As in previous years, we still expect Seattle to have a growing demand for cleaning services, especially for homes. One of the reasons for the continued trend is the growing economy, providing people with modest jobs but limiting their availability to handle domestic chores. Hence, most residents are opting to use service providers to clean their homes and allow time for family, rest and recreation. As this demand continues to rise, so do the charges depending on the nature and extent of work.
Similarly, to balance the equation, the city is hosting more and more cleaning companies, from small cleaners to larger companies. This has created room for competition, moderating the prices and offering a variety of choices without necessarily compromising on quality.
Therefore, if you live in Seattle or are moving there, knowing the costing and how it is arrived at is important. In this guide, learn what factors affect the cost of home cleaning and tips to get the best value for your money.
Factors that Determine House Cleaning Prices
Cleaning service providers in Seattle, like those in other cities, offer varying prices. In Seattle there are many factors that determine how much you get charged by a service provider.
First, normal cleaning, as you would do for a few hours, wouldn’t cost much. These services include dusting, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms and other cleaning tasks people do on a regular basis.
Deeper cleaning is done after a while and may include scrubbing ovens, baseboards, and hard-to-reach areas. This level of cleaning will definitely cost you from about $250 to $500 or more due to the difficulty of the assignment, detergents and equipment used.
Another factor considered by cleaning agents, besides the nature of cleaning, is the surface area to be covered, usually measured per square foot, say about $0.10–$0.30 per square foot. If your home is big, you may expect the surface area of the floor or walls to be higher and so will the cost be. But if you reside in a studio, the quote will be much lower. In addition, extra fees may apply above the coverage rate depending on how dirty, messy or stained your house is.
The third factor is the nature of engagement with your preferred cleaning agent. If you can agree on the regularity of cleaning and have a long-term contract, you can expect a much lower fee. That’s because once they start getting your house in shape, the work becomes easier with every visit. That can be weekly or twice a week for about $100 to $200 per visit. However, other extra tasks that may not be on the regular contract may add to the cost. Thus, if you sign up for regular cleaning services, you can save money in the long run. You may also get a discount for such an engagement.
Finding the Right Service Provider
Contracting a house cleaning service provider requires you to weigh and balance cost, quality, and trust. As much as your budget is a concern, the quality of work has to be above standard. But more importantly, is the company’s reputation for trust. Leaving people you don’t know in your house may require careful scrutiny of the company. Asking the right questions or getting a recommendation can help you make the right decision. When I relocated here to Seattle, I was referred to House Cleaning 4U by my neighbor. To date, it’s still my favorite house cleaning company in Seattle. They are reliable and trustworthy.
Secondly, there are risks involved when a service provider is working at your site. Such risks can pose serious legal and financial implications if they happen at your house. Such include injuries, loss of items or even casualties from the use of electrical machines. You should ensure that the cleaning service provider is properly insured to cover all areas of concern by conducting an independent background check.
Furthermore, you may want to know about the experiences of previous clients through reviews and feedback on social media and website pages. Some may appear good on paper, but you will be surprised by the poor quality of work or how they handle complaints for customers.
Finally, have all your agreements documented and signed by both parties to give you confidence that you are choosing the right service for your home.