RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
Hi,
You people do not live in the real world. If you are running a legitimate business there are costs associated with running that business. I would not recommend taking on employees and overhead unless you have savings or in equity in your home of 40,000 or more. Now if you want to do it on your own and then get bigger, just remember you will have to save that money just so you have cash flow to pay for the payroll and overhead costs. You are better off just doing it on your own or buying into a franchise. I started from the ground up and if I would of purchased a franchise with that 40,000 instead of doing it myself I would have been better off.
Everyone always thinks, wow this will be easy, but remember, who does the work when the employees are sick, on vacation, or have emergencies or quit? Who pays for breakage and insurance, Can you be married to this job? This is essentially what I am asking. Now with the pricing, federal law says that we as employers have to pay at least minimum wage, which is currently 7.25 an hour. So keep in mind that if you are paying or receiving money under the table you are violating federal and state law.
So my advice when it comes to pricing is you get what you pay for. Those of you who are charging 20.00 per hour per person are not paying into the system, there is just no way you are going to make a profit, sorry. Do the math. If I am wrong, show me the formula, your profit has to be almost nothing. Good luck, thank you!
Posted on 09/29/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
Hi Kim, I clean houses in the Seattle area, which is a high income area like New York and LA. I charge $30 an hour. I have an excellent reputation, and often have to turn down work. The average for this area is $25 an hour. I have a 4 hour minimum. It is hard to do strenuous work for longer than 5 hours, so it is not worth going out for less than 4 hours. I dont clean houses over 3500 sq ft. That is a 2 person job. Nearly all houses can be cleaned in 4 to 5 hours. On a 1st clean I usually double my time, unless the house has been cleaned regularly. A move out clean usually takes double the average time...you are getting inside cabinets etc. Some folks are very messy and need to be rescued. For them I charge by the hour (they know who they are and rarely argue) Good luck! I have loved this work.
Posted on 07/23/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
It depends on where you live, but in the Lehigh Valley in PA a cleaner should make between $30 and $40 an hour, that is of course if they do a great job, which if you're in the cleaning business you better do a great job! but I would think no matter where you are in the US a cleaner should never make less than $15 per hour, and that's low.
Posted on 07/21/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I'm not sure how some of you can sit here and list prices and not have seen the houses. A good cleaning company will make an estimate that relies on a few things-- the clutter and mess in the home that you'll have to work around, the size of the home, how many rooms you're going to have thoroughly sanitize (bathrooms, kitchens), and how often the customer wants you to come in.
Charging by the hour is like saying I can take as long as I want and it doesnt matter how throrough I am.
Also- yes, everyone takes pay cuts somewhere, but when you put in insurance and bonding, business license, cleaning supplies and gas, there is no way that at $10 per room or hour you're going to make what you need to run a legitimate business.
As far as the original cleaning, yes that sounded appropriate for the move out cleaning. Even though you've had the cleaner coming in, a move out cleaning is something entirely different (at least for most people). Its almost like a first "deep clean" with cleaning out the cabinets, all of the appliances (even inside) sanitizing every surface and then doing the normal cleanings, like baseboards, vacuuming, spot cleaning, etc.
Also 36 per hour, per cleaner is ridiculous. Never again do that. Its people like that, that make other people think they cant afford cleaners.
Contact me at allyson AT wonderlandcleaning.com or visit my website if you have questions and I can help you out on what fair pricing and quality cleaning can be.
Posted on 05/25/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
i live in south jersey and the i charge by how much time i can clean the house and by square feet. the average person can clean a house that is 1600 square feet in 3 hours if they know what their doing. so for a 1600 square foot home i would charge arround 93 dollars if i had to pay for gas, chemicals,and taxs.when i estimate by doing a walkthrough it usually comes pretty close to the same price. the first time i usually charge about double $173
Posted on 03/01/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
arizona rates
I clean houses in SE arizona. I charge %50 for a 3 bedroom 2 bath house. Dust, vacumn,mop and change sheets in one bedroom. Every extra room is $10.
Posted on 02/04/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
Cleaning after move out. How much should it cost?
We are moving out of a 2400 sq ft 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home. We have a kitchen, dining room, family room and living room. Unfinished basement. Normally I pay about $100 for a bi-weekly clean and was quoted $260 for the move out clean. I was expecting around $150. How much should this cost. I think with 2 people the job could be done in two hours no problem. That is how much time is normally spent cleaning my home in the bi weekly clean
What do you think? How much would you charge?
Posted on 01/21/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I am - at this very moment - trying my first cleaning service. They sent two ladies over to clean my 3400 sq. ft. home at a rate of $36 per hour per lady ($72 per hour for both). They've been here for three hours and are still upstairs so it may take about 6 hours to complete the job. These are rates in Raleigh, NC.
