Duncan Ferris
Starting a window-cleaning business can be an attractive prospect to anyone looking for physical and satisfying work that allows you to be your own boss. With innovations like ladder-less systems that keep window cleaners on the ground, you can even get in on the action if you are scared of heights!
Starting your own window-cleaning business can mean registering your business and considering which insurance policies you’ll need, and even getting a licence in some areas. Below, we have assembled a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you set up a window-cleaning business.
Why start a window-cleaning business?
- Active and outdoor: Window cleaning lets you enjoy the fresh air as you work and it’s active too, keeping you in better physical fitness than sitting down all day.
- Strong demand: With an estimated 300,000 new homes needed each year in the UK and with some office buildings being predominantly made of glass, window cleaning is a service likely to remain in strong demand.
- Accessible: You do not need specific qualifications or experience to start a window cleaning business. Of course, it is a good idea to learn how to use equipment and cleaning chemicals, but barriers to entry are low.
- Be your own boss: If you clean windows for a living, you can decide when you work, how many customers you take on and what your company processes and culture should be like. This aspect of running a business can be particularly useful if being self-employed suits you because you need flexibility due to childcare commitments or a second job.
Start a window-cleaning business in 5 steps
1. Research and choose your market
Starting with market research is key, as it will help you to learn about your customer base and competitors. This should leave you prepared to start your business journey.
Try researching online or reaching out to potential customers and local competitors to check out the competition. The questions at the front of your mind should be:
- Is there demand for my window-cleaning business?
- Who is my business aimed at?
Use this research to decide what type of business you want to create. The key types of window-cleaning businesses are:
- Domestic window cleaning: These businesses offer services to smaller residential buildings and some small shops. With generally fewer windows to clean, domestic window cleaning can require more attention to detail and a personal touch. However, it can be a simpler business to start because all you may need is a squeegee, sponges, telescopic poles and ladder, a bucket and cleaning products.
- Commercial window cleaning: These are businesses that specialise in cleaning the windows of large commercial spaces, such as offices, hotels, shops and restaurants, as well as high-rise residential buildings. As they tend to cover larger and more complex spaces than domestic cleaners, commercial cleaning can be a more involved process that requires tours of premises, specialist equipment and complex or high-risk techniques such as abseiling. It’s also worth bearing in mind that some commercial window-cleaning companies offer additional services, such as gutter clearing, jet washing and sign cleaning.
Think of further ideas to distinguish your business from competitors. Will your work be of higher quality? Will it be better for the environment? Will your customer service be outstanding? Can you accommodate demands that others cannot?
2. Create a budget for your window-cleaning business
Putting together a business plan and budget is the next step in making your business idea a reality. It should tell you exactly how much money you need, as well as helping you to work out if your ideas can realistically be turned into a business. A business plan will normally be required if you apply for a start-up loan or business loan.
For a detailed guide read our article on how to write a business plan.
You’ll need to create a budget for your window-cleaning business. This should account for all expenses, whether one-off purchases or recurring costs. Major expenses might include:
- Window-cleaning supplies: Budgeting for expendable supplies, such as window-cleaning products and cloths is essential. Bear in mind that buying supplies in bulk can be a cheaper option.
- Window-cleaning equipment: From basics like squeegees and buckets to sophisticated Reach & Wash systems, accounting for the equipment you need will be a major part of your budget. Consider the cost of the initial purchase and repairs.
- Transport: You might be a domestic window cleaner using a bicycle or a commercial cleaner in a branded van, but you will need to know how much a vehicle will cost to purchase and run.
- Training: You do not need any qualifications to become a window cleaner but training programmes could improve your skills and understanding of complicated equipment. Training for window cleaners is available from the Federation of Window Cleaners and The British Window Cleaning Academy.
Other more common overhead costs you may need to consider are phone, water and electricity bills, taxes and rents on any premises owned by the business.
For a detailed guide, explore our five-step guide to creating a small business budget.
As you set up your window-cleaning business, it can be wise to separate your personal budget from your professional one. Here is where setting up a business bank account can be useful for sole traders and a legal requirement for limited companies and partnerships. This will make keeping track of business costs and income simple, avoiding the possibility of muddling living and professional expenses.
3. Register your window-cleaning business
The next step is to pick a business structure and then register your business. You should think carefully and consider your options in order to make sure you choose the right business structure to suit your situation:
- Sole trader: If you are a sole trader, you are the exclusive business owner and can hold on to all post-tax profits. However, there is no separation between you and your business, which leaves you personally responsible for the losses your business makes. You will need to register for self-assessment.
- Partnership: This is where multiple parties, known as partners, share the responsibilities, risks, profits and losses of a business. Business partnerships (also known as a general partnership), limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships are the three types of partnerships.
