THE SHORT ANSWER
Estimate window cleaning by unit, side, screen and access. A single window count is clearer when the estimate states whether interiors, exteriors and tracks are included.
The worked project in this guide is twenty accessible window units. It uses an original fictional job to explain the estimating decisions, with a matching residential window cleaning PDF example. Replace the example inputs with your measurements, supplier quotes and labor costs.
1. Create a window schedule
Count openings by type and access. The 20 units in this example are accessible, single-story windows, not a mix of skylights and high glass.
2. Define the cleaning surfaces
Separate interior glass, exterior glass, screens and tracks. This makes partial-scope requests easy to revise without guessing a package discount.
3. Record condition limits
Hard-water deposits, adhesive and construction paint can require restoration methods. The base cleaning scope does not promise removal of those conditions.
4. Plan home access
Agree room access, furniture protection and screen handling. Include a final check and cleanup so the customer knows what completion means.
A worked residential window cleaning calculation
Twenty interior sides × $12 = $240. Twenty exterior sides × $15 = $300. Their $540 glass subtotal excludes screens, tracks and setup.
The complete example contains 6 lines totaling $940.00 before any tax or markup. These are deliberately stated example prices, not a survey, regional price recommendation or offer to perform the job.
To set your own selling price, review direct costs and decide how you will cover overhead and profit. For example, adding 20% to a $1,000 cost gives $1,200; it does not produce a 20% gross margin. Use the approach you intend consistently, and avoid adding a second markup to rates that already include it.
Before you send the estimate
- Count openings and access levels.
- Identify interior/exterior scope.
- Count screens and tracks.
- Record restoration exclusions.
Example scope boundary: No high-access equipment, hard-water restoration, paint scraping, damaged-screen repair or storm-window disassembly.
Review the client name, location, validity date and all calculations. Tax is not included in this example; determine the correct treatment for the actual work rather than copying a sample percentage.
Common questions
Should inside and outside be separate lines?
They are separate here so the included surfaces and any scope change remain clear.
Does standard cleaning remove hard-water staining?
Do not assume so. Inspect deposits and price restoration work separately if offered.
TAKE THE NEXT JOB FROM SCOPE TO PDF
Make your own residential window cleaning estimate.
Use Estimates on iPhone or Android to draft a scope with AI assistance or enter your own items. Review quantities and rates, add your business logo, and export a PDF. Example files are free to view; app features may require an in-app purchase.
