How clean is your home?
So many of us whine and complain that cleaning our living space is a never-ending chore.
We wake up from deep slumbers with a smile on our face remembering the dream we just had: The one where our entire house was clean for more than a couple of hours.
Household chores are part of a vicious cycle that will follow us to our graves. But, would your take on washing dishes, dusting and scrubbing toilets change if you were given cold hard cash to complete them?
One of the most popular home businesses out there is house cleaning. Provided you charge enough and have a solid line-up of clients, you can make a decent wage. Typically, professional house cleaners charge by the hour, by the square foot cleaned or by the project. The job is more lucrative if you negotiate a long-term deal with your clients, such as a six-month or year contract.
When devising a business plan, consider your expenses. For example, you will likely need to invest in a few standard cleaning tools, such as a heavy-duty vacuum and mops. You will also need specialized cleaners, buckets, and gloves. Depending where you live, you might consider charging extra for some services. For example, if you reside in a beach community you will be able to charge a higher price for sand removal throughout the house. This is not an issue if you plan to clean apartments in the heart of New York City. Likewise, if you are asked to clean moldy rooms, you will need to charge extra to offset the money you will need to purchase masks and other heavy-duty cleaning supplies.
Finally, don’t forget to obtain the proper licensing and insurance required for your house cleaning business. Also, take note of the space you use in your home to complete paperwork, make phone calls, and create marketing campaigns. This area can likely score you a healthy home-office tax deduction.