Q&A for How to Start a House Cleaning Business

That depends on many factors, especially if you want your business to grow! That means understanding your profit margin per clean, but also factoring in other costs like office space, insurance and utilities.

There is no license needed to start a house cleaning business. You can get certification through cleaning associations and then use that to build trust and show you are an "expert." You will need to check with your local city to see if a business license is required.

Look at your budget. Use what you can to buy products, workers, etc. Then come up with the prices that you want people to pay you. Make sure the total is higher than what you started with, but don't price things too high or no one is going to use it.

A business license is a document issued, usually by the city and usually for a fee, authorizing you to work in a certain capacity within a certain jurisdiction. If your business is a sole proprietor business, your tax ID (federal and state) is your Social Security number, because the taxes fall directly upon the business owner. If you have employees, you must obtain a (free) Employer Identification Number (EIN) to use as your tax ID.

Start near your area for some accounts. Once you are able, buy a cheap car just to move around.

At first you should go with subcontractors. That way, if things are slow you aren't paying as much. Later on you can add on part time.

Yes, but make sure your client agrees.

Both can vary greatly. The best thing to do is research how much your local competition is charging, then either find a way to make your service stand out in some manner, or charge less so that you attract new clientele. Then do a search of a job service in your area to find out the mean rates being paid for house cleaners locally. You will need to ensure that you're making enough to cover overhead, taxes, insurance, etc.

Check with your city hall, as some cities require a business license and others do not.

You'll need to make the initial investment in equipment and supplies. Fortunately, that would not be to much of a cost.

Cleaning caddies are available at your local hardware store, as well as various buckets and other tools. Store it in the back or in the stowNgo area so you always have it on hand.

It's common to ask for payment after the job is done to build trust with your clients. However, for larger jobs, you might consider requesting an initial deposit. To handle last-minute cancellations, establish a clear policy that includes a cancellation fee if a job is canceled within 48 hours of the scheduled time. Clearly communicate this policy when booking appointments to make sure your clients understand the expectations and protect yourself from sudden schedule changes.