Cost of Developing an On-Demand House Cleaning App: A Definitive Guide

Currently, there’s been a noticeable surge in door-to-door services, especially with the emergence of various dimensions like increased internet access, profiling smartphone users, and the growing popularity of on-demand apps. One such app that has gained significant traction is the on-demand house cleaning app. 

With the busy and hectic lifestyles of people today, the need for convenient and efficient house cleaning services has become essential.

If you ask, “How much does it cost to develop an on-demand house cleaning app?” the answer is – it is not straightforward to give an exact figure on app development cost.

The cost can vary depending on several factors such as the features and functionalities included, the platform (iOS, Android, or both), and the development team’s rates. Generally, the development cost of a basic on-demand house-cleaning app can range from $10,000 to $50,000.

However, considering the increasing interest and potential in this sector now is an opportune moment to delve into the world of on-demand house cleaning app development.

Wondering how to kickstart the process? Well, let’s break it down.

What Is an On-Demanding House Cleaning App?

 An on-demand house cleaning app is a mobile application that connects homeowners or renters with local cleaning service providers. Users can browse available cleaning services, view prices, and book appointments through the app.

The app also provides features like real-time tracking of cleaners, secure payment options, and ratings and reviews for service providers.

Usually, these house cleaning apps have profiles of local providers with their contact details, rates, and services offered.

Besides, there may be an option available like a live chat, a map, a booking calendar, and reviews from other users. The listed individual or company professionals then offer services like-

• Basic house Cleaning
• Bathroom Cleaning
• Window Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning
• Curtain Cleaning
• Kitchen Cleaning
• Sanitization services, and more. 

All these services can be booked for a specific time slot and can be tracked in real-time through the application.

In short, the development of an on-demand house cleaning app makes the process of finding, hiring, and scheduling cleaning services more easy. 

On-Demand House Cleaning App- Market Insight

Before diving into the development process, it’s essential to gain insights into the on-demand house cleaning app market.

According to recent reports, by the end of the year 2023, revenue in the Household Cleaners market is forecast to total US$7.73bn in the United States. Moreover, during 2023-2028, the market will grow by 2.84% annually.

• The home services market is projected to grow to a whopping $1574.86 billion.
• The residential cleaning industry will experience an annual growth rate of approximately 20%, reaching a value of nearly $40.38 billion. 
• In fact, the house cleaning industry has emerged as the fastest-growing industry in the United States, currently generating around $20 billion in sales per year, with an annual growth rate of 20%. 
• The data suggests that roughly 10% of all landlords in the United States use cleaning services to keep their homes tidy. 
• The cleaning service market is highly profitable in countries such as the USA, UK, Australia, France, Germany, and India. The Asia-Pacific region holds the topmost position globally in terms of household cleaning product sales. 

This is a clear indication of the ever-increasing demand for house cleaning services and related products. 

To capitalize on this growing market, developing an on-demand house cleaning app can be a lucrative business opportunity. However, it’s crucial to understand the key features, functionalities, and costs involved in developing such an app.

In the next sections, we will discuss the must-have features, development process, and cost breakdown to help you navigate the journey of creating a successful on-demand house cleaning app.

How Does On-Demand House Cleaning App Work?

Back when we were appointing a house cleaner we had to do everything on our own. Whether it is finding a suitable cleaner, setting up schedules, negotiating the pay rate, and so on.

Today, things are different. Just like how we used to easily get a ride with an app like Uber, we can now do the same for booking a house cleaner. There are on-demand house cleaning apps that make it simple.

Moreover, this online platform works in a fairly straightforward manner. Just like the restaurant-to-consumer food delivery industry, on-demand house cleaning services also operate through two primary models: 

• Platform to Consumer
• Service Provider to Consumer.

Platform to Consumer Model:

In such a model, the service provider maintains its own network of professional cleaners, trained, background checked, and quality controlled. Customers place requests on the app or platform, and the platform assigns a cleaner to fulfill the task.

