Starting a Residential Window Cleaning Business

The other type of window cleaning I'd like to discuss is residential window cleaning. While the basic technique and methods used are almost identical to commercial window cleaning, running the business, buying equipment, and the actual customers are quite different.

One of the biggest differences with residential window cleaning is the fact that it will be seasonal depending on where you live. While commercial window cleaning can be done year-round (and must be done year-round) in colder climates during the winter, residential window cleaning generally tapers off just before the first snowfall.

If you want to get into residential window cleaning, you're going to have to put out some money for equipment. As opposed to storefront window cleaning, you're going to need to purchase tall extension ladders for second and third story windows, longer poles, multi-position ladders, and step ladders. Not to mention levellers and other safety gear for your extension ladders.

You're also going to need several different sizes of squeegees and scrubbers.

Another big difference between residential and commercial window cleaning is the customer. Residential customers can be quite picky and will notice things that a commercial customer may not even think twice of. Hence, jobs can go much slower than storefront window cleaning. The good news is that residential customers pay more per square foot of glass cleaned.

Oh, one more thing; if you're scared of heights, you can forget this business. Most of your time will be spent high atop a ladder. It's very important that you do an estimate before committing yourself. If you're not able to do the job safely (for example: there are four-story windows, there is no shame in turning down work in favor of safety.

Once you have your equipment purchased, head down to your local copy shop and get a few thousand flyers. Distribute them in the better neighborhoods and expect to get a 1-2 percent response. Of the estimates you give, you should land 75% of the jobs.

The actual job consists of soaping down the window with your scrubber, removing the water with your squeegee, and wiping the edges with a dry cloth. Simple - just do that 50 times for your average house, and you're done. Well, actually houses vary considerably in size from a dozen windows to several hundred.

Once you get the routine down, you can easily make $300 per day and more.