Home Cleaning Business?

Question

I am going to start a home cleaning business this summer. Do you have any good tips, how much should I charge... $X/Hour $X/Sq. Foot? Whats a good name for the business? Do I need licensing besides the basic business license? Just about any ideas will help, Thanks!

OK so by the hour, how much should i charge by the hour.

I am also thinking of construction cleanup (cleaning after house is built)

And commercial office cleaning.

Answer 1

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Commercial and Residential Cleaning Services: A Resource Guide to Developing and Maintaining Your Own Janitorial or Home Cleaning Business by Walter Fenix
* Start and Run a Home Cleaning Business by Susan Bewsey
* Start Your Own Cleaning Service (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Ups) by Jacquelyn Lynn
* How to Start a Home-Based Housecleaning Business, 2nd (Home-Based Business Series) by Laura Jorstad

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Chemicals in cleaning products are very dangerous. I would recommend converting to non-toxic, healthier products not only for yourself, but it would be a great advertisement for your potential customers. Many people are becoming aware of how important it is to have more natural products, especially homes with children, etc. It may take your business to a new level, that your competitors don't have. Here is a very interesting quote I came across just yesterday actually:

“By the year 2010, an additional $1 TRILLION dollars of the US economy will be devoted to the Wellness Industry. People are becoming concerned with the consequences of not living a healthy lifestyle.” ~ Paul Zane Pilzer.

Good luck.
Linda

Answer 3

Licensing isn't needed unless you deal with heavy duty chemicals. Insurance would be helpful though. Per hour. You also need to be clear on what is to be done.
Picking up clutter/trash
Dusting
Cleaning toilets, sinks, etc.
Sweeping and Mopping

Basically a list of everything you will do.
Some people have more mess than others so it would not be fair to charge per square foot. Time is better.

Answer 4

Do you know what ingredients are in the chemicals you use to clean your home? Did you know that many of these chemicals can be fatal to your children? Bleach is now known to be causing breast cancer, not only in women, but in men as well! Please allow me to share with you a different company that has alternatives to these products! This company is a replacement for using your local stores that produce these harmful chemicals that you are using around your children everyday! You order your products for your home that come to your door, no selling, distributing or hassling phone call, and absolutely risk free, money back guarantee on all products! Then, by referring other people to use the products in there homes, this company pays you a commission! Now, do you think Wal-Mart is going to cut you a check for telling me to shop there? I don't think so! But this company will! So, not only will you be using safe products in your home, but you'll be making a great residual income as well! What could be better than that? Please contact me so that I can have the pleasure of telling you more about this awesome company! It has truly saved my life! Only $29 this month! www.wahumom.biz

Answer 5

Never get paid by the hour on these sort of jobs,
Get paid by the job only.
Like offices--charge 50-150 dollars
Like homes---40 at least or more once a week (per home)