For us, square footage is just a starting point. The real variable is always property condition.
We use a baseline formula based on square footage to get a rough estimate, but we require a detailed intake before giving a final quote—asking about pets, hard water buildup, flooring types, and when it was last deep cleaned. For larger or unique jobs, we ask for quick photos/videos or do a quick walkthrough.
To protect our time, we set a clear policy: initial cleans are billed on an hourly rate to get the property up to baseline before moving to a flat recurring rate. We also put a condition clause in our estimates so if a crew walks in and finds extreme buildup or clutter, we can adjust the price or get approval for additional hours before starting.
Estimates are still going to be off occasionally, but having that initial deep-clean rate and a condition clause keeps us from taking a hit on labor.