- Limited company: If your window-cleaning business is incorporated as a limited company, it will be legally and financially distinct from your personal finances. Limited companies have shares and shareholders and can keep any post-tax profits. You will need to register online on the government website as a limited company or limited partnership. For general partnerships, you will need to inform HM Revenue & Customs.
» MORE: Should I register as a sole trader or limited company?
As well as registering your business, you will also need to obtain a window cleaner’s licence in order to work in most Scottish council areas. Contact your local council to find out if a licence is required in your area, then apply in person, by post or online. Working as a window cleaner without a licence could land you with a fine of up to £2,500, so make sure everything is in order before your first job.
There are no licensing requirements in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
4. Fund your window-cleaning business
Your window-cleaning business will need money to get started – to help you afford equipment such as water-fed poles, for example. You may need to use more than one of the various funding options below to cover start up costs.
- Personal savings: Using your own money to launch your business will allow you to retain full ownership and control, but could be too expensive.
- Friends and family: Seeking funds from friends and family is a simple way to land start-up capital, but doing so can be awkward and it is best to draw up formal written agreements in order to avoid future conflict.
- Small business grants: Non-repayable and partially repayable start up business grants are available across the UK, with some specifically available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Government business loans: Check which government business loans are available to businesses in your area.
- Business loans: Small business loans can be challenging to secure, but can offer a great source of funding.
- Angel investors: Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will help you to get started in exchange for some sort of interest in your company.
- Crowdfunding: This involves securing funding from many small contributions by private individuals in exchange for perks like equity or early access to products. Crowdfunding is normally conducted through an online campaign.
5. Find your first window-cleaning customers
You cannot have a successful business without finding customers. Once you have everything in place, marketing your window-cleaning business and landing your first jobs should be your top priority. This can be a challenge, so here are some ideas to help get you off the ground:
- Word of mouth: Make some noise about your new venture. Speak to friends, family, neighbours and local businesses – you could find new customers right under your nose.
- Knock on doors: A friendly face-to-face meeting can help you to find new customers. Canvassing might be daunting at first, but it can be a great way to land multiple jobs in the same area.
- Business cards and flyers: These are cheap to make and an easy way to advertise your services. Attach them to notice boards or put them through letterboxes.
- Get online: Build a website (there are inexpensive online website builders you can use or you can take a DIY approach on WordPress). You can also create a social media page – on Facebook, for instance
- Trade platforms: Websites like Checkatrade or Rated People allow people to connect with local tradespeople and get a quote. It’s likely you’ll have to pay a membership fee, but this can be a great source of customers.
- Local listings online: Local community groups such as Nextdoor can offer free advertising for your business. You should also make sure your business is featured in local business listings, which you can do for free on sites such as Yell and Local Pages, so potential customers searching for window-cleaning services can find you easily.
- Ask for reviews: You can start by asking customers to review you on sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews.
How much do window-cleaning businesses charge?
Window-cleaning charges vary based on the type of building and the type of window washing required. However, below are some average figures, but bear in mind that these may differ vary across the UK:
- Domestic window cleaning: Prices for a one-off clean range from as low as £8 for a small flat to £70 for a large detached house. The cost of a regular monthly clean is generally around half the cost charged for a one-off job. Some companies will charge per window pane, with costs varying between £1 and £5 for each pane washed. Additionally, a business might charge slightly more to clean awkwardly positioned windows, such as skylights and conservatories.
- Commercial window cleaning: Commercial window cleaning is generally more expensive, due to how long it can take, how dangerous the task can be and the specialist equipment required. Costs are generally determined based on the size of the building, number of windows and further challenges window cleaners will face. Commercial window cleaning will generally cost between £100 and £500, with hourly rates of between £30 and £60.
Do window cleaners need insurance?
There are no legal requirements for window cleaners to have insurance, but there are many reasons that it would be a good idea.
Public liability insurance covers claims made against your business by members of the public, covering activities performed by your company. As window washing involves a considerable risk of causing damage to customer’s property or possessions, getting an insurance policy can be a sensible way to protect you and your business.
If you are employing somebody, then insurance is a legal requirement. You will need employer’s liability insurance, which protects you from any claims made by your employees. You could face significant daily fines if you fail to secure the insurance after hiring employees.
It is also worth bearing in mind that window cleaning can be dangerous. It is a physical job that can involve falls when working at height or other accidents that may lead to injury. Personal accident insurance generally pays out if you suffer injury, death or disability.
If you regularly drive and transport equipment to different workplaces as part of your business, you will need to take out business car insurance.
Finally, you will want to consider tool and equipment insurance if you have purchased expensive hardware for your business. This will generally protect your most essential and expensive equipment against damage, theft and loss.
» MORE: How to start a cleaning business
Image source: Getty Images
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