eventually work through referrals for new clients. House cleaning rates at this start-up level typically have a range between $20/hr – $35/hr.
Homeowners may choose these businesses due to their low rates; however, many homeowners may not be aware of the safety concerns that may arise.
Many house cleaners operate without a business license, insurance and/or bonding. Depending on your state, city, or local municipality, it may be required to have a business license when providing house cleaning services.
In the state of California, a business license is required, and a background check is performed with each license issued to a house cleaning company. This potentially protects homeowners from individuals with possible criminal backgrounds.
There are multiple incidents on sites like Nextdoor where owners discuss missing items from their home after a house cleaning service. Typically, it’s the same few companies in a certain geographical location and in many instances, the companies are not licensed and insured.
Insurance for a cleaning business is extremely critical for both the homeowner and the cleaning service. In the unlikely event that something is damaged, the homeowner knows they will be reimbursed, and the cleaning company doesn’t use company funds to pay for damages.
The simplest solution to ensuring the safety of your home is to request proof of license and insurance. Additionally, you can check if the company has a website and reviews.
Many newly established house cleaners operate without a website which may allow for a reduced house cleaning fee but removes the visibility of professionalism and past performance.
In our next article we’ll examine two additional factors that determine house cleaning pricing: day/time service needed and type of service needed.
