Get What You Really Need: Building a Smart Janitorial Scope of Work

Hiring a janitorial service isn’t just about choosing a vendor—it’s about defining exactly what your facility needs, day in and day out. That all starts with a clear, well-composed scope of work (SOW), whether you're putting together an RFP or finalizing a contract.

At PMM, we help our clients think strategically so they get the right services at the right frequency—nothing more, nothing less—which helps to prevent unnecessary and unexpected costs.

Here are a few key tips for building your janitorial SOW:

• List All Your Spaces: Start by identifying all the areas that need care—lobbies, restrooms, offices, kitchens, conference rooms, hallways, elevators, stairwells, and any specialized zones (e.g., labs, gyms, play areas).

• Define Service Frequency: How often should each task happen—daily, weekly, monthly? High-traffic areas may need daily disinfection, while others might need only periodic cleaning.

• Detail the Tasks: Go beyond “clean the floors.” Specify vacuuming, mopping, trash removal, dusting, glass cleaning, restocking supplies, etc. This ensures expectations are clear for both you and your janitorial team.

• Consider Special Services: Will you need seasonal deep cleans, carpet shampooing, floor waxing, window washing, or pressure washing? Add them into the scope now or as optional add-ons later.

• Set Communication Expectations: Decide how you want updates—via logbook, work order tracking system, or regular check-ins—and include this in the agreement.

Working with PMM means you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We partner with you to shape a custom scope of work that fits your building, budget, and standards—so you get consistent, quality results without surprises.

Need help drafting your scope of work? PMM is happy to guide you through it.