Posted on 01/16/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
|
By Sharon S. (Guest Post)
|
|
 |
I have been cleaning homes since 1982 and yes pricing has changed, when it comes to cleaning that is truly work. I love being personally connected to people and I love the work. I charge 120 for a 4 bed room. I would like pricing on commercial Should it go by square footage?
Posted on 01/01/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I heard in my area that 35$ to 40$ an hour was basic pay. I know that you get what you pay for, and I wouldn't want to get on my hands and knees for any less. Cleaning is hard work.
Posted on 12/14/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I'm a high school student (senior), and I want to begin clean houses. I'm not sure where to start or even what or if I need to purchase anything. Can anyone give me some advice? My email is janmpard AT yahoo.com. I would really appreciate some help, thanks :)
Posted on 12/03/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I am planning to start my own small housecleaning business in rural SW Virginia. Any advice? I'm not sure what to charge.. Or, how to decide what to charge?
What are the basic things a house cleaner does? I was thinking; Dusting, general tidying/straightening/making beds, sweep/vacuum, disinfecting, emptying trash cans. Does that sound about right?
Then, I figure, other tasks can be done upon request. Such as laundry, dishes, cleaning out refrigerator/oven, closets, that sort of thing. How much extra would I charge for these tasks?
Is housecleaning usually done while the family is at home, or while they are away at work, was is customary?
Posted on 10/12/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
Experience in Housecleaning
I have been doing the housecleaning biz for a few years. I agree that charging by the house is the way to go. I also agree that just because a house is small doesn't mean it's not a big job. It depends on the size of the house, the contents and how many rooms are actually used. I think some people don't realize if there are 2 cleaning people for 4 hours they are getting 8 hours of work not 4. Also the more you do a house the quicker you get. I've had people ask me how I can accomplish so much in 3-4 hours, they don't realize when you're there to clean you clean, where-as if it's them cleaning their own house they will talk on the phone, chat with company, watch tv, etc. Anyway no complaints!
Posted on 09/06/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I clean a house for ten dollars a hour once a week. Is it worth it?
Should I charge more?
Posted on 08/12/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
Cleaning a house for a elderly women ? first time
She is a older women (80's). Husband is in a Nursing Home. They were farmers. Have two children. Her son has the farm. He built a ranch style home for them. Daughter takes her places,run errands for her. The daughter works. The lady has grandchildren. She a very nice lady. I work in a Hospital as a housekeeping aide-2nd shift-part-time. This is my first time doing this. And her hers too! I need some advice?
Posted on 08/07/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does office Cleaning Cost?
How Much Does office Cleaning Cost?
Posted on 07/28/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I think that is not enough for anything above a one bedroom.
Posted on 07/25/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I started a cleaning business a few years ago and have learned a lot. Don't charge by the hour. Establish with your clients the tasks you'll perform regularly each visit. Look over the home carefully taking notes when you come to talk with them and give an estimate.
Ask a lot of questions about normal use of rooms, kitchen appliances, bathrooms etc and try to understand what their concerns and priorities are. Then, don't give an on-the-spot quote but offer to call them the next day after you have time to figure out how much time and effort it will require.
I DO base that on an unrevealed to clients rate of from $20 to $35 hourly depending on whether light (dusting, wiping) or heavy (involving scrubbing etc.) and upon whether they are casual or fussy about how clean they want things.
I also consider how close they are to my other clients of the day. Important point, time is money - try to have your day's customers less than 10 minutes travel apart!
Then call the next day to come to a verbal agreement, schedule them, arrange to give references, get keys etc.
h yes, you need to establish who is going to supply what and whose equipment you'll use. It is much easier for me to bring all my own things. I know I'll always have what I need and I know how each product works. You should also give them a separate rate for extra tasks they might like done from time to time like cleaning oven or fridge. Lastly, specify you are to be paid at the time of service. And, um, if they pay cash that can be better for you at tax time (the self-employed pay double FICA).
For some examples of what I charge : clients #1, Older couple who cook a lot but don't make much mess and don't have much clutter. A large, maybe 1000 sq ft apt with 1 br, 1 bath.No carpets. I charge $65 and it takes about 2 hrs 20 min. I do it every two wks.
Clients #2, Retired couple who cook and entertain but never get things dirty. They have a 1200 foot house with 2 br (only lightly dust and vac one that isn't used), 2 baths (don't clean one unused shower). Two floors, carpets, many bookcases. I charge them $80 and it takes a little more than 3 hrs and I clean every two wks
Client #3, Single woman who cooks little. No clutter. 1500 sq ft apt with 1 bath. I clean the (clean!) kitchen and the clean bathroom, dust, vacuum, mop two floors. I charge her $50 and clean each wk for about 1 hr 50 min.
