Key takeaways
- A walkthrough gives a more accurate price than a size-only phone quote.
- Restrooms, flooring and traffic decide most of the cost.
- Ask for the scope and price in writing before the first visit.
- Tell the company about access, hours and anything off limits.
Why a walkthrough beats a phone quote
Two spaces with the same square footage can need very different amounts of work. A phone quote based on size alone misses the details that decide the price: how many restrooms there are, what kind of flooring you have, how many people use the space and what happens there. Seeing the space once removes the guesswork for both sides.
What we look at
- The number and type of restrooms, kitchens and break rooms
- Flooring types, such as carpet, tile, vinyl or hardwood
- How many people use the space and during which hours
- Glass, windows and any areas that are hard to reach
- Access needs, such as keys, alarm codes and after-hours entry
What to have ready
Think about when the space is empty and when it is busy, because many commercial cleanings happen after hours. Decide what matters most to you, such as spotless restrooms or tidy entryways, and note any areas that should be left alone, like server rooms or private offices.
Questions worth asking any cleaning company
- Is the scope and price written down before the first visit?
- Are your cleaners insured and background-checked?
- Who is my point of contact, and how do I report a missed spot?
- What products do you use, and can you work around allergies or sensitivities?
- How does scheduling work if our hours change?
What you should receive afterward
You should get a written scope that lists what will be cleaned on every visit, what is cleaned periodically, the schedule and the price. If anything is unclear, ask for it to be added in writing. At Back To The Garden Cleaning the estimate is FREE and there is no obligation.
We are a woman-owned, faith-based cleaning company in Youngstown, Ohio, led by founder Diana Isabella. These tips come from real jobs in homes, offices, and churches.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a cleaner on the lowest number without comparing scopes.
- Forgetting to mention after-hours access or alarm codes.
- Leaving out areas with special needs, such as sensitive equipment.
- Skipping the written scope.