A window washing business cleans residential, commercial, and institutional windows on a retained or per-assignment basis. As the owner of a window washing business, you’ll be responsible for recruiting clients and washing the windows—on a one-time or regularly contracted basis—of residences, apartment complexes, storefronts, colleges and universities, funeral homes, car dealerships, and other properties—potentially just about any structure that contains windows. You can start your business alone or buy into a franchise operation for its experience and support. Some window washing businesses specialize in high rise window cleaning, but this involves a much larger capital outlay for equipment, training, marketing, and insurance.
Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.
Northwest ($29 + State Fees)
DIY: How to Start an LLC
Start a window washing business by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Window Washing Business
- Form your Window Washing Business into a Legal Entity
- Register your Window Washing Business for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Window Washing Business
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Window Washing Business
- Get Window Washing Business Insurance
- Define your Window Washing Business Brand
- Create your Window Washing Business Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your window washing business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Window Washing Business Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a window washing business?
Window washing, even at a modest entry level, is not inexpensive. You have to pay for at least one transport vehicle, basic equipment, cleaning supplies and liability insurance for yourself even if you’re your sole employee at first and you’re only taking on jobs on one- or two-story structures. Here’s how your costs break down:
Transport vehicle with signage—$7,000 per vehicle-plus. This would be the cost of a used van in reasonable condition and wrap-around signage. This type of vehicle is important not only to get one or more workers to the job, but also for transporting heavy and cumbersome equipment and supplies.
Gasoline and maintenance—At least $5,000 per year. This actual expense will depend on how many vehicles you own or operate, the age and condition of the vehicles, your area of operation, number of clients, current price of fuel, and other factors. As you can imagine, this figure could be much larger in your case.
Liability insurance and bonding—$350 to $1,000 per employee. This is critical in your line of work since a worker could fall off a ladder and be slightly injured even when working on a single-story structure. Visit this insurer’s website to learn more.
Tools and gear—More than $750. This would be the cost of a modest extension ladder, buckets, squeegees, water hoses and water-fed poles for low rise work. As you might imagine, your expenses escalate the higher your assignments take you or your workers. In that case, add harnesses and hard hats to the basic inventory. Cranes and scaffolding can be rented as needed. Visit this window washing products website for an idea of the gear you might need now or in the future, and the costs involved.
Cleaning supplies—$200 (est.) You can start with only enough cleaning supplies to handle jobs already contracted. Keeping your inventory low prevents cash flow and storage hassles.
Office/storage space—Zero to $12,00 per year or more. If operating on a budget, you could conduct your business from home and keep all of your equipment and cleaning supplies in your work van. As your business picks up you might feel the need to rent adequate space for workers to meet and your gear to be stored.
Sales and marketing—$2,500 or more. This is to cover logo development, signage, web development, initial advertising, and related expenses.
Employee costs—Figure at least $25,000 per employee per year, even if that employee is you. If you’re starting alone and have saved enough to support yourself before you start generating adequate income, this figure might be lower. On the other hand, it could be higher depending on minimum wage or cost of living in your area.
Business licenses and related licensing—$300 or more, depending on location.
Association membership—Annual dues of $250 or more. Membership in the International Window Cleaning Association will earn you discounts on products you’ll need, training and support, and an opportunity to earn certification in the various areas of specialization in window cleaning. This could be a critical selling point to customers concerned about safety issues.
What are the ongoing expenses for a window washing business?
Your largest ongoing expenses will be the cleaning supplies you use, fleet fuel, maintenance costs, and employees. Therefore, these costs will rise and fall depending on your current volume of business.
Who is the target market?
Anyone within your area of operations who owns or manages real estate with windows is a potential client, but those who’d like to maintain the appearance of their properties are your primary customers. This can include homeowners as well as commercial and institutional property owners. The demographic makeup of your geographic location will help define your primary client base.
How does a window washing business make money?
You’ll either price your window washing and associated services on a per-pane, per hour, or per-employee-hour basis. You might also offer monthly contracts on a flat fee basis.