Also consider using nontoxic, environmentally-friendly products whenever possible. You'll have to experiment with products to find those that are best, but remember you are going to be inhaling and touching the stuff all day - protect your health!
Hope that all this answers some of your questions.
Posted on 07/24/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I am starting my own Cleaning Business and I want to make sure I am not asking to much. Can you give me an Idea of how much I should charge For two People?
Posted on 07/19/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I live in New York and I am going to start cleaning a house that is 4500 to 5000 sq. ft. How much should I charge?
Posted on 07/15/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I want to open a business and I have my first customer he wants me to clean his home its a 3 bd 3bth, he wants me to dust all the house its a 3200 sq. ft and 5 25ft windows. how much should I charge?
Posted on 07/09/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much I can charge for a movin in/out celaning?
I am starting a cleaning business. I want to now how much i can charge for cleaning house, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Also I can charge for a mivin in/out clean?
Posted on 06/25/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
How Much cost a movin in /out Cleaning ?
I am starting a cleaning business. I want to now how much i can charge for a moving in/out clean? I read about 10 dollars for room or 20 dollars an hour? Help me here. What should I charge?
Posted on 06/25/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I own my own business and I charge roughly ten dollars a room (not to include hallways they are free). If the house is particulalry dirty nad I am doing baseboards and glass, etc I charge an extra $10 ontop of that.
Example.....
2 bed, 2 bath, 2 living room house= $60. Especially deep cleaning, $70. If I come every week I drop that to $50.
Posted on 04/15/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I am looking to start cleaning houses in southern illinois and i would like to know the best inexspensive way to get started and how much to charge.
Posted on 03/15/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
You all are underpaid!
Ladies,
$10/room is fair. Nothing less, if you are working for someone who can afford it. Most people who ask for your service can afford $10/room. Also, target the wealthier clients, if possible. They pay better and nice Christmas presents
If you are helping an elder or disabled person, resgister for medicaid helper pay. Every minute is payable.
Cooking, cleaning, bathing, washing clothes, running errands. I am not sure what it is called, but if someone needs your help, you can get paid for it by the state.
Check with your local Department of Human or Family Services, Assisted living facility or neighbors.
Get paid for what you do, and do what you get paid for.
Posted on 03/10/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
i want to start my own business i will like someone to tell
|
By damaris torres (Guest Post)
|
|
|
I will like to start my own business in the cleaning department. I will like to know what do I need, I know I need, insurance and license. But I really need to know how to start from the ground up. Any help I need please tell me. My e-mail address is d.torres.2008 AT hotmail.com . Any one who can help me I will really appreciate. Things are not good in this economy. Thank you.
Posted on 02/23/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I am thinking of starting a cleaning business in Indiana on my own and I wanted to know how much to charge per sq. foot or weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly rates! These different prices are overwhelming.
Posted on 01/15/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost? Re: Cindie
As far as the taxs etc goes.. I think these days we work for less and learn to make do. So many are cutting back... including those who want/need housekeepers. Iv been cleaning for 28 yrs and so many have cut back my hours or frequency of cleaning. Some have even dropped me that I have clean for, for over 20 yrs. So I have offered to take a pay cut for some.. it helps them and me. Mostly I work for senior citizens, with all the medicare and medication costs.. its hard for them. I now took a full time position at an assisted living community (cleaning) and still work my private jobs on days off. A friend charges $10 a room to clean. If I charged that much I would have lost my jobs long ago. Life is tough. Lower wages is better than no job. At least for me.
Posted on 12/28/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I clean houses, but I am wondering if the other people in the questions and feedback portions are paying taxes. I charge $25 - $39 dollars and hour, and I also pay all taxes to run a business, therefor I am wondering how anyone that runs a legitimate business, pays taxes and insurance can work for $11 an hour!
Posted on 12/27/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I think $20 is really fair. I did housecleaning before and I never got paid for the work I did. And I did every job myself. So that's about $400 or $500 I never got. But of course all that money went for rent.
Posted on 10/10/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I want to hire a girl to help with the houses I clean. What should I pay her?
Posted on 10/02/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
What should I charge to clean at 1450 square foot townhome witth 2 bedroom 2 1/2 baths, living room, kitchen. The first floor is cermanic tile?
Posted on 09/15/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I will be cleaning a house 2200 square feet three times a week. What should I charge? I live in Florida.
Posted on 09/12/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I provide house keeping services in Northwestern Ohio and I charge $20/hr. Most franchises and big companies around here charge $30/hr per cleaning person.
Posted on 09/04/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much should I tip a House Cleaner
Hi everyone,
I just contracted a local service agency to clean my 2bd, 2 bath apartment every other week, for $55 each time (it's 2 women for 2 hours, so it comes out to a little over $11 per person per hour)
I already paid for the service in advance on my credit card, my question is -- how much should I tip the maids themselves? I assume I should give them a little cash, -- Maybe $5 each = $10 total, for a tip of just under 20%?
