I started a post-construction commercial cleaning business and got everything in order, website, business cards, advertising and a whole lot more, and I am currently working my first property. However, no matter how much research I do, I cannot find current bid rates per square foot in Denver ANYWHERE and I have a feeling I am under bidding, which is OK for now but I don't want to always make less than I should be. Someone please help!

Hi Svazloya,

If you have been doing this for a while you probably realize that there is no true template such as a cast in stone cost per sq ft.

There are many variables: economic area/s, current competitive natures, 'broom cleans', final cleans', 'terminal cleans', amount of spec items, floor scrubbing. Carpet cleaning, windows, etc. ALL of these have a direct bearing on pricing.

So even an average is actually inappropriate and not a professional way of pricing.

However, it can be used as a 'check point' for your figures.

Although in the end pricing is always your decision, for a construction clean up that requires no equipment such as scissor lifts, carpet or hard floor machines, etc an average can be estimated.

In the Chicago area currently, non-union, $0.25 per sq ft would be a starting average.

Remember please that each job stands on it's own. If you think that you are bidding too low then find out for sure. How? Simply start asking what the others bid. If they won't tell you the exact prices then ask questions such as;

"How much lower was I than the rest?" "Where did I come in in the bidding?"

Short story: Two bums sitting on a park bench, one says "I was always the highest bidder." The other said "I was always the lowest bidder......"

Get the facts, know your costs and the profit you need to be successful.

Good luck,

Stringer