When the topic of janitorial services arises, the pivotal question that managers and stakeholders ask is, “What’s the expense to maintain a clean and welcoming facility?” Understanding the derivation of these costs is imperative for facility managers, as it places them in a strategic position when selecting a janitorial contractor that aligns with the service requirements.
Several factors influence the cleaning expenses for your building:
- The facility’s occupancy rate.
- The type of business.
- The facility’s specifications.
- The requested service type and frequency.
- The expected standard of cleanliness.
Prior to delving into these components, one should recognize that the overarching cost in cleaning services is labor. The labor hours necessitated to sustain the cleanliness and organization of a facility are the most significant cost factor, influenced by the subsequent elements.
Occupancy Rate of the Facility
The most dominant factor affecting cost is the number of individuals utilizing the space. Human presence invariably leads to litter and untidiness. A facility with a high number of occupants, such as a bustling call center spanning several shifts, inherently demands more cleaning services compared to a larger but less populated distribution center.
Business Type
The type of business can dictate the extent of cleaning needs. For instance, manufacturing facilities often accumulate stubborn dirt and debris, while educational and healthcare institutions, as well as public facilities, require rigorous disinfection protocols. The operational activities of a business are a substantial factor in determining cleaning time.
Facility Specifications
The time investment for cleaning varies greatly with factors like the cleanable area, restroom count, flooring material, spatial density, and the building’s age, among other considerations. These characteristics dictate the cleaning methodologies, necessary supplies and equipment, and ultimately, the man-hours required for thorough service. An older structure with non-carpeted floors and compact working areas, for example, would require a more intensive cleaning effort than a newly constructed building with spacious carpeted offices.
Service Type and Frequency
Typical janitorial contracts encompass several fundamental custodial services: waste management, surface dusting, floor maintenance, and restroom sanitation. However, the cleaning hours can fluctuate based on the requested frequency of these services. A medical center might necessitate daily mopping of floors, contrasting with a corporate office that may only require such services biweekly.
Quality Expectations
The subjective interpretation of cleanliness can significantly influence cleaning duration. Expectation levels should be explicitly conveyed between the facility manager and the janitorial staff to ensure mutual understanding. For example, one facility manager’s standard was the absence of dust on top of door frames at any given time. Elevated cleanliness standards will predictably demand additional labor hours.
Final Cost Assessment
The cost of cleaning your facility is conditional. Labor costs, being the most substantial aspect of the cleaning expense, vary in accordance with the building’s user volume, the type of industry, facility characteristics, service frequency, and the level of cleanliness desired.
For those interested in a comprehensive discussion regarding janitorial services and to obtain an estimate for your facility, our team is readily available for consultation.
