Cleaning is one of those necessary evils that just has to be done. But, when it comes to commercial cleaning services, you need to take into account more than just the cost of the service itself. Today, we’ll break down all those pesky factors that impact the cost of commercial cleaning services so you can get the best bang for your buck!
Contents
Size and Complexity of the Facility
The size and complexity of the building or facility being cleaned have the most impact on the cost of commercial cleaning services. Obviously, larger facilities with more square footage and multiple stories will take longer to clean than smaller facilities. Likewise, places with higher levels of foot traffic or those in which items must be moved and repositioned regularly, such as medical offices or retail spaces, may also require more detailed cleaning services.
This can involve moving furniture and other items to vacuum under it, wiping down surfaces, dusting off shelves, etc., which all increase labor costs for the cleaning service provider. All these factors need to be taken into consideration when estimating the cost of the service of a professional cleaning provider for a particular facility.
Frequency of Cleaning
The frequency of a cleaning visit is an important factor in setting the cost of commercial cleaning services. While many buildings opt for a weekly or bi-weekly visit, some buildings choose to have their spaces cleaned daily. Each approach offers its own set of advantages and should be discussed carefully when deciding the service plan that fits your business needs and budget.
- Weekly visits are ideal for commercial spaces with lower traffic, as it allows for efficient use of time and resources on the part of the cleaning staff. A less frequent schedule also limits how often maintenance needs to be performed, resulting in fewer potential costs related to unexpected repairs or replacements.
- For buildings that receive higher traffic throughout the year – such as retail stores, restaurants, and office lobbies – daily visits may be necessary to keep up with general upkeep requirements. Here too it’s important to note how much time is dedicated to each visit, as some tasks require more attention than others depending on traffic volumes at any given time.
Having an experienced commercial cleaning staff assess your property prior to settling on a final service agreement is recommended in order to ensure that all areas are attended to appropriately within each visit according to your sanitation standards. Deciding on an appropriate frequency also helps you stay within budget while getting value from your chosen service provider.
Types of Cleaning Services Required
The types of cleaning services required can have a major impact on the cost of commercial cleaning services. Different kinds of businesses may require specialized services that will require more labor and resources to be devoted to each task. As a business owner, it’s important to understand the different types of services your business may need in order to properly budget for commercial cleaners.
- General Cleaning Services – This is the most basic type of service and generally includes vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and bathroom sanitation. These are probably the type of tasks most people think about when they think about professional cleaning services.
- Deep Cleaning Services – While general cleaning tackles everyday tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and mopping; deep cleaning focuses on more specific tasks like degreasing kitchen appliances or upholstery shampooing. Deep cleaning can be more labor-intensive than general cleaning since more specialized methods and detergents are used in order to remove deeply set dirt and debris.
- Specialized Cleaning Services – Some businesses may require specific types of cleaning services that are beyond what is typically provided by general or deep cleaners. For example, restaurants might require more comprehensive exhaust hood cleaning, or food preparation areas might need Sanitizing in order to prevent bacterial growth. Cafeterias may need trained specialists capable of dealing with allergen contamination issues in order to provide a safe environment for customers with allergies or sensitivities. Other specialized needs may include medical facility disinfection or biohazard disposal methods for animal facilities or laboratories.
Location of the Facility
The location of the facility is one of the main factors that affect the cost of commercial cleaning services. Cleaning services need to take into account geographical factors, such as traffic, availability of employees (if there are any language barriers), crime rate, and safety concerns in order to provide a comprehensive service package at a competitive price.
The accessibility of the facility should also be taken into consideration when determining to price. If the facility is located in an area with difficult access or parking, these charges may need to be factored into the price. Other factors such as proximity to amenities (such as grocery stores and laundry facilities) can affect costs if the commuting time for employees is longer. Additionally, local labor laws must be considered if employees are not based nearby or come from different jurisdictions. Finally, areas that are highly prone to inclement weather may also carry increased expenses for evacuation measures if necessary.
