Outsourcing strata cleaning delivers professional results, deep sanitation, and flexibility, but facility managers are often concerned with the cost. In-house strata cleaning offers a personal touch and familiarity.
Here, we’ll compare in-house vs outsourcing strata cleaning to help facility managers find the best fit for their building.
Key Takeaways
- Connection vs. Capability: In-house teams offer deep property familiarity, while outsourcing provides commercial-grade standards and scalability.
- The Cost Reality: In-house cleaning carries heavy hidden costs (payroll, gear, insurance), often making outsourcing more cost-effective.
- Zero Compliance Stress: Outsourcing shifts the burden of safety training, OHS regulations, and public liability directly to the vendor.
- Focus on Operations: Removing the burden of daily cleaning supervision and logistics frees up valuable time for facility managers.
Pros and Cons of In-House Strata Complex Cleaning
Pros of In-House Strata Cleaning
Dedication and Familiarity
Using your own cleaner or team of cleaners can ensure alignment with your facility’s preferences.
In-house cleaning teams also have familiarity with the strata facility, fostering a sense of loyalty and dedication.
Potential Cost Benefits
Many strata managers choose an in-house cleaning approach in hopes of cutting overhead.
This approach can work for smaller spaces with an organised approach to cleaning staff management. Still, there are hidden administration costs that need to be understood, which we’ll cover shortly.
You May Also Like: What Is Strata Cleaning?
Cons of In-House Cleaning
Time Commitment
Managing a team of internal strata cleaners requires a substantial time commitment due to:
- Training
- Recruitment
- Equipment research and purchasing
- Equipment maintenance
- Payroll
- Complying with safety regulations
- Completing performance reviews
Compliance Issues
If you manage an in-house strata cleaning team, your business will be required to take on responsibility for:
- Safety training
- Occupational health regulation compliance
- Incidents, accidents, or oversights
- Adequate insurance coverage
Failing to properly manage these aspects can result in costly liability issues.
Inconsistent or Inferior Results
Maintaining consistent cleaning standards can be difficult for in-house strata cleaning teams.
In-house teams likely have a high familiarity with the property. However, they may not have access to the training, tools, or equipment needed to deliver consistent results.
Without structured systems and proper training, cleaning quality may vary significantly depending on staff motivation, experience, and time constraints.
Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Strata Cleaning
Pros of Outsourcing Strata Cleaning
Free Up Time and Resources
Freeing up resources and time is one of the biggest reasons strata managers hire us to handle the cleaning.
With in-house cleaning, facility managers are responsible for ordering supplies, handling scheduling, overseeing performance, supervision, and logistics.
Outsourcing strata cleaning allows fleet managers to dedicate more time to core facility operations.
High Level of Service and Standards
With extensive industry knowledge, experience, and state-of-the-art tools, commercial strata cleaners can deliver unmatched results.
Commercial strata cleaners have:
- Structured, proven systems
- Extensive hygiene protocols
- Knowledge of industry regulations and safety regulations
- Access to commercial-grade equipment and tools
- Detailed audit systems
Flexibility and Scalability
Facility needs can change rapidly in large strata buildings. In-house cleaning staff often work set schedules, making it more difficult to make adjustments.
Outsourcing offers a high level of flexibility, such as:
- Easily adjust cleaning schedules to coincide with a change in hours or busy seasons
- Scale cleaning services up or down as needed
- Adjust cleaning without needing to hire additional cleaning staff, pay overtime, or spend more time on payroll management
Risk Management and Compliance
Outsourcing strata cleaning shifts much of the responsibility to your chosen provider. Commercial strata cleaners will carry comprehensive insurance coverage and workers’ comp.
Choosing a commercial strata cleaning company also ensures cleaners are trained and skilled in the proper handling of chemicals and equipment. This reduces public liability, operational risks, and ensures compliance with all local safety regulations.
Environmental Considerations
Professional strata cleaners often prioritise eco-friendly cleaning methods that prioritise sustainability and minimise environmental impact.
