My husband and I own a commercial cleaning service. We have been doing general cleaning for years but recently have the opportunity to bid on a construction clean up job with the following general specs:

1) Clean exposed interior hard-surfaced finishes to a dirt-free condition, free of stains, films, and similar foreign substances. Avoid disturbing natural weathering of exterior surfaces. Restore reflective surfaces to their original condition.

2) Remove debris and surface dust from limited access spaces, including roofs, plenums, shafts, trenches, equipment vaults, manholes, attics, and similar spaces.

3) Sweep concrete floors broom clean in unoccupied spaces.

4) Vacuum carpet and similar soft surfaces, removing debris and excess nap; shampoo if visible soil or stains remain.

5) Clean transparent materials, including mirrors and glass in doors and windows. Remove glazing compounds and other noticeable, vision-obscuring materials. Replace chipped or broken glass and other damaged transparent materials. Polish mirrors and glass, taking care not to scratch surfaces.

6) Remove labels that are not permanent.

7) Wipe surfaces of mechanical and electrical equipment, elevator equipment, and similar equipment.

8) Clean plumbing fixtures to a sanitary condition, free of stains, including stains resulting from water exposure.

We have all of the basic cleaning equipment needed (mops, brooms, vacuums, barrels, etc) but not the specialized equipment (such as scissor lift) and am not sure if one is needed.

The building is 32,000 sq ft, 3 stories. How much should we charge per sq ft for this job? Thanks!

HI Cleanlink,

A few things concern me:

'Replace chipped or broken glass and other damaged transparent materials. Polish mirrors and glass, taking care not to scratch surfaces.'

What exactly does this mean? Do you have to replace anything that may be costly? If so, how do you cover this in your bid?

'Remove debris and surface dust from limited access spaces, including roofs, plenums, shafts, trenches, equipment vaults, manholes, attics, and similar spaces.'

How high is this? If scissors are needed I would add this in you bid as an 'additional charge if needed.'

There are variances in local pricing and things that I may not be aware of however in my area (Chicago) I would charge somewhere in the neighborhood of $0.27 to $0.32 / sq ft.

This does not include the scissors, if needed I would check on renting them. Then add maybe 10 - 15% to the cost.

Remember that in the end pricing is always your decision.

Good luck, please keep me posted.

Stringer