While every building and business has unique needs, there are specific components that any thorough janitorial service contract should consist of. From our experience and industry-wide best practices, here’s what we recommend and what we at Bee Line build into our agreements.
1. Scope of Work: Detailed and Specific
Define precisely what tasks are included. That might mean:
- Restroom sanitization, fixture cleaning, and trash removal
- Floor care (vacuuming, mopping, waxing, buffing)
- Dusting and wiping horizontal surfaces (desks, shelves, windowsills)
- Window and glass cleaning, if needed
- Break room/kitchen/common area cleaning
- Special services: carpet cleaning, deep cleans, post-construction cleaning, disinfection, medical-grade cleaning.
2. Service Frequency & Schedule
Cleaning isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. A good contract outlines how often each task is done (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.) and when it is done (after hours, weekends, before opening, etc.). It should also specify how to handle holidays or special events.
3. Supplies, Equipment & Who Provides Them
Your contract should state whether the cleaning provider will supply all equipment, chemicals, and consumables (trash liners, soap, paper towels, disinfectants, etc.), or whether the client provides some of those. This avoids confusion or surprise costs down the road.
4. Staffing, Certification & Supervision
Cleaning work is people work, and quality depends on who’s doing it. A good contract should clarify staffing levels (full-time, part-time, day porter, night crew), supervision, and any special training or certifications required (especially for medical-grade or high-risk environments).
5. Quality Assurance & Performance Standards
A janitorial contract should not just list tasks; it should include measurable performance standards (e.g., what counts as “clean”), as well as audit procedures, periodic inspections, and mechanisms for reporting and resolving issues. This ensures what gets promised actually gets delivered.
6. Payment Terms & Pricing Structure
Outline when and how payments are due, what the rate covers, whether supplies are included, and how extra work (emergency cleanups, after-hours service, additional tasks) will be billed. This helps avoid surprises and keeps the relationship transparent.
7. Insurance, Liability & Risk Management
Especially important for businesses, retail centers, or medical facilities: the contract should require the cleaning provider to carry liability insurance, workers’ compensation, bonding (if relevant), and specify how property damage, theft, or worker injury is handled. Many in the industry view this as non-negotiable.
Why this matters: What a good contract prevents
Without a detailed contract, businesses risk receiving inconsistent services, missed cleanings, unclear accountability, unexpected charges, or subpar work. As one industry guide puts it, contracts that focus only on the lowest bidder often end up costing more in rework, re-staffing, and dissatisfaction than those that demand value and performance over price alone.
On the other hand, a contract with clear scope, standards, and accountability means:
- Service quality stays consistent.
- Both parties know what to expect and who to connect with for support.
- Long-term relationships can be built on trust and reliability.
At Bee Line, we consider the contract phase crucial because it’s when we set the bar for service quality we’re proud to meet every time.
How janitorial services pay for themselves over time
You might wonder: “Why invest in professional commercial cleaning companies, when I can just hire internal staff, or clean in-house?” The answer lies in viewing cleaning not just as a recurring cost but as a long-term investment in property value, employee productivity, safety, and brand reputation. Below are ways good janitorial services like ours tend to pay for themselves over time.
- Extending the life of facilities and assets
- Reducing health-related risks, absenteeism, and liability
- Avoiding surprise expenses via proactive maintenance and deep cleaning
- Enhancing productivity, client impressions, and brand image
- Compliance and liability protection, especially for specialized facilities
Why Bee Line is a good choice for Chicago and the Greater Midwest
At Bee Line, we bring together decades of experience, specialized training, and a comprehensive service offering. Everything from everyday janitorial work to medical-grade cleaning, floor care, post-construction cleanup, and emergency services.
As a certified woman-owned business headquartered in Chicago, we understand the needs of local businesses and communities.
- Our teams are trained to high standards of cleanliness and infection prevention, making us well-suited for a variety of environments, including corporate offices, schools, industrial facilities, and hospitals.
- We supply our own equipment, manage supplies, and maintain rigorous quality control so clients don’t have to worry about managing trash bags, disinfectants, floor buffers, or cleaning schedules.
- Because we offer flexible services from daily cleaning to deep cleans, emergency cleanup, floor maintenance, and more, our contracts can be tailored to fit what your facility really needs.
If you’re looking for a reliable partner for commercial cleaning services in or around Chicago, Bee Line offers both the breadth of services and the depth of commitment that make a difference in the long term.
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