At Broadway, we implement a range of eco-friendly green cleaning practices, including:
- Microfibre cleaning systems that reduce waste
- Cleaning technology that uses less water, such as water-fed pole cleaning for windows
- Safe, biodegradable products
- CM3 certification
Learn more about our commitment to the environment here: Commercial Green Cleaning Perth | ESG Cleaning Solutions.
Cons of Outsourcing of Strata Cleaning
Cost
Of course, cost is the big reason strata managers choose to tackle in-house cleaning. However, in-house strata cleaning comes with a variety of up-front and hidden expenses.
The initial investment may seem higher than in-house strata cleaning, but the costs can add up over time.
Up-front costs of in-house strata cleaning include:
- Salaries for cleaning staff
- Superannuation contributions
- Sick leave
- Workers compensation
- Equipment purchase
- Insurance
- Uniforms
Unexpected costs can include:
- Repurchasing cleaning supplies and products
- Recruitment
- Equipment maintenance
- Compliance documentation
- Audit preparation
- Cleaning staff management costs
Benefits of Outsourcing and Why It’s a Better Choice
Outsourcing strata cleaning boasts a variety of benefits over in-house cleaners.
Advantages of outsourcing strata complex cleaning include:
- Unmatched Results: Consistent, professional results that you can count on due to the extensive experience and training of commercial strata cleaners.
- Cost-Savings: Eliminates the need to invest in expensive specialty cleaning equipment, such as steam cleaners, supplies, or window washing tools. No payroll management, payroll tax and superannuation obligations, workers’ compensation, or insurance costs for cleaning staff.
- Supervision: No need to devote time to internal oversight
- Scalability: Easy to scale based on your needs and highly adjustable
- Time Investment: Minimal to no time investment; focus on business operations and growing your company instead
- Disruption: Cleaning can be scheduled outside of business hours to eliminate disruption to staff, visitors, and clients.
- Environmental Considerations: Working with an eco-focused strata cleaning company ensures eco-friendly practices and cleaning products are implemented.
- Strong Risk Management: Commercial cleaning companies have robust risk management and take on the responsibility of liability and accountability
Learn more about the benefits of commercial strata cleaners here: Benefits of Hiring Commercial Cleaners for Your Strata Property.
| In-House Strata Cleaning | Outsourced Strata Cleaning | |
| Results | May vary based on staff training and access to equipment | Consistent, reliable, professional results delivered every time;
Ensure allergens and germs are removed to promote better indoor air quality; enhance property appeal to draw in renters |
| Cost | Initial investment in necessary tools and equipment; ongoing investment in supplies; unpredictable costs; workers’ compensation and insurance | Highly cost-efficient; eliminates equipment, maintenance, recruitment, and insurance expenses; predictable costs |
| Supervision | Requires devotion to direct internal oversight; can be time-consuming | Provider-managed |
| Scalability | More difficult; requires extensive training and recruitment | Highly adjustable based on needs; easy to scale |
| Time Investment | Extensive time required; may cut into time that could be focused on other business operations | Minimal involvement; free up time to focus on growing your company |
| Disruption | Cleaning tasks completed by an in-house team may need to occur during business hours and lead to disruptions | Flexible scheduling; easily adjusted to operate outside of business hours to ensure minimal disruption to staff, visitors, and clients |
| Environmental Considerations | May require extra time and costs to ensure sustainable, eco-friendly cleaning practices | Often prioritise sustainable cleaning methods, eco-friendly products, and methods that support environmental goals |
| Risk Management | Accountability and liability fall solely on the property manager; extensive records must be kept | Robust risk management, with much of the responsibility falling on the cleaning company |
How Outsourcing Saves Both Time and Money
Outsourcing may seem more expensive initially. However, in-house cleaning costs include payroll, maintaining insurance, superannuation contributions, and purchasing supplies and equipment.
Outsourcing strata cleaning offers a cost-efficient approach that delivers consistent, professional results, all while freeing up your time.
After operating for over three decades in WA, we have the proven Strata complex cleaning experience you can trust.
We enjoy helping strata managers proudly offer safe, hygienic, welcoming spaces for their tenants.
Contact us to obtain a free quote for our professional strata cleaning services.