How much can you charge customers?
Some businesses charge on a per-window-pane basis of about $4 or so, while others think about the time it will take to perform the job and try to make $50-$80 per employee per hour. So if you’re charging out your services on a $60 person/hour basis and you send two workers for a job you expect to take two hours, you’d charge $240 for the job. Here’s an informative article on pricing your services.
How much profit can a window washing business make?
The variables include local competition, the types of businesses and building structures in your area of operation, your sales abilities, and many others. Here’s one web author in the field who estimates that it’s possible to earn $60,000 per year operating a window cleaning business.
How can you make your business more profitable?
There are many associated business activities you could explore to boost sales and net profits. This includes pressure washing of homes and buildings, window tinting and other building janitorial/cleaning services.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your window washing business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your window washing business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a window cleaning business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Services Contract
In business where services are provided on an extended basis, a services contract is often put in place outlining terms and conditions of service.
Window cleaning businesses should require clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, and service level expectations. An example of a service contract can be found here.
Labor safety requirements
It is important to comply with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.
Relevant requirements include:
- Employee injury report
- Safety signage
- Etc.
Certificate of Occupancy
Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
- If you plan to lease a location:
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a window cleaning business.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
- If you plan to purchase or build a location:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your window cleaning business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Window Washing Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Window Washing Business.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a window washing business
To gain residential business, you might rent a booth at home and garden shows or simply distribute fliers in car windshields at area malls or churches or in restaurants and other places where the locals hang out. Your vans with signage and well-displayed contact information can also draw favorable attention.
To attract commercial clients, join your local chamber of commerce and consider cold-calling businesses for work. And for all prospects, commercial, institutional, or residential, make sure you have a professional-looking website.
How to keep customers coming back
Encourage your existing customers to give your contact information to others. You might grant a discount on the next service call for any customers who give you referrals. The typical homeowner might hire your services twice a year, but many of your commercial clients might need you every month, so keep your customers satisfied and get them on service contracts whenever possible.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
This is a service business, so you should have an instinct for salesmanship and a commitment to superior customer service. You should also be good at managing people, since you might have at least a few employees.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a window washing business?
Your typical day might include the following activities.
- Cold-calling or otherwise attracting new business and marketing your services
- Scheduling appointments for cost-quoting or washing windows, scheduling employees, and handling on-the-job problems or challenges
- Buying supplies, renting equipment, invoicing clients, and otherwise conducting day-to-day operations
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful window washing business?
Window washing is considered to be a commodity service, meaning that a window should look just as clean regardless of which commercial service took on the job. Your differentiation will be your sales ability, competitive pricing and attentiveness. You’ll make sure that your cleaning crews arrive as scheduled and do the job properly the first time. You should check with every client to gauge their satisfaction with the job, since their continued business and word-of-mouth is critically helpful in your success.
What is the growth potential for a window washing business?
Your success will only be limited by the competition in your area, the number of potential clients out there, and your sales and marketing efforts and proficiency.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a window washing business?
Start low to the ground. Issues of safety and equipment costs rise with the heights to which you send your people. If you concentrate first on simple one-story or two-story jobs, it will give you a platform for training workers, figuring out pricing and work efficiencies, and building a reputation. This means first going to residences, storefronts, car dealerships, and other structures fairly low to the ground before scaling the heights when you gain more confidence and expertise.
How and when to build a team
While you might start out on your own, you’ll soon see the need for bringing on employees. You might decide that two-person vans and work teams are needed for ultimate job efficiency and safety. If that’s the case, build your employee base with fleet size. But don’t build a workforce too quickly if you can avoid it, because you’ll reduce the need to layoff workers during slow times. Also remember that in many locations window cleaning is more or less seasonal work.
Useful Links
Industry Opportunities
- Become a Part of the Fish Window Cleaning Franchise
- Shine Window Cleaning Franchise
- Why you should join the International Window Cleaning Association and Become a Certified Professional