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divine_shine · Dec 18, 2011, 06:49 AM

Hello I am now cleaning a office building in cedar rapids ia. I have been paid hrly for the last yr and I've paid for the cleaning supplies. Now they would like me to charge them for a monthly rate and I have to separate the office cleaning from the commons because the owner of the building has to pay for all the restrooms,stairs and lobby to be cleaned. I'm new at this and would like to keep doing this building but I'm so at a loss on how much to charge for this to be done daily? Could someone give me some help please so I don't loose this job? Thanks HN

joypulv · Dec 18, 2011, 07:15 AM

Were you paid wages (with taxes taken out) or on contract (receiving a 1099 for which you owe self employment taxes)? If wages, I would charge 30% more as a contractor. I would also make sure that they are paying Workmen's Comp on you, either way.
If you are injured in their building, they can get in trouble for not having you on their comp, and you can get in trouble for not having it yourself if they don't. So sit down with them and ask them to add you. You don't want to have to deal with it yourself.
When you say daily, do you mean 7 days a week, or 5, and what about holidays? Figure out how many a year and divide by 12 for a flat rate.
You are going to have to figure out common from office. Just keep track someday soon, or estimate, and that's what you quote.

Stringer · Dec 19, 2011, 07:22 AM

If you are to be a contractor you will need Liability Insurance also.

Calculate the total cleanable square footage you clean and subtract the common areas: hallways, washrooms and any other like lunchrooms, conference rooms, etc.

If it were me I would measure each area separately to get a total of each; common areas, and each office. Then after you figure what you are presently charging them (how much income you receive each month now. Divide that by the sq ft to arrive at a sq ft price and take that times the sq ft for each area. I agree that you should now add more if indeed you will be a contractor to them instead of an employee, possibly 25 - 30%.

I would see an CPA concerning all your charges. And are you incorporated? This is easy and will protect you, see an attorney also.

Stringer