How to Choose a Commercial Window Cleaning Company: A Step-by-Step Guide

Clean windows can have a noticeable impact on how customers, employees, and visitors experience a commercial property. However, choosing the right company to maintain them requires more than comparing prices. Businesses need to consider the provider's experience, safety practices, equipment, services, scheduling, and reputation before making a decision. 

A commercial window cleaning company should be able to understand the property's specific needs and provide reliable service that fits into its ongoing maintenance schedule. The following steps can help business owners and property managers evaluate their options.

Key Takeaways

• Start by identifying the property’s specific window cleaning needs, including building size, window type, accessibility, and preferred cleaning frequency.

• Compare commercial window cleaning companies based on relevant experience, service capabilities, reputation, and familiarity with commercial properties.

• Verify that the company carries appropriate insurance and follows established safety procedures.

• Review pricing carefully to understand what is included and whether services are one-time or recurring. 

• Choose a commercial window cleaning services company that offers clear communication, reliable scheduling, and a service plan that fits the property’s ongoing maintenance needs.

Step 1: Identify Your Commercial Window Cleaning Needs

Before contacting window cleaning companies, determine what you need cleaned and how often you expect service.

Start by considering the property's size, number of windows, and accessibility. For instance, a small storefront has very different needs than a larger low-rise office building.

Think about any additional surfaces that may require attention, such as screens, skylights, frames, sills, awnings, or light fixtures. If your property has windows that require specialized equipment, mention those when requesting estimates so the company can determine the appropriate approach. Finally, determine whether you need a one-time or recurring window cleaning service. 

Step 2: Research Commercial Window Cleaning Companies

Once you understand your needs, begin researching companies that provide commercial window cleaning in your area.

Look for providers with experience serving businesses similar to yours. A company like Fish Window Cleaning® that regularly cleans storefronts, offices, schools, restaurants, and other commercial properties may already understand the scheduling and cleaning requirements of those environments.

Review each company's available services, coverage area, experience, and approach to commercial window cleaning. When comparing quotes, look beyond the total price to understand the services, equipment, and scope of work included.

Step 3: Compare Qualifications and Service Standards

After narrowing down your options, take a closer look at each company's qualifications and service standards.

Verify Insurance and Technician Qualifications 

Commercial window cleaning involves working around glass, equipment, and, in some cases, elevated surfaces. Ask whether the company is properly insured and what protections are in place for its employees, customers, and your property.

FISH technicians are trained, background-checked, and insured. FISH also follows established safety procedures designed to help protect technicians and customers during service.

Ask About Safety Practices and Equipment

Ask prospective providers what equipment they use and how technicians are trained to clean different types of windows. Depending on the building, equipment may include commercial-grade squeegees, extension tools, ladders, and water-fed poles. 

FISH specializes in commercial buildings up to three stories and uses water-fed pole systems that can reach windows up to six stories from the ground. These systems can help technicians clean many exterior windows without relying on ladders.

Review Experience, Reputation, and Customer Feedback

Look for a provider with a history of working with businesses and properties similar to yours. It's also worth asking whether the company has experience handling your property's specific needs. For example, a business with extensive storefront glass may require a different service approach than a larger office building.

FISH has more than 45 years of window cleaning experience and over 275 locally owned and operated locations nationwide, combining local service with the support and standards of an established national brand.

Step 4: Compare Services, Pricing, and Scheduling

Once you've evaluated qualifications and experience, compare the actual services and pricing offered by your top choices.

Ask each company to provide a clear estimate outlining what's included. Pricing may depend on factors such as the number of windows, property size, accessibility, cleaning frequency, and specialty services.

Determine whether the estimate covers both interior and exterior window cleaning, as well as any additional services you requested. Also ask about potential additional fees for specialty glass or other services.

For many businesses, recurring service can be preferable to scheduling individual cleanings. A customized maintenance plan can help keep windows consistently clean while reducing the need to remember when the next cleaning is due.

FISH offers customized cleaning programs based on each property's needs, budget, and preferred service frequency. Reliable scheduling and clear communication make it easier to incorporate window cleaning into an ongoing property maintenance plan.

Ready to find a window cleaning solution for your business? Contact your local FISH team for a free estimate and a customized cleaning program based on your property's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Look for in a Commercial Window Cleaning Company?

Look for a company with relevant commercial experience, appropriate insurance, trained technicians, professional equipment, positive customer feedback, and reliable scheduling. The company should also offer services that match your property's specific needs.

What Questions Should I Ask a Commercial Window Cleaning Company?

Ask window cleaning companies about insurance, technician training, safety procedures, equipment, experience with similar properties, available services, cleaning frequency, pricing, and scheduling.

Should a Commercial Window Cleaning Company Be Insured?

Yes. Businesses should verify that a commercial window cleaning provider carries appropriate insurance. This is particularly important when technicians are working with ladders, water-fed poles, or other equipment around your property.

How Do I Compare Commercial Window Cleaning Companies?

Carefully compare providers based on experience, qualifications, safety practices, equipment, reputation, services, pricing, and scheduling. Rather than focusing exclusively on the lowest quote, consider the provider's overall service, reliability, safety practices, and value.