Or, is it assumed that for a service like this, the tip is already included?
Thanks!
Posted on 02/12/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
|
By Happycamper in Delaware (Guest Post)
|
|
|
We've had the same cleaning lady since 1999. She cleans 8 rooms twice a month for $90.00 each time. It takes her 4-5 hours. She is does excellent work and is honest. We furnish all the supplies and the vacuum cleaner. In starting your own business, you may want to adjust your fee if you furnish your supplies and vacuum cleaner. If we're on vacation and she does not come, we don't pay.
Posted on 02/08/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
|
By Wanda Rogers (Guest Post)
|
|
|
I use to clean house for a lady and she paid me $10.00 an hour for 3 hours three days a week, that was by myself. I also hired spring help for my own home one tijme, and the lady was supposed to have a helper in which she did not have. she charged me $20.00 an hour for three hours with me helping her. i felt that was very unfair. I think if you charge $10.00 an hour for 3 hours, that is more approipate. If you do have a helper and the work is very through, With out asking for help from the person who hired you, $20.00 is fair as You both would need a fair wage.
Posted on 01/16/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I live in central NJ and my cleaning girls charge $70.00 and it takes them 4 to 5 hours and I use them once a month. The only down side is it is a different girl each month and some are better then others. If it takes closer to five hours I always tip them.
Posted on 01/15/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
Wow! I have read all the feedback up to my post and I am amazed at the price differences. I think that geographical location has a lot to do with how much you can make. I live in Iowa and I charge by the house, not by the hour. I have found that you can clean a house faster when you get into a routine so the first couple of times you do a new house is not really a fair estimate of what you will make hourly so it's really better to charge some other way. That way, not only do you know what you will make every time, but the homeowner knows as well. I make anywhere from $30-$50 per house, depending on the size of the house as well as the amount of work at each house. Just because a house is small does not mean that it will not be a lot of work. I do plan to raise my rates soon.
Posted on 01/15/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I have my own independant housecleaning business and I charge $20.00 per hour.
Posted on 01/15/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I live in Alaska and recently hired a house cleaner to help me out when my work schedule became overwhelming. She charged me $75 to come in and clean, if it took 2 hrs, 4 hrs, whatever.. same price. I felt it was a small price to pay for the luxury of a clean house.
Posted on 01/15/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I agree with #1karen do you want a "House keeper" or a "House Cleaner" there is a difference. A House Keeper will do a deeper cleaning and keep it up year round. Because its her sole responsibility. A House Keeper will do basic things but keep it up with the help of the home owner. I have been cleaning houses for 28 yrs. I more or less teach my clients to help me help them. I tell them the more you do for yourself the more I can do for you. That enables me to do deep cleaning and keep up the house yr round. Because they help me keep surface things done. Make sense? My clients think so. And they appreciate me a lot. If they fail to help out I get behind and they notice.. but they don't complain. They just pitch in again,.. and teach the family to hold up their end too. The things I don't do are.. I dont make beds, do dishes or do laundry, I'm not a maid. Any thing else I don't mind. As far as price..... I don't know where the ones live who make $25 an hr. If they work for a business or live in a large city, I guess that makes a difference. I work on my own and I make $11 an hr. I love what I do and my clients appreciate me.. and no they don't take advantage of me. I still have the very 1st cleaning job I ever had. I am loyal honest and dependable. And I don't raise prices often, they are good to me and give me bonuses. I love my job.
Posted on 01/14/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
First you will need to decide if you will be a "housekeeper" or a "house cleaner"...there is a big difference in the two. As a house cleaner, I don't make beds, wash dishes...etc. We basically dust, mop, vacuum & disinfect the whole house.
Posted on 01/14/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I own a cleaning service.
You asked about twice weekly prices....we do our schedule weekly, bi-weekly (every 2 weeks) and monthly.
For a 4 bedroom home the prices would be:
Weekly-$90
Bi-weekly-$120
Monthly-$150
Posted on 01/13/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
|
By edieparks (Guest Post)
|
|
|
I live in western Ky and my excellent housekeeper was up to $11 an hour. It took her 5 hours to clean and twice a year I gave her a bonus of double pay. Every year I gave her a 5% raise. She was really good and I wanted to keep her. She cleaned every 2 weeks for me. She had to quit due to family . I miss her.
edie
Posted on 01/13/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
I live in Indiana. I had my house cleaned a year ago when I was ill and we were selling our house. It took her about 4 hours and she charged $100. So $25 an hour? She cleaned everything top to bottom. She did a very good job, the bathrooms were spotless and she moped, swept, and dusted everything (even the baseboards). She did have one other person to help her.
Posted on 01/12/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
|
