Post-construction cleaning is a crucial step in the building process, ensuring the space is safe, clean, and ready for occupancy. Contractors typically divide the cleaning process into two main stages: rough cleaning and final cleaning. Each stage has different requirements, and calculating the costs for both is vital to maintaining a profitable business while offering competitive rates.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps of how to calculate costs for rough and final cleaning in construction projects, taking into account the scope, labor, materials, and more.
Understanding the Differences Between Rough and Final Cleaning
Before diving into cost calculations, it’s essential to understand what each type of cleaning entails:
- Rough Cleaning:
- When It Occurs: Rough cleaning happens early in the post-construction process, typically after the primary construction work is done but before the final finishes are in place.
- Tasks Involved: This stage focuses on removing large debris, construction dust, and other remnants left by contractors. It involves sweeping floors, clearing large debris, cleaning windows, removing plastic coverings, and disposing of trash.
- Level of Detail: The cleaning at this stage doesn’t require the meticulous detailing found in the final cleaning stage.
- Final Cleaning:
- When It Occurs: Final cleaning occurs once all construction work is finished, and the space is ready for occupancy.
- Tasks Involved: This includes a detailed and thorough cleaning of all surfaces, windows, floors, and fixtures. Tasks like polishing floors, removing stains, washing windows, and cleaning HVAC vents fall under final cleaning.
- Level of Detail: Final cleaning is more detailed and time-consuming, as it requires a spotless finish, often with specialized products or techniques.
Steps to Calculate the Cost for Rough and Final Cleaning
The cost calculations for rough and final cleaning depend on several factors, including labor, materials, and equipment. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown for each type of cleaning:
Rough Cleaning Cost Calculation
- Assess the Size and Scope of the Project:
- Measure the square footage of the construction area to determine the size of the space that requires cleaning. Rough cleaning costs are often calculated based on square footage or by the type of space being cleaned.
- Consider the type of construction (residential, commercial, healthcare, etc.) since more specialized spaces may require different cleaning procedures.
- Labor Costs:
- Hourly Rate: Estimate the number of hours required for rough cleaning. Typically, rough cleaning will take less time than final cleaning, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the project.
- Number of Workers: Multiply the number of workers needed by the hours required to complete the task.
- Example: If you need 2 workers at $25 per hour for 8 hours, the labor cost for rough cleaning will be:
2 workers x 8 hours x $25/hour = $400
- Materials and Supplies:
- For rough cleaning, materials may include trash bags, brooms, mops, and cleaning chemicals. Estimate the cost of these supplies based on the size of the project and the amount of debris to be removed.
- Example: You estimate that materials will cost around $50 for a standard construction job.
- Equipment Rental:
- If special equipment like heavy-duty vacuums, pressure washers, or floor scrubbers is required for rough cleaning, you’ll need to factor in the rental cost for those items.
- Example: If renting a floor scrubber costs $100 per day, and you need it for a day, include this cost.
- Waste Disposal:
- Rough cleaning typically involves disposing of construction debris and large items. Estimate the disposal costs based on the volume of waste generated.
- Example: A dumpster rental for debris disposal might cost $150.
- Total Rough Cleaning Cost:
- Add up all the costs to determine the total for rough cleaning.
- Labor Cost: $400
- Materials and Supplies: $50
- Equipment Rental: $100
- Waste Disposal: $150
Total Rough Cleaning Cost = $400 + $50 + $100 + $150 = $700
Final Cleaning Cost Calculation
- Assess the Size and Complexity of the Project:
- Like rough cleaning, start by measuring the square footage of the space that needs to be cleaned.
- Evaluate any special requirements like window cleaning, floor polishing, or disinfecting (important for spaces like hospitals, offices, or luxury homes).
- Labor Costs:
- Hourly Rate: Final cleaning is typically more detailed and may take longer. Calculate the number of hours required for each worker and multiply by their hourly rate.
- Number of Workers: You may need additional workers for final cleaning, especially if the job is large or has intricate details.
- Example: For final cleaning, 3 workers at $25 per hour for 10 hours might be needed: 3 workers x 10 hours x $25/hour = $750
- Materials and Supplies:
- For final cleaning, supplies may include specialized cleaning agents for windows, floors, countertops, or stainless steel. You may also need items like microfiber cloths, polish, and floor wax.
- Example: Materials and supplies for final cleaning may cost around $100.
- Equipment Rental:
- If specialized equipment like floor buffers, industrial vacuums, or scaffolding for window cleaning is needed, include rental costs.
- Example: Renting a floor buffer for $120 a day for final cleaning.
- Waste Disposal:
- Final cleaning generally involves less debris than rough cleaning, but you may still need to account for smaller amounts of waste and cleaning products that need disposal.
- Example: Waste disposal for final cleaning could cost around $50.
- Total Final Cleaning Cost:
- Add up all the costs to determine the total for final cleaning.
- Labor Cost: $750
- Materials and Supplies: $100
- Equipment Rental: $120
- Waste Disposal: $50
Total Final Cleaning Cost = $750 + $100 + $120 + $50 = $1020
Overall Cost for Both Rough and Final Cleaning
When calculating the total cost for both rough and final cleaning, simply add the costs from both stages.
- Total Rough Cleaning Cost: $700
- Total Final Cleaning Cost: $1020
- Total Post-Construction Cleaning Cost: $700 + $1020 = $1720
Key Considerations for Accurate Costing
- Type of Construction: Different types of construction may require different approaches to cleaning, affecting time, labor, and materials. For example, cleaning a hospital or laboratory might require more time due to special sanitation protocols.
- Complexity of the Space: Areas with intricate architectural features, high ceilings, or specialized materials may require more attention, adding to the overall cost.
- Geographic Location: Costs for labor, materials, and equipment rentals can vary by location, so adjust your rates accordingly.
- Frequency and Size of the Job: Larger projects may benefit from discounts based on volume, while smaller jobs may have higher per-square-foot or per-hour costs.
Conclusion
Properly calculating the cost for rough and final cleaning is critical to ensure profitability while remaining competitive. By factoring in labor, materials, equipment, and waste disposal for each stage, you can generate an accurate estimate that meets the client’s needs and aligns with the complexity of the project. Whether you’re dealing with a straightforward residential build or a large commercial space, understanding the nuances of both rough and final cleaning will help you price jobs effectively and run a successful post-construction cleaning business.