Equipment and Materials
In order to get the job done right, a commercial cleaning company might need to have special equipment and materials on hand. Different types of materials and chemicals such as mild detergents, specialty degreasing agents, and floor sealers, are required depending on the size of the space and type of service needed. Specialized equipment like steam cleaners or carpet extractors may also be necessary to ensure that carpets are cleaned up properly. This is one of the factors that can increase the costs for commercial cleaning services.
Labor Costs
Labor costs are a major factor in determining the cost of commercial cleaning services. The type of labor used, the availability of labor, and the experience and expertise of workers can all affect pricing. Companies that use part-time or full-time workers will likely have higher rates than those with contract laborers, who may charge less due to having fewer overhead expenses.
The most common types of cleaners used by businesses include janitors and custodians. Janitors are usually responsible for general cleaning duties like vacuuming, dusting and mopping floors, emptying trash cans and sanitizing surfaces, while custodians may be responsible for more specialized tasks such as power washing floors or scrubbing walls. The cost for these services varies depending on a number of factors including the size of the facility, the number of floors to be cleaned, and the complexity of tasks required. In addition to wages, companies also need to consider benefits like paid time off, health insurance coverage, and other perks when setting their rates.
Scheduling is another important factor that affects commercial cleaning service costs. Companies that offer routine daily service will typically charge lower hourly rates than those offering one-time deep cleans or more intensive weekly cleanings. Cleaning companies also often set minimums as well as maximums when it comes to how often they can provide services depending on their staffing levels and customer demand. Understanding these dynamics will help businesses better understand why certain service providers may be more expensive than others.
Insurance Costs
Insurance costs should always be taken into account when determining the cost of commercial cleaning services. Most companies require liability and workers compensation insurance to protect them from potential damage caused by the cleaners. These policies may include general liability, property damage liability, and bodily injury coverage in case of accidents. The cost of these policies can add up quickly, so it is important to be aware of the insurance requirements before hiring a cleaning service.
Additionally, companies who opt for higher quality services may require additional coverages such as product or environmental pollution coverage or specialized coverage for contracting with public organizations or schools. Be sure to ask your prospective service provider about their insurance coverage before signing any contract.
Additional Services
When selecting a commercial cleaning service, it is important to consider the full range of services available. Many basic services are included in a standard cleaning package, but many firms offer additional services that can be added for an additional fee. The type of services offered will vary by firm and by industry, so it is important to investigate the services available before making a decision.
Examples of additional services that may be offered by commercial cleaning businesses include:
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning
- Window washing
- Power washing (pressure washing)
- Floor stripping and waxing
- Fabric protection treatments
- Odor control treatments
- Air duct cleaning
- Smoke and fire damage restoration
- Flood water extraction and removal
- Construction clean-up and debris spotting
Depending on the industry involved or the facility being serviced these add-on services can potentially increase overall costs significantly. It is important to determine what specific extra services your business may need before you select a commercial cleaning company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors can affect the cost of commercial cleaning services?
The cost of commercial cleaning services can be affected by a variety of factors, such as the size and condition of the space, the type of cleaning services needed, the frequency of cleaning, and the number of staff needed to complete the job.
Which factors have the greatest impact on the cost of commercial cleaning services?
The size and condition of the space, the type of cleaning services needed, and the frequency of cleaning typically have the greatest impact on the cost of commercial cleaning services.
Are there any discounts available for commercial cleaning services?
Yes, some commercial cleaning services may offer discounts for long-term contracts or for services that are completed on a regular basis.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the cost of commercial cleaning services will depend on a number of factors, including the size and location of the building, its level of cleanliness, and the type of services requested. Cleaning companies may also offer additional services, such as carpet cleaning or window washing that can add extra costs. It is important to discuss these details with potential providers to ensure you select the best plan for your business needs and budget.
In order to find a reputable commercial cleaning provider, it is advisable to research several candidates before choosing one. Consider reviews from past clients as well as any certifications that your selected company may have received from industry organizations. By conducting proper research and inquiring about different pricing packages up front, you can increase the chances that you receive high-quality services at an affordable rate.