How much would you charge???

[madis81]

I have an opportunity to clean an 800 Sq Ft. apt. and I have no idea what to charge. I haven't cleaned in years. What would you pay/charge? This is an empty apt. and I am cleaning up after the tenant moves out. And because I know it factors in, the COL is about 8-9% lower then the US average.

If this goes well, and I choose to, I could continue cleaning for this company. Mostly after construction or after tenants move out. What would your rates be? I just can't find a lot of info on the internet for this type of cleaning. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places?

Thanks for your help! And I hope this is the right place to post this. I know it's not WAHM type work, but it is a mom doing her own business type of thing, so I thought it would be the best place to ask.

[lilyka]

i used to do this. I live in a low/medium cost of living area, i did it 10 years ago, and I got paid about $15 I think. it was not enough. I charge my tennants $35 an hour but thats mostly that I am ticked if I have to clean up after them and would rather they hired merry maids or something. $15 was not enough. If I were you I would go at least $20. it seems like my friend gets paind $24 an hour to clean businesses. Will you be paid through the company as their employee or will you be an independant contractor? taxes for independant contractors are hell. be sure you account for that in your wage and make sure your take hom is still worth it. also will you be providing your own supplies? if so don't forget to take that into account.

[Quirky]

What exactly do you need to do? Is it just running a vacuum and a dust cloth, or are you expecting it to be seriously dirty, like you have to haul out bags of trash or try to remedy years of mold in the bathroom?

I think it would be good to have an up-front discussion about the scope of your work -- I think $20 an hour would be reasonable for regular cleaning, mopping, dusting, scrubbing but anything that would require cleaning above and beyond the usual would incur a surcharge.

[SleeplessMommy]

Are you bringing your own vacuum cleaner and chemicals? You have some costs there, as well as potential for making your vacuum cleaner dirty. (smokers) I think $30-35 and hour is they way to go. Find out the local rate if you can.

[lilyka]

I used to clean apartments after construction (lots od debris, building materials and chemicals, dirt, and dust) and after tennants moved out - straight up filth. either way it is a lot of work. definitely do not use your home vaccuum. if they do not provide one buy one dedicated to this work and deduct it as a business expense. It will also keep you from messing up yours.