Can I Afford to Pay a Professional to Clean my Windows?
The short answer is- very likely! There is certainly an interest in it. I get hundreds of inquiries each year, even living in a relatively low population area. And I clean windows at hundreds of houses each year. Our team also makes thousands of visits to storefront locations each year, as well commercial properties such as banks. Those are recurring accounts that we automatically stop at every X number of weeks or X times per year. There is one bagel shop for which I have cleaned windows close to 1,000 times!
While storefront window cleaning is really a reasonable and affordable cost of operation, residential window cleaning is indeed a luxury. That having been said, it is a far more affordable luxury than most. Certainly, dirty windows is not on the same level of priority as dealing with a power outage or tree that has fallen on your roof. Your family won't freeze and your food won't spoil if your windows are dirty. Besides the eventual premature wear on your glass and window frames due to lack of maintenance, having clean windows is more of a visual attribute that permeates the psyche. It provides many things: a wonderful feeling, a clear view (obviously), the confidence to invite company to your home, the sense that your house is in pristine condition, and more. Many have told me that getting their windows cleaned is their only yearly or biannual splurge!
No doubt, having at least an idea of what it will cost for such enjoyment and happiness will be helpful to those on a budget. In my years of professional window cleaning I have interacted with those who expect today's price to be what was considered a common price of 30 years ago, while others are either very pleased with current pricing or don't feel they even need to ask. I'll elaborate and throw out some figures that might be helpful. If you care more about figures than what fuels the arrival of a viable price for residential window cleaning, you can skip to the last subheading.
What is Actually Involved in the Price of Window Cleaning?
It probably doesn't require too much in-depth analysis to realize that if you hire a company to clean your windows for $420 and a team of 2 is there for 3 hours, you can't simply conclude that these technicians are earning $70 per hour each. They are generating $70 per man hour of revenue for 3 consecutive hours, but they are generating no revenue on their way to your house and no revenue afterward until the next job is started. The owner of the business incurs the expense of the hourly employee rates or their salary and all the other associated employee expenses. "Windshield" time, supplies, insurance, vehicle costs and so on all are the responsibility of the owner. The list goes on, but hopefully the point is made that running a business is very time-consuming and costly. Granted, some contractors simply expect the people they send out to use their own vehicles and equipment, and then pay them by the job. Without getting into detail, this approach can be a questionable one and may put you as a homeowner in hot water if things are not being done legally.
Really, few people in my experience don't consider and acknowledge the factors above. Most everyone realizes there are a lot of expenses that go with running a home service company, or any business for that matter. I can't resist mentioning that in 2023 I received a 4-star review from a very nice man. His wife was very nice as well. The only gripe was how much money I 'made' in the time I spent there. He acknowledged that the windows looked great when I was done. I even had provided the total cost for the job previous to scheduling it based on photos sent to me. They did add a little more on when I got there and I increased my bill accordingly. The reason for a 4-star and not a 5-star review came down to the fact that I spent less time at this house than seemed right for the amount of my bill. The fact is, though, that billing rates or price limits for window cleaning or any related offerings are not regulated by any agency. The end product is the end product. Essentially, my price is what I have learned over time is sufficient for me to run my operation legally and profitably. Factor in that the skill set of someone entering people's homes, handling all types of their belongings and navigating their property in a trustworthy and responsible manner deserves far more than the current minimum wage of $7.25/hr. The price that a homeowner is given should be evaluated on the basis of value to him or her. Does $XXX dollars seem to be a worthwhile investment in the maintenance of my home, the avoidance of time and energy both physical and mental on my part, and the consequent opportunities to do other things for myself and with others? If a big 'headache' is alleviated in one hour as opposed to 6 hours, does time really matter as long as the 'headache' is gone? That's where value paints a clearer picture than sticker price. Trying to ascertain a 'going rate' for window cleaning or other services like power washing and roof cleaning is not viable. When you or your kids or grandkids decide to buy a new gaming console, you are likely going to know exactly, or almost exactly, how much it will cost. The same goes with many other electronics, brand by brand. I am not comparing Nintendo with Sony or Microsoft, but I know that their particular products are not interchangeable across companies. Another customer a few years ago was taken aback to put it lightly with what the final window cleaning bill was. She went ahead and paid it, but mentioned that the last company did a wonderful job and charged 30% of my price. A few days later I was informed by her that the check had been cancelled and she wanted me to renegotiate to arrive at a 'proper price'. Apparently there was some talking to friends about what they had paid at their house. The data she gleaned from this only confirmed that I hadn't given her 'proper pricing'. Needless to say, comparing apples to bananas and pears doesn't reveal much about proper pricing. It was an experience she and I hope to never repeat! Proper pricing is not a thing, really. Acceptable pricing, one that the service provider and homeowner are both happy with, most certainly is a thing! This could be any pricing, to be sure.
To put it in more sobering terms, there are two options. The first is to hire a company that is insured and operating legally on all other counts, one that guarantees satisfaction, and is going to be ready to serve you at the same level or higher for years to come. The other is to hire a company that may ultimately do a great job on the glass, but may not provide the level or assurance that, heaven forbid, there is damage to person or property, you as the homeowner will not be left to pay for it. Personal injury includes not just that of people living on the premises, but the workers themselves and any visitors at the time of service. You may find if you go only with price that these companies 'disappear' after a few years. There is a cost associated with covering all bases and also making sure that service personnel are professional acting and professional looking. Hopefully these things put into perspective what is involved in pricing of window cleaning services that you will want to repeat year after year with the same company.
How Much are People Paying?
If you'd like to discuss this or have any questions, feel free to comment below or email me at dan@danwagnerwindowcleaning.com
Dan Wagner Window Cleaning has been serving home and business owners since 1986. Areas covered include Honesdale, Hawley, Narrowsburg, Beach Lake, Damascus, Pleasant Mount, Equinunk, Forest City, Carbondale, Scranton, Dunmore, Lake Ariel, Mount Pocono, Tannersville, Stroudsburg, and others.
