Post-construction cleaning is a specialized task that needs a lot of focus, planning, and, of course, the right pricing.
Whether you are just starting out in this field or want to enhance your existing strategy, creating proper walkthroughs and making bids are imperative to success.
This guide will help you work through each stage of the process so you miss nothing.
Why Walkthroughs Are Crucial in Post-Construction Clean-Up
A walkthrough enables you to determine the extent of the work, the potential problems that may be encountered, and the information that would help in pricing the work.
Post-construction cleaning, as it is called, often requires dusting off, scraping off the debris, and specific cleaning of certain areas.
If this step is skipped, it may make you underestimate the costs or overlook the necessary tasks, thus meaning that the customer may complain or even lose profit.
How to Get Ready for the Walkthrough
It is essential to ensure you are equipped with the right tools and information before conducting a walkthrough.
Make sure you carry a clipboard, a measuring tape, a flashlight, a camera and a checklist that is specific for post-construction projects.
It will be helpful to know about the site in advance so the client can tell you about the size of the building, the type of construction, and any special needs.
This way, you are well-equipped to capture all the necessary information when visiting the site.
What to Look for During the Walkthrough
Assess the Scope of Cleaning
Identify areas needing cleaning, including floors, walls, windows, fixtures, furniture, and appliances.
Look for paint splatters, dust deposition, adhesion residues, or other stains on the surface.
Inspect for Specialized Requirements
Look for things requiring extra cleaning, like high ceilings and intricate light fixtures, or unusual surfaces like marble or stainless steel, which may need particular cleaners or methods.
Note Safety Concerns
Assess if you need personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, goggles, or any other form of protection when it comes to hazardous material, sharp objects, or any other risk that may be present on the property.
Taking Measurements and Calculating Time
Measuring each room’s square footage is crucial, mainly when pricing is size-dependent.
Give an estimate of the duration it will take to clean each region of the house and this depends on the level of detail involved and the type of cleaning needed.
For instance, it will be more time-consuming to remove paint from tiles than it is to vacuum a carpet.
Photograph Problem Areas
To support the claims of areas that are especially dirty or complicated to clean, taking a picture of them is recommended.
Such evidence can be presented in your proposal to back up the costs and meet the client’s concerns.
Pictures are also helpful during the cleaning process to make sure that no part of the house is left unattended.
Understanding Client Expectations
Clarify the Client’s Priorities
It would be helpful to know if there are parts of the house that the client wants done first or not touched at all.
For instance, they may need the kitchen appliances cleaned more thoroughly, or they may not need the basement cleaned at all.
Discuss Deadlines
Cleaning after construction is an activity that is usually done under a lot of pressure, especially when the space needs to be occupied or listed for sale.
Check the deadline to know if you can assign your resources correctly or not.
Know the Level of Cleaning Required
Some of the clients may require the house to be as clean as new, while others may only need a general clean-up.
This is because the client may have different expectations regarding the level of cleaning needed and thus avoid confusion in the future.
Creating an Accurate Bid
Break Down Costs
When compiling your bid, you should itemize your costs, for instance, based on labor, materials, and other expenses.
Labor costs should depend on the time and energy used in the process, while materials should include any special cleaners or tools used in the process.
Add a profit margin that is reasonable enough to enable the business to be sustainable.
Include Contingencies
It is also possible to encounter such issues as stubborn stains or more debris during post construction cleaning.
These possibilities should be included in your bid, therefore you should include a buffer to the bid price.
Offer Tiered Options
Offer several packages of services to meet various customer needs and financial capabilities.
For instance, the basic package may include simple cleaning such as dusting and cleaning of debris, while a premium package may include deep cleaning of windows, furniture, and appliances.
Drafting a Professional Proposal
Start With a Summary
Give a brief overview of what you do and what your services are when it comes to post-construction cleaning.
This introduction gives the client the impression that you will provide professional services and build much-needed confidence.
Outline the Scope of Work
Clearly list all the services you will offer to clean houses, such as dusting, cleaning the floor, cleaning the windows, and cleaning and removing debris.
Be as detailed as possible to avoid disputes in the future.
Provide a Timeline
Outline the duration of the cleaning and the date you will start.
Ensure your timeline coincides with the client’s goals you discussed during the walkthrough.
Present the Total Cost
Give a detailed account of the cost breakdown and the total amount.
Transparency helps clients build trust since they understand all the costs involved.
Tips for Competitive Pricing
Research Market Rates
Find out what other companies charge for the same services in your area and what your counterparts offer.
However, you should not set your prices at very low levels; competitive pricing is crucial for securing bids.
Highlight Your Value
If you use only green products or have specialized training, then make sure you call this out in your proposal.
It has been established that clients are willing to spend a little more money to get high-quality or special services.
Negotiate Strategically
It is OK to haggle, but do not cut the price aggressively.
Provide them with other options like reducing the number of tasks to be done instead of reducing the service prices.
Following Up After Submitting Your Bid
Confirm Receipt
After submitting your proposal, checking with the client and ensuring they have viewed it is recommended.
This also allows you to respond to any questions that the client may have had in mind.
Be Prepared to Explain Costs
It is normal for clients to ask for more explanation on the pricing or the work to be done.
It is good to know that you should be in a position to explain the basis of the total costs and why they represent the value you offer.
Stay Professional
Whether you get the bid or not, it is essential to remain professional.
A positive attitude and politeness can yield referral business or further business deals.
Final Walkthrough After Cleaning
To ensure that all the tasks that were agreed on are well done, you need to do a final walkthrough after cleaning the house.
Invite the client with you; if they have any complaints or feedback, assure them it will be addressed.
This step alone shows how committed you are to delivering the best services, thus creating a good impression.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimation of Time and Costs
This is because post-construction cleaning is quite a delicate exercise that needs a lot of consideration regarding the time spent.
It is wise to be more cautious than what they expect the time to be.
Overlooking Small Details
Commonly, post-construction cleaning goes down to the light switches, vents, and baseboards to ensure that even the most tiny imperfections are captured.
Conducting a walkthrough to establish the areas that require special attention is imperative.
Neglecting Client Communication
Regular updates and clear communication are essential as they help avoid misunderstandings with the client and also help to build trust throughout the project.
Leveraging Technology to Increase Productivity
You should also consider using software to help with the bidding process.
There is an application called Jobber or Housecall Pro that can assist you in creating and sending proposals, scheduling cleanings, and tracking expenses.
It also helps save time and ensure the bids are always consistent.
Conclusion
If you are searching for a house cleaning service, NW Maids is the ideal choice.
In post-construction cleaning, we ensure everything is done right and in the best manner possible to save you stress.
Come to us today and find out how we can assist you with your cleaning needs.
The process of conducting a walkthrough and coming up with the right bids for post-construction clean-ups is quite complicated, and this is because one has to be very keen.
It is, therefore, essential to follow all the steps outlined in this guide to ensure you build a good brand, attract more clients, and profit in this cleaning subsector.
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