How to quote a very dirty house
Updated November 1, 2026 · QuoteCubby
Turn “this place is a mess” into minutes and a price, with a worked example and a simple way to avoid arguments about the scope.
Price the time, not the mess
“Very dirty” is hard to price because it’s a feeling. Turn it into minutes: how much longer will this home take than an average home of the same size?
| Same home, different job | Price | Person-hours |
|---|---|---|
| Standard clean, average condition | $160 | 2.9 |
| Standard clean, heavy condition (1.3× time) | $205 | 3.8 |
| First clean, heavy (1.5× × 1.3×) | $300 | 5.7 |
| Deep clean, heavy (1.8× × 1.3×) | $355 | 6.9 |
Example only: the calculator’s sample home (1,800 sq ft, 3 bed, 2 bath, no pets, one-time), starter numbers. Heavy = 1.3× time. Not market rates.
Signs a home needs a heavy-condition price
- It hasn’t been professionally cleaned in a long time.
- Built-up grease on the stove and range hood, or soap scum and hard-water scale in showers.
- Pet hair in every room, or litter areas.
- Clutter you have to work around (ask whether you’re expected to pick up or only clean).
How to quote it without arguments
- Ask for photos of the kitchen, every bathroom and the floors, or do a walkthrough.
- Quote the first clean as a reset (first clean or deep clean), then a lower recurring price.
- Put the scope in writing, including what you won’t do.
- Offer a range or an hourly cap if you can’t see everything.
Published deep cleaning ranges are $230–$600 for an average-size home (HomeGuide), which can help you sanity-check a heavy first clean.
Try it with your numbers
The free QuoteCubby calculator estimates the time for any home, prices standard, deep, move-out and first cleans, and shows what you really earn per hour after supplies and driving.
Open the free calculatorFAQ
How much more should I charge for a very dirty house?
There isn’t a published standard. Price the extra time: estimate how much longer the home will take than an average one, and multiply by your rate. The QuoteCubby calculator uses 1.3× time for “heavy” as a starting point you can change.
Should I quote a range for a dirty house?
A range, or an hourly rate with an agreed cap, protects both sides when you can’t see everything up front. Confirm the final price after the walkthrough.
When should I turn a job down?
When it involves hazards you aren’t trained or insured for, such as biohazards, heavy mold, pests or hoarding situations. Refer those to specialists.
Quoting the same kinds of homes every week? The QuoteCubby kit (from $19, Google Sheets or Excel) keeps your price list, job log and client rates in one place. The free calculator stays free either way.
Related guides
Sources
Price ranges are national figures published by the sources below (accessed November 1, 2026). Local prices vary a lot. QuoteCubby examples are illustrations, not market data.