Should I charge for a viewing?

It is usual not to charge for a domestic viewing; it is part of winning the work. For large deep cleans or end of tenancy jobs some cleaners quote from photos first and only visit once the client has agreed a rough price range.

How long should a viewing take?

Around fifteen minutes for a typical house. Long enough to see every room and ask the practical questions; short enough not to feel like an inspection.

Can I quote from photos instead?

For a small regular clean, sometimes. For anything larger or in poor condition, photos flatter. Ask for them if a visit is impractical, and keep the condition note on your quote so the price can be adjusted if the property is different in person.

What if the client wants a price on the spot?

Give them your price list as a guide and say you will confirm in writing by tomorrow. A written quote you have thought about is better for both of you than a number on the doorstep.

What is the difference between a viewing and a quote?

The viewing is where you gather the information. The quote is the written price that comes from it. Do not send the checklist to the client; the quote is what they receive.

Cleaning Viewing Checklist for Quotes (Free UK Download)

Free viewing checklist for UK self-employed cleaners: what to look at and ask at a first visit, plus a summary and pricing worksheet to build an accurate quote.