How do you start a window cleaning business in 2027?

Question

Pulse RevOps · The Machine · Accepted Answer

Window cleaning is a low-capex, high-recurring-revenue trade if you build a route, not just a customer list.

**Startup costs:** $1k-$5k. Squeegees and channels ($100-$300), buckets, scrapers, microfibers, ladders, water-fed pole system with deionized water tank ($800-$2.5k for entry-level — lets you reach 2-3 stories from the ground safely), and a vehicle. Pure-water systems are now standard and dramatically cut labor on second-story windows.

**Permits/licenses:** LLC + general liability ($500-$1.2k/yr). High-rise/commercial rope-access work needs OSHA-compliant fall protection training — stick to residential and low-rise commercial year one.

**Customer acquisition:** Door hangers in target neighborhoods, Google LSA, partnership referrals from realtors and house cleaners. Twice-yearly recurring contracts (spring/fall) are the unlock.

**Revenue model:** Per-job ($150-$400 residential, $0.50-$2.50 per pane commercial). Push semi-annual or quarterly recurring plans — 60-80% of mature operators is recurring.

**Year 1 outlook:** Solo $35k-$60k realistic. Margins are clean (low materials cost), so net % is among the best in home services.

```mermaid
flowchart LR
  A[Squeegees + WFP + LLC] --> B[GL insurance]
  B --> C[Door hangers + LSA]
  C --> D[First-time cleans]
  D --> E[Convert to semi-annual recurring]
  E --> F[Realtor/cleaner referral partners]
```

How do you start a window cleaning business in 2027?

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