In the previous article, we examined two of the four major factors that determine house cleaning rates: home layout & design, and the type of cleaner. Here, we’ll cover the remaining elements: the type of house cleaning services needed and the day/time required.
The Day/Time your cleaning is required – How does it impact your rate?
Typically, how day/time impacts rate will only affect a small group of homeowners.
As an example, our current business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm PST. During the summer months we’re also open on Saturdays from 11 am – 5 pm.
Life and work events can occur quickly and many home cleaners will attempt to make exceptions when needed for events such as the following:
Guests or family members arriving
Real Estate Agent handling an urgent move out cleaning request or open house event.
Meeting event has been moved to your home
Cleaning schedule booked for several weeks out
Type of House Cleaning Services needed & how it impacts your cost
As stated in the previous article, no two homes are alike, and each cleaning project varies and presents a new set of challenges and opportunities.
Most residential house cleaning services generally offer three cleaning options:
Move-in/out, Standard Cleaning, and Deep Cleaning.
Move-in/out:
Cleaning services offered before or after the occupant(s) move in or out of a home.
Standard Cleaning:
It is often described as maintenance cleaning, and it is offered after the first cleaning of a new customer or after a recent cleaning.
Deep Cleaning:
Typically, a thorough cleaning of the entire home or designated area.
Each service has its nuisance and although one may be perceived as easier than the other, this doesn’t necessarily translate into a cheaper rate.
Similar to the example in the previous article, a particular layout or material can potentially increase the time needed to clean that surface depending on saturation.
For example, there are roughly seven types of rangehood.
Over time, buildup from steam, oil and grease can encase your hood in a translucent film of sticky residue. The type of material used in your range hood will not only determine the time needed to clean but also what cleaning materials should be used.
Stainless steel is typically the easiest material to maintain; however, abrasive sponges and cleaning solutions with bleach can damage the hood; therefore, it is imperative that your home cleaner is knowledgeable of how to maintain various surfaces in addition to the cleaning guidelines of appliance warranties.
Fun Fact: On many newer and higher-end models of ovens, manual cleaning can potentially void your warranty.
Due to these factors, and more, providing over-the-phone or website quotes can potentially lead to frustration for homeowners. There are countless online reviews of customers being charged considerably more than quoted. This is due to the home cleaner not being able to anticipate variables such as layout, materials, etc., resulting in additional cleaning time.
Knowing the itemized service(s) that you need, clarifying expectations, and having the house cleaner conduct a free in-home or video estimate will reduce rate fluctuations upon completion of service.
House cleaning isn’t about cleaning areas and putting things away. It’s about making your home look and feel beautiful.
House cleaning isn’t about cleaning areas and putting things away. It’s about making your home look and feel beautiful.
