Are you thinking about hiring a housekeeper for your home, but you have no idea what they charge? Every home and household is different, and so are the services required to keep a space shiny and fresh!
Relax, we are here to help. Below, we have composed a list of some things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect housekeeper and determining how much you should pay.
- The size of your home: this is important to consider, as many housekeepers charge per square footage. You’ll want to think about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you have, as well as any other special rooms such as your basement or garage.
- Frequency of services: when do you need housekeeping services? Do you need just a one-time deep cleaning? Or do you need someone weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly? Maybe you require a live-in or full-time Housekeeper?
- Supplies: are you providing the supplies needed for the job, or do you expect your housekeeper to bring their own supplies? If they are using their own, they may charge extra for environmentally friendly products, but to save money, you can always ask your housekeeper to use your supplies.
- Extra Services: will your housekeeper be required to do some childcare? Do you want them to fold and put away your laundry, prepare dinner, and walk the dog? These services do cost extra, so be sure to discuss them with your housekeeper, prior to the job beginning.
- Experience level: the longer a housekeeper has been in the business, the more experienced they have, the higher their prices will be. Also, do they have any special certifications? Do you want them to have CPR and First aid training?
- Travel requirements: consider mileage. How is your housekeeper getting to your home? How far are they coming from? Will they be required to drive around (ie. pick up children, run errands, get groceries).
- The number of humans in your household: the more humans, the bigger the mess will likely be!
- Pets: like humans, pets make messes too. Will your housekeeper be required to clean litter boxes and/or pick up after your dog in the backyard? These tasks also need to be taken into consideration.
General housekeeping costs in 2021
Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly (general clean):
If you just need a housekeeper here and there, prices can range from $15-$50 per hour depending on where you live. In larger cities like Toronto and New York, prices typically start at $25 per hour. But in smaller towns, you may see fees as low as $15.
On Housekeeper.com, you are required to offer at least minimum wage. Click one of the links below, to see what the current minimum wage is in your area:
Deep-clean:
If you have been too busy and haven’t gotten around to cleaning in a while, your housekeeper may need to put some extra elbow grease into cleaning. Deep-cleaning is usually a one time job, and can cost you anywhere from $200 on the lower end, to $400+, depending on what is needed and how long the job takes.
Square foot:
This is a measurement that indicates the size of your living space.
Generally, housekeepers charge $0.07-$0.15, per square foot for general cleanings. For deep cleans, move outs and renovations, add another $0.10-$0.20.
To calculate rates by square foot, you would multiply the cost per square foot, by the size of your home or the area you need cleaned. For example:
Cost per square foot ($0.11) X Size of your space (1,500) = $165.00
Full-time housekeeper:
A full-time housekeeper would do a wide range of housekeeping services such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, childcare, and running errands. They would typically work an 8 hour shift, but their hours may be more flexible.
Full-time housekeeper in the U.S: $2,000 - $3,400 per month
Full-time housekeeper in Canada: $2,800 - $4,200 per month
Live-in housekeeper:
A live-in housekeeper is similar to a full-time housekeeper, but you would add room and board, as well as food and utilities. Keep in mind that each state and province has different labour laws, and different rules for room and board, so check with your local labour board.
Live-in housekeeper in the U.S: $24,800 per year + plus room and board, food, and utilities
Live-in housekeeper in Canada: $32,100 per year + plus room and board, food, and utilities
Whatever you do, before hiring a housekeeper, create a contract and be sure it outlines all your family's needs and requirements of the job. That way when your new housekeeper starts, you are on the same page, and there are no surprises. Check out our blog on how to create a contract, here.
Ready to start looking for your new housekeeper? Get started on Housekeeper.com by registering and posting your job, now!
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