Count cleaner-hours, not just visit length
Two cleaners working for three hours use six cleaner-hours. That distinction matters when you estimate wages and compare the job with what you quoted.
Write down the work included, the condition of the home and any extras before estimating time. A first clean may need more time than a recurring visit.
Include paid time outside the clean
Travel, loading supplies and other paid work can affect your costs. Separate paid hours from billable hours when working out a selling rate, and avoid counting the same cost twice.
Decide what belongs in the quote
Be clear about the scope and exclusions. If an oven clean or the inside of a fridge costs extra, specify that before the job begins. Add travel charges or a minimum charge only where they apply to your business.
Check your rate against your costs
As a fictional example, a cost of $30 per billable hour and a target margin of 25% imply a selling rate of $40: $30 ÷ (1 − 0.25). This is different from adding a 25% markup, which would give $37.50.
These are demonstration figures, not market-rate recommendations. The result is only as complete as the costs you include, and it is not a promise of net profit.
Learn from the completed job
Record the actual cleaner-hours and costs. If a job took longer, note why: heavier buildup, an extra task, access delays or an optimistic estimate. That record gives you something concrete to use next time.
