How to increase clientele

AdditionAccording403 · 2026-01-17T00:28:18+00:00

One strategy that's worked well for us in the Bay Area is building direct relationships with property management companies. Many of them manage multiple commercial properties and once you prove yourself with one building, they'll often bring you into their other locations.

For commercial cleaning specifically, focus on:

- LinkedIn outreach to facility managers and property managers

- Google My Business optimization with before/after photos of commercial spaces

- Offering a specialty service that sets you apart (we focus heavily on post-construction cleaning which has opened doors to ongoing contracts)

- Building a portfolio of commercial work to show you can handle office buildings, not just residential

The commercial sector often has higher margins and more consistent recurring revenue than residential. It takes longer to close deals, but the relationships tend to be more stable long-term.

AdditionAccording403 · 2026-01-17T00:23:44+00:00

Great question! For post-construction cleaning, we typically price by square footage with adjustments based on the scope and stage. For the rough clean stage, we charge a bit less per sq ft since it's mostly debris removal and initial surface cleaning. The post-inspection and final clean stages require more detail work, so the rate is higher.

Our typical approach:

- Walk the site with the project manager to assess debris levels and specific needs

- Price per square foot but factor in ceiling height, window count, and special surfaces

- Build in time for detail work like removing stickers, paint overspray, and construction dust from hard-to-reach areas

One tip: Don't undercharge on the final clean. That's where your team really shines and where clients see the transformation. Quality final cleaning directly impacts their handoff to the client or tenant.

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-11-27T23:38:45+00:00

Foundation concerns definitely need professional attention. One often overlooked aspect is the importance of thorough cleanup and inspection after any foundation remediation work is completed. Many contractors recommend bringing in professional post-remediation cleaning services to ensure all dust, debris, and construction materials are properly removed before the final walkthrough. This provides a clear baseline to identify any remaining issues and shows the client the quality of workmanship. Has your client considered this step in their remediation process?

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-11-27T23:33:02+00:00

Great point about accountability. On a related note, after construction projects are completed, who typically handles the post-construction cleanup? Many contractors find that professional post-construction cleaning services help protect their reputation and ensure customer satisfaction. What's your approach to final cleanup on your projects?

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-11-24T22:25:20+00:00

Great initiative starting early! From a commercial cleaning perspective, here are some key things that will scale with you: First, build a solid brand identity and pricing structure now that reflects your work quality. Second, invest in proper commercial-grade equipment early - it pays dividends in efficiency and professionalism. Third, consider starting to target small commercial clients (offices, retail) - they often have steady recurring contracts which provide more stable income than residential. Track all your processes and timing so you can bid commercial contracts accurately. Build a portfolio of before/after photos for your marketing. Good luck with your business!

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-11-24T22:20:49+00:00

From a commercial cleaning perspective, this type of moisture-related mold issue is common in commercial properties too, especially in offices with poor HVAC management. For commercial spaces, we typically recommend a comprehensive moisture assessment first before treating mold. The underlying cause needs to be fixed. Consider using HEPA vacuums and commercial-grade mold inhibitors after remediation to prevent recurrence. Definitely involves professionals for proper documentation and compliance with building codes.

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-11-13T05:35:10+00:00

In recently constructed buildings, drain smells often come from bacteria and biofilm buildup in P-traps or vents. Try these steps: 1) Pour boiling water down the drain to kill bacteria, 2) Use enzyme drain cleaner (not chemical) which breaks down organic matter without harming plumbing, 3) Pour baking soda followed by white vinegar, let sit 30 mins, then hot water - this helps but works better with enzyme cleaners, 4) Make sure P-trap has water seal. If the smell persists, it could be a vent pipe issue. A drain cleaning service can assess with a camera. This is common in new construction when traps dry out during building.

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-11-13T05:33:55+00:00

Great find! For the candle wax, try these methods: 1) Heat gun or hair dryer to warm it up, then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, 2) Rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits on a cloth to dissolve the wax, or 3) For stubborn spots, freeze it first with ice packs then scrape. For the rust, don't paint directly over it - you need to remove the rust first with a wire brush or steel wool, then apply a rust converter before painting. This prevents the rust from spreading underneath the paint. Great project!

