Looking after a property

[Caroline429]

Hello, I have been asked to manage a 5 bedroomed family home, whilst the homeowners are aways at their holiday home.  What are the things I need to cost for? 

1. Cleaner 

2. Laundry  

3. My management time

4. Public Liability Insurance

5. Pool Cleaner 

6. Gardener  

Can you think of anything else?  What should I do next?  

Thanks 

Caroline 

[Ben205]

It's really a question of how long it will take to turn over the property between bookings. Make sure you have long enough (or enough people to help).

We do everything ourselves, for a two bedroom house. I reckon it takes me about 8 hours to clean, wash, iron and put the place right after each guest. This varies depending on things like the number of guests, small children, dogs, etc.

Getting flowers (from our allotment), putting together a welcome basket, cleaning the shower screen - all take time. Some guests will use every towel in the house, even those hidden in the closet!

I would suggest asking your friend how long they take for each booking, then add a couple of hours as you are new to the job. Then work out an hourly rate you'll be happy with and see what they say.

[Caroline429]

Thank you - I will have the help of two cleaners and we would probably send the laundry / towels out.  So they are hoping it would get done between 10.00 - 1500. Do you think that is possible?  

[Marzena4]

@Caroline429 Imho, it's enough. But you need to remember that a lot depends on one's pace of working. And that pool worries me most. If some detergents are to be applied or foliage removed...

[Caroline429]

Yes I will have to ask the owner about that. 

Thank you for posting