Things to know
Recurring work is the backbone of window cleaning, and it deserves its own pricing logic, not treatment as a one-off job repeated. State the frequency clearly, such as 4-weekly or 8-weekly, and whether the price shown is per visit or a rolled-up estimate. That way a customer comparing your quote to a one-off clean isn't comparing two different products.
Water-fed pole (pure water) systems and traditional squeegee-and-ladder methods aren't interchangeable for every job. Poles reach higher without a ladder, but they can't always get into tight architectural gaps that a traditional clean handles better. Naming the method you're using on the quote explains both the price and the finish a customer should expect.
Conservatories, roof windows, and anything requiring specialist access equipment should be priced as their own line, not absorbed into a flat "whole house" rate. These add real time and sometimes entirely different equipment. A customer with a conservatory comparing your price against a neighbour's standard-house quote needs to see why the numbers differ.
If a job needs a ladder or a mobile access platform instead of a standard reach-and-wash setup, say so and price it separately. Height access is where window cleaning quietly becomes a different, more specialist job. It's also where insurance and safety considerations genuinely change.
Typical window cleaner line items and UK prices
Indicative ranges, excluding VAT. Rates vary by region (London and the South East run higher) and by job size.
| Item | Unit | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced / 2-bed (exterior) | per clean | £12–£20 |
| 3-bed semi (exterior) | per clean | £15–£30 |
| 4-bed detached (exterior) | per clean | £25–£45 |
| Conservatory roof clean | per clean | £40–£100 |
| Frames, sills + doors add-on | per clean | £5–£15 |
| Gutter clear (vacuum) | per house | £60–£120 |
| Interior windows add-on | per clean | £15–£40 |
Common window cleaner jobs and how to price them
- Regular residential rounds
- Fixed price per clean on a set frequency (4-, 6- or 8-weekly).
- Commercial shopfronts
- Weekly or fortnightly fixed price, often invoiced monthly.
- Conservatory roofs
- Fixed price, annually or twice-yearly.
- Gutter and fascia cleaning
- Per house, often sold to existing round customers.
Regulations and certificates to reference
- Work at Height Regulations 2005 — the Regulations favour working from the ground where possible, which is why water-fed poles have largely replaced ladders on upper floors. State your method.
- Window cleaner licensing (Scotland) — local authorities in Scotland license window cleaners under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. If you work there, put your licence number on the quote.
- Public liability insurance — not legally required in England, but expected — especially for commercial and conservatory work.
Payment terms window cleaners commonly use
- Residential: payment after each clean by bank transfer or card link, or monthly by direct debit.
- Commercial: monthly invoice, 14–30 days.
- State what happens when the customer is out — clean and invoice, or skip.
Read more: Invoice payment terms explained · Payment methods to offer clients
VAT and CIS for window cleaners
VAT
Most window cleaners trade below the £90,000 VAT threshold. If you register, window cleaning is standard-rated at 20%.
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
Routine window cleaning is not a construction operation, so CIS does not apply.
General guidance, not tax advice — check your position with HMRC or an accountant.
Read more: Do I need to charge VAT on my invoices? · What must an invoice include? (UK legal requirements)
What this template includes
- Recurring frequency priced separately from one-off cleans
- Water-fed pole vs traditional method noted
- Conservatory and roof windows priced as extras
- Access equipment (ladders, reach system) itemised
- PDF download or shareable tracked link
Full guide
How to Start a Window Cleaning Business as a Sole Trader
Frequently asked questions
Not in England or Wales. In Scotland, local authorities license window cleaners. Check with the council where you work.
Yes, and often better for frames. Pure water dries without residue. It is also safer, which is why the Work at Height Regulations favour it for upper floors.
Separately from the windows, by size and condition. Roofs with heavy moss or algae take much longer than regularly cleaned ones.
Most window cleaners clean the exterior anyway and leave a card or send a payment link. Put this in the quote so the customer is not surprised.
State this explicitly on the quote — recurring window cleaning is usually priced per visit at an agreed frequency, which reads very differently from a one-off clean total.
A pure-water pole system that cleans and reaches upper windows without a ladder. It isn't always suitable for every architectural gap, which is why the method used is worth naming on the quote.
Roof windows and conservatory glass take extra time and sometimes different equipment than standard windows, so they're priced as their own line rather than folded into a flat house rate.
More free templates
All templates- InvoiceChimney SweepA professional invoice template for chimney sweeps. Itemise the sweep, certificate, and any extras — download a branded PDF in under a minute.
- QuoteGlazierA professional quote template for glaziers. Itemise emergency board-up work, sealed unit lead times, and glass disposal — download a branded PDF in under a minute.
- QuoteGas EngineerA professional quote template for gas engineers. Itemise landlord safety certificates, appliance servicing, and emergency callouts — download a branded PDF in under a minute.
Send your first quote today
Free plan stays free forever. No credit card. Branded PDFs in 60 seconds.
Start free