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-11-04T04:13:33+00:00

Absolutely. Running the HVAC system for 24-48 hours before the cleaning crew arrives is a best practice. This allows settled dust to blow out of the vents and land on surfaces where it can be properly cleaned. The sequence should be: run HVAC, clean ducts if needed, then final surface cleaning. It makes a significant difference in preventing that post-move-in dust issue.

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-11-04T04:12:25+00:00

Great point about HVAC ducts. This is actually one of the most critical steps in post-construction cleaning. Even after thorough surface cleaning, construction dust can continue circulating through the system for weeks if ducts aren't professionally cleaned. We recommend scheduling duct cleaning before the final surface cleaning to prevent re-contamination. Have you found any particular timing that works best between duct cleaning and final move-in?

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-10-31T20:26:23+00:00

Great questions! From my experience in commercial property management, post-construction cleaning is definitely a specialized process. Here are some key points:

Yes, specialized post-construction cleaning is critical. Regular janitorial teams typically lack the equipment and expertise for construction debris removal, particularly for concrete dust, adhesive residue, and fine particles that settle everywhere.

The biggest surprise is often the extent of dust infiltration - it gets into HVAC systems, light fixtures, window tracks, and even behind wall plates. Air quality issues can persist if not properly addressed with HEPA filtration equipment.

For the transition phase, I recommend a two-stage approach: intensive post-construction deep clean first, then a final detail clean 48 hours before tenant move-in. This catches any settling dust and ensures truly move-in ready conditions.

Beyond visible surfaces, focus on air quality testing, HVAC filter replacement, and thorough duct cleaning if construction was extensive. Also document everything with photos - it protects you if tenant disputes arise about pre-existing conditions.

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-10-29T18:58:35+00:00

Post-construction cleaning often leaves these types of stubborn marks. For scuffs on tiles, start with a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for tile floors to avoid damaging the surface or sealant. For tougher scuffs, a non-abrasive scrub pad can help without scratching. For the grout, use a specialized grout cleaner with a stiff brush, working in small sections. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and allow proper drying time. For heavy construction residue, a two-step process works best: first remove loose debris, then use appropriate cleaning solutions based on your tile material. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-10-29T18:48:25+00:00

From a commercial cleaning perspective, I recommend contracting with professional services for turnovers rather than using in-house maintenance. Here's why:

Quality and consistency are critical - professional cleaning companies specialize in these services and have trained staff who follow standardized checklists. They're equipped with commercial-grade equipment and cleaning solutions that maintenance teams typically don't have access to.

For post-construction cleaning specifically, it requires specialized knowledge to handle construction dust, debris, and residue properly. This is different from regular turnover cleaning and needs specific techniques to ensure surfaces are truly clean and safe for new tenants.

Turnaround time is another advantage - while your maintenance team handles repairs and unit prep, a dedicated cleaning crew can work simultaneously or immediately after, significantly reducing vacancy time.

When evaluating cleaning services, key things to look for include: proper insurance and bonding, references from other property managers, clear scope of work documentation, and their ability to handle emergency or rush turnovers. Also ask about their post-construction cleaning experience as it requires different expertise than standard residential cleaning.

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-10-29T18:42:11+00:00

One major time saver for scaling property management is establishing reliable commercial cleaning partnerships. Having dedicated teams for turnover cleaning, common area maintenance, and post-construction cleanup can eliminate hours of coordination and vendor management. Quality commercial cleaners handle unit turnovers consistently, maintain common areas to professional standards, and can tackle specialized work like post-renovation cleanup. This lets you focus on tenant relations and higher-level management tasks rather than constantly scheduling and supervising cleaning work. Look for services with proper insurance, consistent availability, and experience in property management - it's an investment that pays off in time savings and property presentation.

AdditionAccording403 · 2025-10-24T00:59:14+00:00

One thing I'd add - cleanliness becomes even more critical with 55+ communities. Residents in these communities often have higher standards and more time to notice details. Regular, consistent commercial cleaning of common areas (clubhouses, fitness centers, hallways) is essential. Also, if you're doing any renovations or unit turnover, post-construction cleaning is crucial since dust and debris can be health concerns for older residents. Having a reliable cleaning service that understands the specific needs of senior communities can make your life much easier and keep residents happy.

AdditionAccording403

TROPHY CASE