Starting a cleaning business?

[ScrimpAndSave]

I've had a few friends ask me to come clean their houses...after seeing what a total neat freak I am. Do I need to buy a business license and get bonded and all of that stuff before I start cleaning homes? Is that the right way to go about it? I am really looking at cleaning for maybe 2-3 homes a week...just on the side. I need to get licensed, bonded and insured - right? I don't want to do it "under the table" and get it in trouble or anything...

Thanks!

[jIM_Ohio]

Under the table works

if you want to claim it, you can on tax returns without any legal entity being created or filed.

[snafu]

I suggest you try it out for 3 months to decide if you really want to operate a PT business. Designate an area in your home as 'office,' and use that sf as guide for % of utilities, paperwork, advertising, etc. If you find this a positive experience it would be a good idea to write out s business plan so that you have some goals and measurements of progress. Most people really like having household help. Good luck!

What is your plan for the sums earned?

[swanson719]

I think the overhead of using it as a part time business and getting all the permits, insurance, being bonded, etc. is your main consideration. Our neighbor has a legit cleaning business that is all they live on, and we use them to clean our house once every two weeks and pay $75 each time. I think they said it would be $45 if we had them clean every week. So for three houses at $45 a week, you would see $540 a month, and $6,480 a year if you were to charge the same rate as what our neighbor charges her clients. I would look into seeing what the cost of getting the permits, insurance, bonding, etc. would be, compare that to your overhead of cleaning supplies, time, etc. and see if it is really worth it for $6,480 a year. Another consideration would be your tax bracket. You would want to make sure it doesn't bump you up. Or if you file taxes on it as a separate entity, which it sounds you would, would you be able to keep the books on that accurately? Just a few things to consider. Otherwise, I would do it under the table and just report it as additional earned income.

[johnins2009]

hmmm, first you might want to figure out if you actually like to clean other peoples houses. I like working/upgrading my computer but HATE doing it for others. Obviously I wouldn't open up a computer shop.

[dannin]

As far as what is required for you to start a home cleaning business, it depends on your location. Try the Small Business Administration to find out what you need for your area.

[maxie.alioto]

Starting a cleaning business does not need large savings, or much expertise. The company is pleased with basic cleaning materials, a machine running water or hydro jet, washing floors and workers with minimum expertise.

The cleaning companies charges according to per square meter. In fact to clean a new 10 floor building with an estimated area of 150 square feet per plant, can make around 10 thousand dollars in less than a fortnight. Pretty good!!!