I want to start a cleaning business for newly built homes and commercial properties. Got any ideas?

Question

I need to know the kinds of materials and machinery i will need, also info about licensing and advertising.

Answer 1

I had one for 7 yrs and I loved it! (got tired of it after awhile, but...) And I usually had 3 other people that were my sub-contractors(although you could do by yourself). For licensing, I only had to get a regular business license, and had no employees (they were all considered subcontractors) Later with one company, I did run into problems that they wanted me to get bonding, but they were the only ones. Unless you want to work for a specific large developer (which you would be their employee), I would suggest getting business cards printed up and go out looking for homes under construction, where the contractor does about 2-20 homes a yr, and just leave your card and try to talk with the contractors (that is all I did for advertising and picked up jobs right away). And eventually had about 25 contractors that would call me when their homes were ready.
For equipment, a good wet/dry vac (my favorite tool) is what you use first to vac everything you possibably can before you clean with water. You'll need a 20ft+ ladder (depending on how high of windows you are willing to clean-some contractors will understand your fear when the windows are 1000ft in the air!) a good razor scraper for windows (but be careful and always use soap n water before) and I had a "poke" tool that I used to get into tight areas....but then just your regular cleaning tools, which all together you shouldn't have to spend 100-200$. Use an adhesive remover (goof off) just be careful of the surface you use it on (always test) and I used acetone to remove paint off the bathtubs.
I did really enjoy it, it kept me in great shape, and was very flexible. But some drawbacks are most contractors pay on the 10th of the month, they say the house will be ready and its not, having to hunt down your paycheck.....
But I also filled in, for consistancy, housecleaning for the homeowner after they moved in. Which was great, cause you already have a feel for the home and its brand new.
Anyway, I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 2

go apply at all the custom built home companies in your city, some of them hire actually cleaning maids to do a final clean through (washing and installing screens in the windows, making sure all the nails and garbage is picked up, etc), bring in a resume and explain to them your idea. If they ask you what kind of cleaning supplies you have ask them what they have in mind for you to clean, then answer the question.

Answer 3

Good business to get into. I have some close friends who run construction clean up companies all over the world.

Go to the link below. Free site, tons of help, free forms, help with pricing, bidding, formula's, proposals etc...

Stop by the introduction line and post Hi Ken and get access to some more forms and samples.

Answer 4

Usually those new places are required only to be "broom cleaned" so construction companies usually have laborers that they are paying anyway grab a broom and clean up there. I am not sure you can find a paying set of customers for your service.