Home Services

Home Services House Cleaning

The need for quality cleaning services is strong. The market includes homes and apartments with going rates starting at $50 for 1-2 bedroom apartments, $65 for a 1-bedroom home, $85 for a 2-bedroom house. The best way to set a rate is to figure an income goal for the year and then break it down into an hourly rate. Time spent in each residence will vary, depending upon the depth of cleaning needed and how cluttered each place is. When you provide an estimate, look closely and always add an “X” factor for stuff you cannot clearly see. With most clients, price will always be an issue, so make sure that they understand your value and the amount of work you do for the money they pay. You can contract for weekly or twice-monthly cleanings. Prepaid arrangements are best.

House services cleaning includes all floors, carpeting, refrigerators, stoves, ovens, sinks, bathtubs, showers, mirrors, cabinets and dusting of all surfaces in every room. Some clients prefer additional services such as laundry, dishwashing and cabinet organizing. Windows remain an option depending upon access height and the number of stories of the home.

Supplies includes a good vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and about $65-$75 of cleansers, rags, dust cloths, paper towels, gloves, dust masks and other materials. You’ll need insurance and must be bondable. Marketing can be done by canvassing neighborhoods, talking to homeowners and putting up fliers, talking to apartment managers, advertising in church bulletins and weekly shopper tabloids. Sometimes apartment managers want apartments cleaned after tenants move out. Word-of-mouth will provide good referrals.

Running a crew requires additional insurance and accounting including wages, paychecks, withholding and taxes. Make sure to file your IRS quarterly taxes. See IRS and the Cleaning Industry Organization for additional information. Check with your city for required permits and business licenses.

Home Services Gardening

Gardeners and the sounds of leaf blowers and lawn mowers are everywhere. Gardening remains a time-saving service for dual-income families. A well-kept yard adds resale value to a home and often fulfils the requirements of neighborhood association rules.

Fees start at about $40 a week for a tended yard, depending upon size and amounts of pruning and trimming. Total tool investment can be $200-$400 for a lawn mower, leaf blower, rakes, trash cans, plastic bags, brooms and other yard tools. A reliable pickup truck is needed to haul tools and materials around. Trash needs to be hauled to landfills.

This home service business can be operated by an individual or you can run a crew. If you choose a crew, you’ll need insurance and wage accounting for paychecks, withholding and taxes. Make sure to file your IRS quarterly taxes. See IRS for more information. Also check with the National Gardening Association for regional needs. Check with your city for permits, business licenses and noise abatement regulations.

Advertising can be done in weekly tabloid shoppers and putting up fliers. You can canvass neighborhoods talking to homeowners, apartment managers and real estate office managers who often need weekly maintenance on listed properties for sale.

Handyman

Handyman home services are often a one-or-two person business. If you have the skills and knowledge about how to fix or repair just about anything, you’ll be in demand. Handyman services can be offered to homeowners, apartments and Seniors unable to do repairs themselves. You can advertise in weekly shopper tabloid publications, bulletin boards, canvassing neighborhoods, apartments and by posting fliers. Contact real estate offices where the home sellers often need maintenance for properties they are selling. An excellent word-of-mouth reputation will be your best bet.

You’ll need insurance and be bondable. A reliable pickup truck will be needed, since you’ll be hauling materials from the local home centers to the job sites. Charge accordingly for time spent doing so. You’ll also need a selection of hand and power tools. You’ll be required to file IRS quarterly taxes. See IRS for more information and allowable deductions.