We’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s not you – it’s me,” during a breakup.
(Or maybe you’ve used it yourself.)
The truth is, there’s some validity to it. Often, two people aren’t compatible because their expectations don’t match. The same can happen when choosing a commercial cleaning service. If you and your janitorial provider don’t agree on pricing or what services are included, you could find yourselves in an uncomfortable situation, just like in a mismatched relationship.
To avoid that, it’s important to understand how janitorial pricing is calculated. Knowing the main factors that affect pricing can help you establish a solid, long-lasting relationship with your cleaning company. Here are five elements that play a big role in janitorial service costs.
And to make things interesting, we’ll break it down like you’re reviewing a potential match.
1. How Busy Your Facility Is
The first major factor in cleaning costs is the level of activity in your building. Simply put, more people—whether they are employees, customers, students, or visitors—create more mess. A higher number of people means more trash, dirt, and a greater need for refilling supplies. For instance, cleaning a 30,000-square-foot office with 400 employees working shifts will cost more than cleaning a 300,000-square-foot warehouse that only has 60 workers.
2. Your Industry Type
The kind of business you run also influences how much you’ll pay for cleaning services. Different industries have different cleaning demands. For example, a manufacturing facility will produce a lot more dust and grime than a typical corporate office. Meanwhile, schools, hospitals, and public spaces tend to require more frequent disinfecting and surface cleaning, which can increase the cost.
3. Your Building’s Characteristics
The design and features of your building affect how much time and effort is required to clean it. Factors such as total square footage, restroom count, flooring types, and even the building’s age can make a big difference. For instance, an older facility with hard floors and tightly packed workspaces will generally take longer to clean than a newer building with spacious rooms and carpeting.
4. What Cleaning Services You Need
Most janitorial contracts cover the basics: emptying trash, wiping down surfaces, cleaning floors, and maintaining restrooms. However, how often these services are performed can change the total price. A medical facility may need daily mopping and disinfecting, while an office space may only require these services two or three times a week.
5. Your Cleaning Expectations
Not everyone has the same definition of “clean,” and your expectations will affect how much time is needed to keep your facility at your desired level of cleanliness. It’s important that both you and your cleaning team have clear communication about this. For example, if you want dust-free surfaces at all times, more hours will be needed, which may increase costs.
When it’s all said and done, the amount of time and labor required to clean your facility will largely determine the cost of your janitorial services.
Now that you have a better understanding of how pricing is determined, we have just one question for you:
Ready to start a new partnership?
If you’re interested in a free cleaning estimate for your facility, get in touch with us today!
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