What Is Strata Cleaning & What Does It Cost?

Strata cleaning plays a vital role in the upkeep of shared properties, keeping common areas clean and comfortable for everyone. If you’ve ever walked into a well-maintained apartment lobby or noticed a spotless shared pool area, you’ve likely experienced the work of a strata cleaning team. These services go beyond standard cleaning. While strata cleaning costs can vary, understanding the factors that influence pricing helps property owners and strata managers plan effectively for these services.

What Is Strata Cleaning?

Strata cleaning refers to the professional maintenance of shared spaces within multi-residential, commercial, or mixed-use properties. This type of cleaning is essential in places like apartment complexes, office buildings, or communities with multiple shared facilities. Unlike standard home cleaning, strata cleaning covers a larger scale, involving high-traffic areas and diverse facilities that need special attention. The goal of strata cleaning is to ensure these common areas remain clean, hygienic, and inviting.

In strata properties, regular cleaning of common areas can make a significant difference. When lobbies, hallways, and recreational spaces look their best, it enhances the residents’ experience and makes a good impression on visitors. Strata cleaning doesn’t just contribute to aesthetics; it’s also essential for hygiene and safety. Shared spaces that see frequent use need cleaning solutions tailored to high traffic and varied surfaces.

What Does Strata Cleaning Involve?

Strata cleaning encompasses a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of shared spaces. The services usually start with common area cleaning, which involves keeping lobbies, hallways, stairwells, and other shared indoor spaces spotless. Cleaning crews ensure these areas are free from dust, dirt, and debris. Another core service is window and glass cleaning, which includes both internal and external surfaces to keep glass surfaces smudge-free and clear.

Beyond the basics, strata cleaning services often include waste management and garbage disposal. Many strata cleaning companies also offer grounds maintenance, which covers tasks like sweeping parking lots, cleaning outdoor walkways, and even maintaining small gardens. Specialised cleaning, such as carpet cleaning and tile scrubbing, is typically offered on a scheduled basis to keep high-traffic areas looking fresh.

Key Factors Influencing the Cost of Strata Cleaning

Several factors impact the cost of strata cleaning services.

Specialised Equipment and Cleaning Products

Properties with unique surfaces, high windows, or delicate materials may require specialised equipment and products, which can impact the cost of strata cleaning. For instance, buildings with glass exteriors often need high-grade equipment, such as water-fed poles or specialised lifts, to reach and clean these surfaces safely and effectively. Likewise, eco-friendly or hypoallergenic cleaning products may increase costs but are sometimes necessary to meet the residents’ health requirements.

Additionally, if the property has carpets, delicate flooring, or specific upholstery in common areas, cleaning companies may use premium or surface-specific products to avoid damage. This requirement for specialised tools and solutions often results in higher cleaning costs but ensures that all surfaces are maintained without compromising their quality or appearance.

Regulatory and Compliance Requirements

Some properties, especially in certain commercial or high-density residential areas, must comply with specific health and safety regulations. This may require additional cleaning steps or certification from the cleaning company. For example, buildings with gym facilities, saunas, or pools often need frequent, specialised cleaning to meet health and hygiene standards. This level of compliance ensures that these shared spaces remain safe and sanitary, but it can also increase the scope and cost of strata cleaning services.

In some cases, strata cleaning may include the handling of hazardous waste or the use of disinfectants approved for health and safety purposes. This level of compliance may increase the overall cost of services, as the cleaning company must ensure that its staff is trained and certified to handle these materials.

High-Traffic and High-Use Areas

The frequency and intensity of cleaning required for high-traffic areas can significantly impact strata cleaning costs. Areas like main entrances, elevators, lobbies, and common restrooms experience heavy daily foot traffic, leading to faster accumulation of dirt and wear. As a result, these areas often require daily or multiple-times-per-week cleaning to maintain cleanliness and avoid rapid deterioration.

Similarly, shared recreational facilities like gyms, swimming pools, and lounges typically see high use and, therefore, require more frequent and thorough cleaning. The additional time, cleaning products, and manpower needed to maintain high-use areas can increase the overall cost of strata cleaning services. However, investing in consistent cleaning for these areas helps keep them looking their best and ensures a hygienic environment for residents.

Emergency or On-Call Services

Some strata properties opt for emergency or on-call cleaning services, which can add to the regular cleaning costs. For instance, if there’s a spill or an accident in a common area, the property manager may need immediate cleanup to ensure resident safety and maintain the appearance of the space. Having an on-call service ready for such emergencies ensures that the building is always clean and presentable but can raise costs, especially if the cleaning company charges extra for off-hours or same-day services.

These services can be particularly valuable in properties with high occupancy or those with frequent public events, where unexpected messes are more likely. While emergency services can add to the overall cost, they provide peace of mind, knowing that any unplanned issues can be quickly addressed.

Seasonal and Weather-Related Needs

The local climate and seasonal changes can also affect strata cleaning costs. Properties in areas that experience heavy rain, snow, or seasonal pollen may require more intensive cleaning during certain times of the year. For example, snowy regions often see increased dirt and salt buildup in entryways. Similarly, in spring, increased pollen and dust may lead to more frequent window cleaning and dusting.

Seasonal adjustments to cleaning schedules, such as adding extra services during peak pollen seasons or winter months, can increase costs temporarily but are essential for maintaining a clean and welcoming environment.

Custom Requests and Resident Expectations

Properties with high standards for appearance or unique features may require custom cleaning services. Some strata properties have luxury amenities, like art installations, custom lighting, or designer furniture, that need careful attention. These custom cleaning needs may require additional time or expertise, leading to higher costs. Additionally, properties with a strong emphasis on appearance or with specific resident expectations may request additional detail-oriented services, like hand-wiping of surfaces, detailed polishing, or regular deep cleaning of high-end materials.

Resident expectations also play a role. Properties with higher tenant turnover or those catering to higher-end markets may demand more frequent and meticulous cleaning, even if the building itself is relatively simple.

Importance of Choosing the Right Strata Cleaning Company

Choosing the right strata cleaning company can make a huge difference in service quality and cost-effectiveness. A reliable cleaning company should have experience in strata cleaning and understand the unique requirements of shared properties. Look for companies that have established reputations and offer transparent service lists. Companies with experience in strata cleaning will know how to handle a variety of surfaces, from marble floors to high-traffic carpets, without compromising quality.

In addition to experience, consider a company’s certifications, insurance, and flexibility. Proper certification and insurance coverage protect both the property and the company in case of accidents or damages. Flexibility in service offerings is also important, as it allows the cleaning company to tailor their services to meet the specific needs of your property. Working with a professional, certified company gives property managers peace of mind.

How to Get a Quote for Strata Cleaning Services?

To get a quote for strata cleaning, it helps to have a clear list of your property’s cleaning needs. Start by listing all the common areas you want to be cleaned and noting any specific requirements, such as the need for specialised floor care or regular glass cleaning. Sharing this information with prospective cleaning companies will help them provide an accurate quote. Ask for detailed breakdowns of costs so you understand what each service includes.

When requesting a quote, it’s also worth discussing how often each area should be cleaned. Companies can tailor their services based on your budget and needs. A clear and detailed quote also allows you to compare prices across different companies, making it easier to find a reliable and affordable strata cleaning provider that meets your expectations.

Conclusion

Strata cleaning is essential for keeping shared spaces in excellent condition. While the costs for strata cleaning services can vary, understanding the factors that influence pricing helps property owners and strata managers make informed decisions. From the size of the property to the frequency of service, every detail plays a part in the final cost. Taking the time to choose the right cleaning company and outlining specific needs can lead to an effective, well-maintained property that residents can truly enjoy.