How to Write a Cleaning Contract

If you are already operating a cleaning service, or are thinking of starting one, you'll need to know how to write a contract. A contract for the work you plan to do is a basic step in running a business. You should make your contract look as professional as possible. First impressions are everything, even in a business that cleans up everyone's dirt.

Things You'll Need

• Contract Form Computer Printer

Instructions

Writing a Cleaning Contract

1. Purchase a contract form at your local office-supply store or, better yet, make one that fits your particular needs on your home computer. If you use your computer, you'll be able to keep your records of all the work you've contracted out, which will cut down on stress at tax time. Make your contract look as professional as possible and be sure to list your contact information and any license number pertaining to your business.

2. Spell out the work you plan on doing and the frequency in which you will do it. This will cut down on any later confusion, and the customer will want to know what they are paying for. List the wage you expect to get, whether it be an hourly amount or for the job as a whole.

3. List any special services you will provide. If you will wash windows once a month, spell it out along with any additional charges for this work. In case there is a discrepancy in what you promised to do and what you are doing, the contract will be there to back you up.

4. Itemize any special charges, such as the cost of supplies. If you do not consider these items in your labor price, list them on the contract so the customer will know what they are paying for. You also don't want to lose money because you failed to charge for something.

5. State your payment terms in your contract. If you desire to get paid by the job, or by the month, write it in the contract. You might also want to state how much time the customer has to pay you after a job is completed. Nothing is more irritating than doing a job and not getting paid.

6. Include your terms for breaking the contract. If you desire to have notice before someone can hire someone else instead of you, state it. Also, you might want to note if you will give the customer notice if you decide to leave the job and how long that notice will be. Once all of this is done, you're ready to total up the figures, sign and date the contract.