From U.S. Products: How To Scope & Estimate New Floor Cleaning Jobs

The time it takes to clean a floor surface will determine a janitorial production rate. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Products)

Estimating a floor cleaning project doesn’t have to be complex. Consider all factors and make the best estimate possible — so you can provide excellent service at a reasonable price and make a profit.

Basic job estimation begins with time calculation and includes the factors required to get the job done right the first time, or that will create opportunity for ongoing floor maintenance by your company. It’s important to:

• Assess the job details.
• Spend time measuring the area.
• Consider the type of flooring and its condition.
• Determine the best cleaning method.
• Calculate labor costs.
• Determine a pricing structure.
• Factor in overhead and profit.
• Assess what it will take to satisfy the customer.
• Create a detailed quote.

This guide will review the most common challenges that floor care / building service contractors face — and provide solutions to overcome them.

Time Is Important. Plan Accordingly

How much time will it take to clean this building’s floors? How do you know how much to charge if you don’t know how long it takes to clean?

Time is just one factor in your estimation. The amount of time it takes to clean something is referred to as a “production rate.” Industry production rates use the average time it takes the average cleaning technician to complete a specific cleaning task. This rate assumes the worker is cleaning a specific area/surface under normal conditions.

The time it takes to clean a floor surface will determine your janitorial production rates. Simply add up the sum of all the individual tasks — based on how much time it will take to clean a specific area.

Contributing Variables To Janitorial Production Rates

Remember that different people clean at different speeds. For example, two people performing similar cleaning duties, with the same chemicals, tools, and equipment, under the same circumstances, may not clean at the same pace.

Each facility also has its own unique cleaning tasks and requirements, layout, and frequencies of service. This is why it’s important that you and your Professional Cleaning Team assess each job as a new operation — with unique challenges.

Estimating Tip

Remember to include your own regular expenses in your estimates. These can be significant:

• Travel time and costs.
• Supplies costs.
• Area labor costs.
• Waste disposal of cleaning solutions.
• Cleaning, drying, and finishing time.

Next Steps

“U.S. Products is the leader in the development of commercial floor cleaning extractors,” according to a press release. “The U.S. Products’ Dual-Vacuum Extractors and Wands improve carpet sanitation, increase cleaning ability, prolong carpet life, and reduce drying time greater than any products on the market.

“The reduced drying time allows Professional Building Service Contractors and Cleaning Crews to complete jobs faster and increase productivity and revenue by cleaning and finishing more square footage in a day.

“U.S. Products’ extractors are designed and built in the USA. The company developed its reliable, powerful systems 30-plus years ago through technology, design, field use, and customer service. U.S. Products backs its market-leading solutions with a 10-year limited housing warranty, one of the longest for any commercial extractors.”

For more information or to find a local U.S. Products Dealer, visit  https://usproducts.com/, or call +1-360-450-2694.