The Commercial Cleaning Walkthrough Checklist: What to Look for Before You Bid

A commercial cleaning bid is only as good as the walkthrough behind it. If you miss a restroom, guess at floor types, or forget to ask about access, you'll either underbid and lose money or overbid and lose the job. A consistent walkthrough routine fixes both problems.

This checklist covers what to look at, what to ask, and how to organize your notes so pricing goes faster.

Before you arrive

Ask a few questions on the phone

Before you schedule the walkthrough, ask the contact:

• What type of facility is it (office, medical, retail, church, school, warehouse office)?
• Roughly how big is the space, and how many floors?
• How often do they want cleaning, and on what days?
• Are they unhappy with a current cleaner, and if so, why?
• Who makes the final decision?

These answers tell you whether the job fits your business and help you plan the visit.

Bring the right tools

A phone for photos and notes, a measuring app or laser measure, and a consistent way to record rooms. If you use a bid app, set up the job before you arrive so you can enter rooms as you walk.

During the walkthrough

Count and categorize every space

Walk the whole building, not just the areas the contact points to. Record:

• Offices and workstations: private offices, open areas, and cubicles
• Restrooms: number of rooms and fixtures (toilets, urinals, sinks)
• Breakrooms and kitchens: counters, sinks, appliances, and tables
• Conference and training rooms
• Lobby and reception: entry glass, seating, front desk
• Specialty spaces: exam rooms, classrooms, sanctuaries, locker rooms, showrooms
• Stairs, elevators, and hallways

Note floor types

Write down carpet, vinyl, tile, sealed concrete, or wood, and the approximate share of each. Floor type has a large effect on time and equipment, and it tells you whether to offer floor care as an add-on.

Look for traffic and condition

Where do people walk most? Which restrooms get the heaviest use? Is there built-up dirt that needs an initial deep clean before regular service? Take photos so you can remember the condition later.

Check access and logistics

• Where is the janitor's closet, sink, and supply storage?
• Are there alarm codes, keys, or badge access?
• What hours can your crew be in the building?
• Where does trash and recycling go?
• Is there parking for your crew?

Questions to ask the client

• What does the current cleaner miss? This is often your winning point.
• Which areas matter most to you? Usually the lobby, restrooms, and anywhere clients or patients see.
• Do you supply paper goods and liners, or should we?
• Are there any areas we should not clean? For example, server rooms, labs, or areas with regulated waste.
• When do you want to start, and when will you decide?

After the walkthrough

Turn notes into time

Estimate time for each area based on your past jobs, then add them up for a per-visit time. Multiply by the number of visits per month to get monthly labor hours.

Add your costs and margin

Include labor, payroll costs, supplies, equipment, travel, and overhead. Then add the margin your business needs. Price optional services, like carpet cleaning or floor care, separately so the client can choose.

Send the proposal quickly

Send your proposal while the walkthrough is still fresh, ideally within a day or two. A fast, clear proposal shows the client what working with you will be like.

How Bid Pricer helps at the walkthrough

Bid Pricer lets you enter rooms and details on your phone during the walkthrough, price the job with your own rates, and send a branded proposal your client can e-sign and pay from their phone. It's free to start, and the Pro plan ($29/month) includes Lead Finder for finding new businesses to bid on.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a commercial cleaning walkthrough take?

It depends on the building. Take long enough to see every space and ask your questions. Rushing usually leads to missed rooms and inaccurate pricing.

Should I quote on the spot?

Many owners prefer to price after the walkthrough so they can check their numbers. If you use consistent rates in an app, you may be able to quote faster.

What's the most common walkthrough mistake?

Skipping areas the contact didn't mention, such as back restrooms, stairwells, or storage rooms. Walk everything.

Price your next walkthrough with Bid Pricer

Download Bid Pricer free and bring it to your next walkthrough.

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