What commercial buyers actually compare
Facility managers rarely hire the first company that texts a round number. They compare whether restrooms, kitchens, glass, periodic work and after-hours access are in the price. A complete bid names frequencies and exclusions. A thin bid hides them until the first complaint.
If you are hiring, use the cleaning bid evaluation guide before you sign. If you run the cleaning company, build the same document from measured tasks in the commercial cleaning bid calculator.
How contractors should take off a commercial building
Walk the site. Count fixtures and rooms that actually get cleaned, not the architect’s gross square footage. Time a restroom, a break room and a typical workstation. Separate each-visit work from weekly, monthly and quarterly detail. Add paid setup and travel that belong to this account.
SweepTally Takeoff stores those standards for offices and warehouses, then turns an accepted proposal into a job. The downloadable Pro workbench is the offline estimating path when you want saved bids without a subscription.
Where commercial work usually goes wrong
The most expensive omissions are quiet: locked supply closets, long dock walks, extra restrooms that were not on the plan, and holiday schedules that still require a crew. Contract renewal reviews exist because actual paid hours drift from the original takeoff.
ISSA describes workloading as inventory, task, frequency and staffing — not a single national rate. SweepTally follows that order with your numbers. It is independent software and does not claim ISSA endorsement. See janitorial workloading.
Start with the building you actually clean
- Office cleaning estimate — workstations, restrooms, glass
- Medical office cleaning estimate — exam rooms and high-touch time
- School cleaning estimate — classrooms and night schedules
- Restaurant cleaning estimate — after-close front of house
- Warehouse cleaning bid — floors, dock, attached offices
Common questions
Is SweepTally a commercial cleaning company?
No. SweepTally is operated by Pytrel Systems LLC. Cleaning companies use it to price work and publish a network profile. People hiring a cleaner can send a request to participating companies. SweepTally is not the cleaning provider and does not employ the crew.
Can I get a commercial cleaning quote here?
You can model a quote in the free workbench, or [find participating cleaners](/find-a-cleaner) and send a request. SweepTally delivers the request; you and the company still agree on scope, price and schedule.
Does this replace janitorial production-rate books?
No. You enter times from a walkthrough, a licensed rate source or your own history. SweepTally calculates labor, cost and price from those inputs.