Hiring professional home cleaning services can be a great investment for busy homeowners looking to maintain a clean and organized living space. However, in addition to the base cost of cleaning, many companies may charge additional fees for specific services or special requests. These extra charges can vary depending on the scope of the cleaning job, the size of the home, and any specialized tasks required. Being aware of these potential fees can help homeowners budget more effectively and ensure that they get the services they need without surprises. This article will explore some of the most common additional fees for professional home cleaning services and offer insight into how to manage these costs.
Deep Cleaning Fees
One of the most common additional fees that homeowners may encounter when hiring professional cleaners is for deep cleaning services. Deep cleaning goes beyond standard maintenance cleaning, tackling areas that are often overlooked during regular cleaning sessions. This can include scrubbing baseboards, cleaning inside appliances, wiping down light fixtures, and thoroughly cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.
Deep cleaning is typically recommended for homes that haven't been professionally cleaned in a while, homes with heavy dirt or grime buildup, or as part of a spring-cleaning routine. Because deep cleaning requires more time and effort, companies often charge an extra fee for this service. The cost for deep cleaning can vary based on the size of the home, but it is usually charged as an hourly rate or a flat fee in addition to the standard cleaning costs.
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Fees
Many cleaning services offer carpet and upholstery cleaning as an additional service. While routine vacuuming is part of standard cleaning, deep cleaning carpets and upholstery requires specialized equipment, such as steam cleaners or professional-grade vacuum systems. Carpet cleaning helps remove deep-seated dirt, allergens, and stains, making it a valuable service for homes with pets, children, or high-traffic areas.
Upholstery cleaning, which includes sofas, chairs, and other fabric-covered furniture, is another service that requires specialized attention. Because these tasks involve more labor and the use of specific equipment, most cleaning companies charge additional fees for carpet and upholstery cleaning. The cost of these services typically depends on the number of rooms or pieces of furniture being cleaned, as well as the type of fabric and the extent of the stains.
Window Cleaning Fees
While some cleaning companies include basic interior window cleaning in their standard package, exterior window cleaning or detailed interior window cleaning often incurs an additional charge. Cleaning windows, especially in multi-story homes, requires specialized equipment and extra time. Exterior windows can accumulate grime, dirt, and hard water stains, which are more difficult to clean and may require the use of ladders or specialized cleaning products.
The cost of window cleaning services varies depending on the number of windows, the height of the home, and whether the windows are difficult to access. Some cleaning companies charge by the window, while others may offer a flat fee for window cleaning based on the home’s size. For homeowners who want sparkling clean windows, this can be a valuable add-on to their professional cleaning service.
Move-In or Move-Out Cleaning Fees
Move-in or move-out cleaning is another service that typically comes with an additional fee. This type of cleaning is more thorough than a regular cleaning, as it involves preparing a home for new occupants. It can include tasks like cleaning out closets, removing cobwebs, deep cleaning carpets, wiping down walls, and cleaning inside cabinets and appliances. Move-in or move-out cleaning is especially important for tenants who want to ensure they get their security deposit back or for homeowners preparing to sell a property.
Because move-in or move-out cleaning requires more time and effort than a standard cleaning session, it usually comes with a higher price tag. Many cleaning companies offer this service at an hourly rate, while others may charge a flat fee depending on the size of the home and the amount of cleaning required.
Additional Room or Square Footage Fees
Some cleaning services base their pricing on the size of the home, either by the number of rooms or the total square footage. If a homeowner requests cleaning for additional rooms beyond what is included in the standard package, or if the home is particularly large, there may be extra fees. For example, adding a basement, attic, or guest room to the cleaning schedule could result in additional costs.
Similarly, cleaning companies may charge more for larger homes because they require more time, labor, and cleaning supplies. In these cases, it’s essential to clarify with the cleaning service how much extra space will cost to clean and whether it can be bundled with the regular cleaning package for a discounted rate.
Specialized Cleaning Services Fees
Some homes may require specialized cleaning services that go beyond the scope of standard cleaning. This can include tasks like cleaning chandeliers, deep-cleaning tile and grout, cleaning out fireplaces, or handling post-construction debris. Because these tasks require specialized knowledge, equipment, or extra time, many companies charge additional fees for these services.
For example, cleaning tile and grout is a labor-intensive process that often requires special cleaning agents and tools to remove dirt and stains from between tiles. Similarly, post-construction cleaning can involve removing dust, debris, and paint splatters from new builds or renovations, which is more time-consuming than a typical cleaning session. Homeowners should inquire about these fees upfront and decide whether these services are necessary for their specific needs.
Conclusion: Being Prepared for Additional Cleaning Fees
When hiring professional home cleaning services, it’s important to understand that the base price may not cover all the tasks homeowners need. From deep cleaning and carpet cleaning to window washing and specialized services, many companies charge extra fees for services that go beyond standard maintenance cleaning. To avoid surprises, homeowners should always ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs and services included in their cleaning package.
Just as you would seek transparency from a trusted roofing company like All County Roofing, it’s essential to work with a cleaning service that is upfront about their pricing. By understanding the potential for additional fees and selecting the services that are most important, homeowners can create a customized cleaning plan that fits their budget and keeps their home in top shape.
