The Three Budgeting Models
Most facilities use one of three models: per-square-foot, per-seat, or per-visit. Per-square-foot is the industry standard and easiest to benchmark; per-seat is best for hybrid workplaces; per-visit works only for very small suites.
Metro Atlanta Benchmark: Cost per Sq Ft per Month
| Facility Type | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A office (5x/wk) | $0.12 | $0.16 | $0.22 |
| Medical/dental (5x/wk) | $0.18 | $0.25 | $0.34 |
| Legal / professional | $0.10 | $0.14 | $0.19 |
| Coworking (7x/wk) | $0.16 | $0.22 | $0.30 |
| Warehouse office | $0.06 | $0.09 | $0.13 |
Per-Seat Model for Hybrid Offices
For hybrid workplaces, budget $18-$32 per assigned seat per month at 5x/week service. Multiply by your total headcount, not just in-office attendance — cleaning cadence is set by capacity, not utilization.
What to Add On Top
- ✓Consumables (paper, soap, liners): $2-$5 per employee/month
- ✓Quarterly deep clean: 1.5-2x a normal monthly invoice
- ✓Annual carpet extraction: $0.15-$0.30/sq ft
- ✓Electrostatic disinfecting: $0.15-$0.30/sq ft per pass
- ✓Emergency response fund: 5-8% of annual contract
Budget Review Checklist
- ✓Have you re-benchmarked in the last 12 months?
- ✓Is your scope written down and dated?
- ✓Are consumables scoped in or out (both are valid; know which)?
- ✓Do you have a quarterly QA meeting on the calendar?
- ✓Is emergency / turnover response covered in the SLA?