How much do you pay for house cleaning? (Beverly Hills: hardwood floors, houses)

[ehcsrop]

Tried to do a search on this but came up short. A sole independent will clean my home full of antiques, etc. Not an easy job. Certainly not Spartan and contemporary. Hardwood floors and lots of tile.

The proposal is to come in an do a one time thorough cleaning and then do a weekly run through for 3-5 hours as needed. The rate is not yet determined and I have to set the rate.

Different, I know. I supply all tools and supplies. Labor only and flat rate is what is on the table. All surfaces to be kept up, no bedding or windows.

I'm not in an affluent area, not that has anything to do with it. But, this ain't Beverly Hills.

This person has worked for the neighbor for 25 years. What's the going rate?

[sarahkate_m]

Originally Posted by ehcsrop

Tried to do a search on this but came up short. A sole independent will clean my home full of antiques, etc. Not an easy job. Certainly not Spartan and contemporary. Hardwood floors and lots of tile.

The proposal is to come in an do a one time thorough cleaning and then do a weekly run through for 3-5 hours as needed. The rate is not yet determined and I have to set the rate.

Different, I know. I supply all tools and supplies. Labor only and flat rate is what is on the table. All surfaces to be kept up, no bedding or windows.

I'm not in an affluent area, not that has anything to do with it. But, this ain't Beverly Hills.

This person has worked for the neighbor for 25 years. What's the going rate?

$15/hr but don't be surprised if that isn't enough. does the housecleaner have to wash any windows? not having to is a good factor.

around 1995 i charged $12/hr in torrance.

kate

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

The rate would depend on what is required and the difficulty in accesing the area to be cleaned. You have a lot of antiques? are they breakable? SO many variables.

[ehcsrop]

Or course they're breakable. The new stuff is too. What's the difference?

Sarah, I mentioned in my first post that windows are not part of the arrangement. One bath, 2 bedrooms, kitchen, dining and living room. Area rugs on hardwood floors.

I was thinking around $15/hr straight cash. But, the cleaner wants a flat rate, so I have to come up with a number. I know this is odd that the price was not estimated up front. I'm sure it takes a few times to get used to the layout and conditions. The cleaner was next door today and did the house in 4.5 hours. It's a big 2 story English Tudor style with an additional bath and bedroom.

I might have to ask what they pay, but I don't feel comfortable with that.

[JTGJR]

I pay $125 for a husband/wife combo every two weeks. Takes about 3-1/2 hrs. 5BR/3B 2600sft. Not a lot of nick-nacks to dust though. So I guess that's a bit above $15/hr per person. All housekeepers I've used charge a flat rate.

[capitalist09]

Individuals with experience $15-25./hr on avr.

Cleaning Companies $30-$40/hr.

Usually flat rated though, done by in home consultation or over the phone.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

A friend of mine has a Ming vase. You can not replace it. Yes new stuff is also breakable, but replaceable. Also many furniture options are antique, but not breakable. Everything matters. I would charge a differant price for cleaning a room full of furniture than a room full of china and nicknacks.

Lets say someone charges $15 an hour. I bet in a home with mostly furniture and few breakables they would be in and out in a short amount of time. Lots of breakables means lots of time cleaning.

[sarahkate_m]

Originally Posted by SOON2BNSURPRISE

I would charge a differant price for cleaning a room full of furniture than a room full of china and nicknacks...Lots of breakables means lots of time cleaning.

where were you when i needed your logic *L*

OP: sorry i didn't read your post thoroughly. i can see how flat rate would work. just bid on what is in your comfort level but YOU KNOW start like $40 dollars lower for your own sake so there's sliding room in the negotiation. the negotiation by the cleaner will have justification that will make you look considerate when you say yes to a higher amount. you'll look understanding.

whenever i think about cleaning or dusting... i don't. just kidding. i have a jaded view of housekeeping. i envy smooth surfaces & minimalism, although i fall short.

i'm beginning to understand the flat rate view. if & when the variables change, it would be time to renegotiate.

i cleaned for a rather persnickety kinda lunatic lady who micromanaged everything i did - her house was already kind of spooky clean & i never felt comfortable cleaning for her - worked for her for years, even when she moved to a mini mansion.

then she got a yellow lab. it was too much for me. all of a sudden the micromanaging directions from her became unbearable with dog hair all over the stairs & marble floors & the kitchen. that was the end of that. she had to go shop for someone who would hopefully speak english.

being a house cleaner is a drag... after 2 years of the same houses every week, i used to say a silent prayer at the door knob of every house every time, to endure the boredom just one more time & pay attention.

if you can afford it, more power to you. you're helping the economy - kudos.

kate

[Peony321]

insure the antiques etc under homeowmers policy if possible. Dont forget to do a background check unless you are hiring Mr. Clean.

[streetscenes]

Unfortunately a house keeper was one of the things we have had to do without recently. We (especially my spouse) liked having a clean house and putting some $$ directly into the local economy. We paid $60 every week for about a half a days worth of cleaning.