Cleaning Service Rates
Cleaning service rates, also commonly called maid service rates, depend on a number of important factors:
- Size and condition of the property
- Type of cleaning service
- Professional status of the company
Size and Condition of the Property
When seeking cleaning service rates, be prepared to provide not only square footage of the property, but also the number of bathrooms and kitchen areas. For example, a basic estimate for a small 1,200 square-foot property with one kitchen and two bathrooms will average between $100 and $300 for an initial cleaning. This cost estimate was determined by researching cleaning service rates from around the country and only provides a rough approximation of what you can expect to pay.
Uncluttered and relatively clean homes will cost less to clean than those requiring more detailed attention.
Type of Cleaning Service
Initial cleaning services generally cost more, and follow-up services cost less. Follow-up cleaning services can be daily, weekly, monthly or according to your own custom schedule. Expect move-in and move-out cleaning service rates to cost more money since a deeper, more extensive cleaning is required.
Window cleaning is not usually included in basic cleaning service rates and is based on the number and size of the windows, plus the location of the windows. Windows in hard-to-reach or upper-story locations will cost more to clean. Appliance cleaning, including ovens, microwaves and refrigerators, will cost an average of $25 each. Bi-weekly return visits will cost an average of $125.
Some cleaning services will provide a discount with a contract for continuing services. If you plan to hire a maid service for weekly or monthly cleaning, be sure to ask for a discount. Also ask if they give referral bonuses for any business you send to them.
Professional Status of the Company
To be sure you are hiring a professional maid service determine if the company is licensed to do business in your area, bonded and insured. Bonded means it has completed a background check of its employees. Insured status is important if someone breaks or damages something on your property. A professional cleaning service will likely cost more than an individual without the proper documents, but the additional cost may be worth the peace of mind.
Finding the right professionals to provide cleaning services can be easy when you know what to look for. The cheapest cleaning service prices may not be the best choice if the service providers don't have the proper licenses or have not been bonded or insured.
Author Caryn Colgan is a home improvement expert, writer and photographer based in Colorado. Ever wanted to ask a property owner how to care for a property? You can ask Caryn - she's an expert.
