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One of the first questions that comes up at any residents’ meeting when considering hiring a cleaning service is: how much will it cost? The answer depends on several factors, but this guide gives you the key information for a realistic estimate.
Factors that determine the price
The cost of community cleaning is not fixed. It depends primarily on four variables.
Building size. An 8-unit block with two floors is very different from a development with 60 units, multiple staircases, a garage, pool and garden areas. The larger the surface area, the more working hours required and therefore the higher the cost.
Service frequency. A small community may work well with two or three cleans per week. A large one will need daily service. Frequency is the factor that most impacts the budget.
Tasks included. A basic service covers sweeping and mopping lobbies, staircases and lifts. But if you include garage cleaning, windows, letterboxes, storage rooms or outdoor areas, the price rises.
Geographic area. Prices vary by location. In large cities they tend to be higher than in medium or small towns.
Indicative price ranges
For reference, these are the typical ranges in Spain. A small community of 6 to 15 units with service two to three times per week can cost between 300 and 500 euros per month. A medium community of 15 to 40 units with daily service ranges between 500 and 900 euros monthly. And a large community with more than 40 units, garage, pool and gardens can exceed 1,200 euros per month.
These prices include labour, cleaning products and basic equipment. One-off services such as high-level window cleaning, floor treatments or deep cleans are quoted separately.
How a professional quote is calculated
A serious company will visit the community before giving a price. During the visit they will assess the total surface area to be cleaned, the type of floors and materials, the number of floors and lifts, outdoor areas and the current general state of cleanliness.
With that information, they calculate the hours needed per service and propose a plan with frequency, tasks and an itemised monthly cost. Be wary of quotes given over the phone without visiting the building.
Is the expense worth it?
Many communities try to save money by assigning cleaning to a neighbour or hiring someone informally by the hour. In the short term it seems cheaper, but in the long run it usually creates problems: lack of professionalism, non-compliance, no insurance and conflicts between neighbours.
A professional company guarantees service continuity, legal coverage, appropriate products and someone to complain to if something goes wrong. Divided among all residents, the monthly cost per unit is usually very manageable.
Tips for negotiating the price
Request several quotes and compare them point by point. Negotiate additional services at a reduced rate if you contract a complete package. Ask about annual discounts if you sign a long-term contract. And above all, do not choose on price alone: choose on the quality-service-price relationship.