Pricing by the hour for building cleaning requires a balance of covering costs and remaining competitive in your market. Here’s a quick guide to help you calculate an hourly rate:
1. Estimate Labor Costs
- Determine the hourly wages for cleaners. Multiply by the number of cleaners working on-site. Factor in taxes, insurance, and any benefits if applicable. For example, if each cleaner earns $15 per hour and you have two cleaners, your base labor cost is $30 per hour.
2. Add Overhead Costs
- Calculate your monthly expenses, including equipment, cleaning supplies, transportation, and administrative costs. Break it down to an hourly cost. If your monthly overhead is $1,000 and you work 160 hours a month, that’s $6.25 per hour added to your labor costs.
3. Account for Profit Margin
- Add a profit margin, often around 15–30%, to your total hourly costs. For example, if your total hourly cost is $36.25 (labor + overhead), with a 20% profit margin, your hourly rate becomes $43.50.
4. Consider Job Complexity and Building Size
- Adjust rates based on factors like the type of cleaning (deep cleaning versus maintenance), frequency, or challenging tasks (high windows, difficult stains, etc.). Larger or more complex buildings may require a higher rate.
5. Compare to Competitors
- Research rates of similar cleaning businesses in your area. This can ensure your rates are competitive and within industry standards.
By covering labor, overhead, and a reasonable profit margin, you’ll be able to set a fair hourly rate that keeps your business sustainable and competitive.
