What determines the monthly cost
Square footage helps establish the size of the job. Restroom count, floor types, occupancy, travel between zones, and the condition of the space determine how much work fits into a service visit. Start with a walkthrough and a written commercial janitorial scope.
- Tasks by area: list what happens in restrooms, breakrooms, lobbies, offices, and shared corridors.
- Frequency: identify work done each visit, weekly, monthly, or periodically.
- Access: account for security procedures, elevators, parking, and the time available before occupants return.
- Labor and supervision: distinguish cleaning time from travel, setup, inspections, training, and relief coverage.
- Supplies: state who provides chemicals, liners, paper products, soap, equipment, and storage.
Compare the unit before comparing the rate
Oasis pricing is confirmed for the specific site and scope. This guide does not publish a standard rate card. Ask each bidder to show the billing period and exactly what its price includes.
| Price format | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Monthly recurring price | Included visits, holiday calendar, tasks, supplies, and any annual service schedule. |
| Per visit | Number of visits in the billing period and tasks included in each visit. |
| Per labor hour | Whether the rate is per person; minimum hours, materials, and supervision. |
| Per square foot | Measured area, included tasks, and whether the rate is per visit, per month, or for a one-time project. |
Budget for daytime support and periodic work
A day porter covers agreed hours while a facility is occupied. Define restroom rounds, supply checks, spill response, and common-area tasks separately from the overnight cleaning scope. Carpet extraction and floor restoration should also have their own areas, frequency, and approval process.
Build a monthly budget without counting visits twice
For a per-visit proposal, multiply the agreed visit price by the scheduled visits in the billing period. For a fixed monthly proposal, use the monthly amount directly. Add only work or supplies that the written scope excludes. Annual projects can be shown separately or spread across the year for internal budgeting.
For example, a building scheduled for 20 visits needs a calendar and task list for those visits. That visit count alone does not establish the price. Do not multiply a monthly square-foot rate by 20 again.
Put competing proposals on the same basis
- Use the same room list, floor areas, service calendar, and access assumptions.
- Confirm consumables, periodic floor care, supervision, and coverage for absences.
- Ask how missed tasks, service exceptions, and additional requests are documented.
- Compare startup charges, payment terms, price-change provisions, and cancellation terms.
Address gaps before awarding the work
A lower total may reflect a smaller scope or a different staffing assumption. Ask the bidder to explain the difference. Vague exclusions, unlabeled pricing units, and unapproved extra-work charges make comparison difficult even when the headline price looks attractive.
Common questions
Can you quote from square footage alone?
Square footage is a starting point. A confirmed price also needs room types, tasks, frequency, access, and site conditions.
Is floor care included in recurring cleaning?
Only the floor-care tasks listed in the proposal are included. Confirm carpet extraction, scrub and recoat, and strip and refinish separately.
Does a monthly price mean the same number of visits every month?
The service calendar and contract determine included visits. Confirm holidays, closures, and how additional visits are handled.