Conducting a site visit with the superintendent is a pivotal step in securing a post-construction cleaning contract. This visit not only allows you to meet the key individual managing all subcontractors on site but also offers a prime opportunity to gauge the scope of work directly. Understanding what questions to ask is crucial for accurately determining your service quote, especially in light of the site’s organization and the overall stress levels, which can influence pricing. Here are essential questions to guide your discussion and help you craft a competitive bid:
- Bidding Landscape: “How many cleaning companies are also bidding for this project?”
- Estimated Timeframe: “Based on your experience, how long do you anticipate the cleaning process will take?”
- Labor Requirements: “How many cleaners do you expect will be needed to efficiently complete the job?”
- Working Hours: “What are the working hours for this project? Are we looking at night shifts or daytime work?”
- Co-Occupancy: “Will there be other trades working simultaneously with us? For example, will painters be in the same rooms?”
- Budget Insights: “Do you have a specific budget allocated for cleaning services?”
- Competitive Pricing: “To make our proposal more appealing, what pricing range are you considering?”
- Flooring Specifications: “How many coats of wax are required for the VCT flooring, if applicable?”
- Space Coverage: “Can you confirm the total square footage that our cleaning services will cover?”
- Cleaning Phases: “Will each designated space need cleaning once, or are multiple phases like rough, final, and touch-up cleans expected?”
- Equipment Usage: “Is it possible to use your lift for cleaning high areas, or can you connect us with the subcontractor who has it?”
- Proposal Submission: “Would you prefer to be copied on the proposal submission, or should it go directly to the project manager?”
- Square Footage Verification: “Could we review the architectural drawings together to verify the square footage and specific areas requiring cleaning?”
- Scope Confirmation: During the walk-through, actively engage by pointing out potential areas of concern: “Should we include this in our cleaning scope?”
Remember, a successful site visit is as much about listening and observing as it is about asking the right questions. Gauge the site’s dynamics, note the superintendent’s concerns, and use this information to tailor your proposal effectively. Happy site visiting!
Site Visit Sheet
