When a company looks for a cleaning provider in Dakar, price is usually one of the first questions. But quoting one universal price per square metre without seeing the site rarely produces a reliable estimate.
Two offices with the same floor area may require very different staffing and schedules depending on occupancy, washrooms, access hours, flooring, reception areas, consumables and the expected control level.
A useful quote should therefore explain what will be done, how often, with which resources and how quality will be controlled. The price then becomes the result of a clear service plan rather than an isolated number.
1. Surface area matters, but it is not enough
Surface area helps estimate working time, but the layout matters just as much. A large simple open-plan office may be faster to maintain than a smaller site split into many rooms, stairs, washrooms and high-traffic areas.
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Total area and actual cleaning area
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Number of floors, private offices and meeting rooms
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Flooring types and glazing
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Washrooms, kitchens and sensitive areas
2. Frequency and schedules strongly affect cost
Daily cleaning requires a different organization from a three-times-a-week service. Early morning, evening or multi-site assignments may also need a specific schedule. The goal is to choose a frequency that maintains the expected standard without oversizing the contract.
3. Products, equipment and consumables must be clearly defined
The quote should state whether the provider supplies cleaning products, machines, bin liners, toilet paper, soap or other consumables. This prevents misleading comparisons between two proposals that do not cover the same scope.
4. Supervision and replacement planning have value
A professional contract is more than placing an operative on site. Quality checks, absence cover, issue handling and an accountable contact all need to be planned. These elements have a cost, but they also reduce interruptions and complaints.
5. How to obtain a comparable quote
Prepare the location, floor area, access hours, areas to be treated, desired frequency, washroom count and access constraints. A site visit can then confirm the requirement. Above all, ask for a written scope covering tasks, frequency, resources, controls and replacement arrangements.