The Housekeeping Job Guide: How Much to Charge for Housekeeping
Pay rates for house cleaners
Now that you've decided to look into work as a housekeeper, you will want to figure out how much you would charge for your services.
Housekeepers generally need to look at the home to be cleaned in order to assess how much to charge. They set up an in-home consultation with prospective employers to get a better understanding of the home, the cleaning requirements, and exactly what they will be expected to do, in order to determine the correct price.
What to consider when figuring out how much to charge
- size of the home (number of bedrooms/bathrooms)
- frequency of cleaning (weekly, bimonthly)
- number of people and pets in the household
- level of clutter (can you access the areas to be cleaned?)
- number of different surfaces to be cleaned
- special requirements, such as cleaning windows
- your level of experience
- number of people cleaning (an individual or team from an agency)
- whether you will be paid by the job or by the hour
Estimating what to charge for housecleaning services
- To check what hourly rates are for comparable services in your area, go to Care.com and enter your zip code to see what other housekeepers are charging. Rates may vary greatly from one area of the country to another.
- Ask other housekeepers in your area how much they charge for cleaning services
- Compare their level of experience with yours, and then charge accordingly
Be prepared to negotiate with prospective employers in order to arrive at a fair price that reflects your skills and experience. As you negotiate, you will have to be clear about how much you want the work versus the price that a client is willing to pay. When starting out, it may be helpful to charge a lower rate than others and to build up a group of clients who will give you good recommendations. This will then enable you to raise your rates as your become known for your high quality work.
Once you have figured out how much to charge, and that you want to move forward to get a job as a housekeeper, you will want to advertise your services on Care.com and then prepare for a job interview.
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Lillian.
if it is one time and is filthy $100.When I clean it's top to bottom.
Thanks
Eva.
I don't walk/pick up after pets, this takes time away from the cleaning.
They can take it or leave it, if they don't like the price - they'll be others.
Running the home while owner works. No kids at home, but often have company for overnight stays using one or two of the guest bedrooms and bathrooms that will need to be cleaned after the company leaves. The house is 4,000 sq ft. If housekeeper is sick she will still be paid, plus will have 2 weeks paid vacation each year
As well as a day or two here and there throughout the year. I want to make sure I am paying a fair amount for a consistent work schedule.
That's a great question. Make sure to check out our article at http://www.care.com/housekeeping-articles-resources-p1116.html.
Additionally, here are some other articles you may find helpful:
http://www.care.com/housekeeping-housekeeper-checklist-p1017-q14790.html
http://www.care.com/housekeeping-your-cleaning-checklist-p1017-q21572284.html
My wife and I both clean houses together as a part time business. We start with Sq. Footage of the home- .05c to .10c depending on the level of dirt, and clutter. That is for vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of counter tops, sanitizing of toilets and bathroom fixtures. Dish Washing, cleaning of: microwave, oven, refrigerators, cabinets, closets, polishing floors, windows in/out,= start at $20. each, depending on level of dirt and clutter. We do not do laundry due to time constraints.
Weekly cleaning is cheaper, Bi-weekly is a little more, and monthly is even more, One Time Clean is the most expensive, but there are breaks for one time if it is limited to common areas of the house.
Finally, travel time to the home especially in these high gas prices is $20. per trip.
So if you wish to determine what you are worth, charge accordingly, and trust me hiring someone to come in is going to be Much more expensive than doing it yourself. Cleaning is a difficult job, and done right is hard work.
On a more personal note, let the kids clean their own areas, and concern yourself with just the common areas, ie. living room, kitchen, den, your bedroom. They are adults and should be taking care of their own living space.
Don't be concerned with getting a pat on the back for everything, even at our home we do things as unto the Lord, so everything is covered by the price He paid for us. Little things done out of love for others is a gesture of Love. Never hesitate to be willing to be a fool for love... Good Luck, and God Bless.