Rate for 3,000 sf home?

[domesticdiva]

This is my very first question! Well hello - I'm new here and I am starting my housecleaning business. When I first started, I began cleaning for someone my family knows. I went, looked at her home: It's 3,000 square feet, fairly new construction. 4 pets (2 little dogs, 2 cats ) 3 full bathrooms - 2 people living there, no kids. The first time I cleaned the home - I spent 6 hours by myself! I was exhausted. I cleaned this for 60.00 (this is my weekly charge) and yes, I didn't even think to charge an initial cleaning. I felt so terrible!

I am in the process of getting insurance/bonding. I also am using the lady's cleaning products at the time, but am planning on switching over to Aromologics (thanks Patti Page for finding these products!) and I am going to take taxes out for myself. When I started cleaning for her (it's only been about 3 times) it was a "sure , come clean my house" kinda thing.

It takes me 3.5 hours to clean her house now. She also sometimes says she wants me to help her clean the blinds. Advice? What would you say or how to go about it - in order to charge more - or is this a fair price?? Opinions, 2 cents, please.

Brandy

[Pages Personal Cleaning]

First of all, welcome Brandy! Glad you are here.
60.00 for a 3,000 sq.ft. home is a steal (for the client)
For a 3,000 sq.ft. home we charge 100.00 for weekly and around 135.00 for bi-weekly. As far as charging more, I think I would tell the client that you were not sure how long it was going to take to clean her home initially and that you have found it is taking a lot longer than anticipated, and you will need to charge more for the extra time. Also, when you start paying for insurance, bonding and supplies you will find that you need to make more than you are charging in order to make a good profit.
Patti

[domesticdiva]

Thanks for the input!

~ Brandy

ps Happy New Year!!