How to quote a cleaning job
To quote a cleaning job, price it in five parts: (1) walk and scope the space, (2) estimate the labour hours, (3) apply your hourly rate, (4) add supplies, overheads and profit, and (5) present a clear written quote.
The steps
- Walk and scope the space. Count rooms and bathrooms, note square footage, condition, pets and any extras like inside-oven, windows or carpets. Underscoping is the top cause of an unprofitable job.
- Estimate the hours. A standard 3-bed takes roughly 2–3 hours; a first-time or deep clean can take 1.5–2× longer. Multiply hours by the number of cleaners.
- Apply your hourly rate. Multiply total labour hours by your rate ($25–$60/hr per cleaner). For recurring clients, price the flat per-visit amount off your true hours.
- Add supplies, overheads and profit. Cover cleaning products, equipment, travel, insurance and admin, then add a profit margin. Do not quote at break-even.
- Write the quote. List the scope, what is and isn't included, the price, frequency and any add-ons as separate lines, with a total and an expiry date.
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Labour — 2 cleaners × 3 hrs @ $40 | $240 |
| Cleaning supplies & equipment | $25 |
| Travel & overheads | $30 |
| Subtotal | $295 |
| Profit margin (20%) | $59 |
| Quoted total | $354 |
FAQs
How do you quote a cleaning job?
Scope the space, estimate the labour hours, multiply by your hourly rate, add supplies, overheads and profit, then present it as a clear written quote with what's included.
Should I charge hourly or a flat rate?
Charge hourly for one-off and deep cleans where time is uncertain, and a flat per-visit rate for recurring clients once you know how long the home really takes.
How much profit should I build in?
Aim for a 15–30% margin on top of labour, supplies and overheads — quoting at break-even leaves nothing for slow weeks, equipment or growth.