How to Start a Construction Site Cleaning Business
If you enjoy working with your hands and aren't averse to heavy lifting and cleaning, starting a construction site cleanup business could prove lucrative. If your town is experiencing a good deal of construction, the market for a cleanup business should be fairly solid. In addition to meeting physical requirements, you should be prompt, organized, able to respond quickly to cleanup requests and efficient.
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Things You'll Need
- Contractor's license
- Business license
- Bonding coverage
- Liability insurance
- Employees
- Employee manual
- Cleaning checklist
- Bid
- Business cards
Instructions
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Contact your licensing department to obtain a business license and contractor's license, if necessary. Then get bonding coverage and a liability insurance policy for your cleanup business. Your insurance company should be able to connect you with a provider.
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Hire reliable help. Unless you intend to take small jobs alone, you will likely need motivated employees to help you complete the cleanup job in the time allotted. Construction crews or real estate agents who must meet a deadline will need quick cleanup and won't waste time on someone who can't meet a deadline. Familiarize yourself with OSHA safety regulations and purchase worker's compensation insurance for your employees. Create an employee manual and cleaning checklist to ensure that your employees adhere to the same level of quality work that you do.
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Purchase supplies and equipment for your cleanup business. In addition to basic cleaning items, invest in an extension ladder, step ladder, a commercial vacuum cleaner, putty knife scrapers, heavy duty gloves, hard hats, dust masks, steel-toed boots and chemicals that easily remove labels or stickers.
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Learn how to bid on post construction cleanup contracts from the state, property managers and commercial contractors. A bid should include details about clean-up and disposal methods, anticipated completion time and payment requirements. Also include your price per square foot, or per job if the work falls outside parameters of a normal cleanup job, such as pressure washing, carpet removal or night work. Figure your rates based on what others in your area are charging or by referring to the Reed Construction Cost Data Book. Generally, site cleanup companies may charge $0.10 to $0.30 per square foot, depending on the area.
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Find a local dump in which you can dump trash and debris.
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To solicit business, visit construction sites and meet with site managers. Leave a business card.
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Tips & Warnings
As an employer, you will be responsible for paying state and federal unemployment taxes in addition to FICA taxes. Contact the IRS or an accountant ASAP to learn your tax obligations.