Here’s how it works:

1. Sign-up: Customers sign up for the app, providing their personal information like name, email address, contact number, etc.
2. Browse Services: The app offers different cleaning services, from regular house cleaning to deep cleaning and specific services like carpet cleaning or window cleaning. The user can choose the desired service and specify any additional requirements.
3. Schedule a Visit: After selecting a service, the user picks a date and time convenient to them. They also provide their home location for the cleaners.
4. Confirm and Pay: Once everything is in place, the user confirms the booking and makes a payment via the app. They receive a confirmation message with the details of the booked cleaner and the cleaning service.
5. Service Execution: On the selected day and time, the cleaner visits the customer’s location and performs the requested cleaning services.
6. Rate and Review: After the completion of the job, customers rate and review the cleaner and their services based on their experience.

Service Provider to Consumer Model:

In this model, the app functions more like a marketplace, connecting individual cleaners or cleaning companies directly with consumers. Cleaners can sign up and list their services, and consumers can choose from various cleaners based on ratings, reviews, or special offers.

It works similarly to the Platform to Consumer model, with the primary difference being that the cleaner is responsible for executing the service, rather than an employee of the app company.

Advantages of Developing an On-Demand House Cleaning App

On-demand house cleaning applications offer several advantages for different stakeholders, including founders, cleaners, and customers:

For Founders:

1. Larger Market: The on-demand cleaning app enables founders to reach a larger audience beyond geographical restrictions. As the app is accessible from anywhere, it enables the founders to target customers across different cities or even countries.
2. Higher Profits: As the app automates several operational aspects like scheduling, payment, and tracking, it significantly reduces operational costs and improves profitability.
3. Competitive Advantage: With features like real-time tracking, feedback system, easy scheduling, etc., founders can differentiate their service from traditional cleaning services.
4. Brand Building: An intuitive and user-friendly app helps in building a strong brand image, and customer-centric features like personalized services, transparency, convenience, and instant assistance can foster customer loyalty.

For Cleaners:

1. Job Flexibility: Cleaners can enjoy job flexibility by choosing their preferred timings, location, and type of work, providing a greater work-life balance.
2. Better Pay: Direct booking from customers can potentially earn them more money compared to when they work with traditional cleaning service companies. The feature of tips added in the app can provide them with extra earnings.
3. Job Security: With regular job updates on the app, cleaners can have a secure and steady flow of income.

For Customers:

1. Convenience: Customers can schedule a cleaning service at their preferred time and location with just a few clicks.
2. Transparency: The app provides transparency in terms of pricing, services offered, and cleaner details.
3. High-quality Services: Customers have the chance to read reviews and ratings of the cleaners, ensuring they get a reliable and high-quality cleaning service.
4. Multiple Payment Options: Customers can pay with ease through different modes of payment options available in the app.

Must-have Features for an On-demand House Cleaning App

User Panel:

Feature	Description
User Registration	Users can create accounts and manage their profiles.
Service Booking	Ability to schedule and book cleaning services on-demand.
Real-time Tracking	Live tracking of the cleaner’s location and estimated arrival time.
In-App Chat	Communication between users and cleaners within the app.
Payment Integration	Secure payment gateways for seamless transactions.
Service Ratings and Reviews	Users can rate and review cleaning services.
Push Notifications	Alerts for booking confirmations, cleaner arrivals, etc.
Schedule Management	Users can reschedule or cancel appointments as needed.
Price Estimation	Transparent cost breakdown and estimation before booking.
Loyalty Program	Reward system for loyal customers with discounts or perks.
FAQ and Support	Access to FAQs and customer support for assistance.

Cleaner Panel:

Feature	Description
Cleaner Registration	Cleaners can create profiles and provide necessary details.
Job Acceptance	Accept or reject cleaning requests based on availability.
GPS Navigation	Navigation assistance to reach the user’s location efficiently.
Job Details	Access to detailed information about the cleaning job.
In-App Chat	Communication with users for clarifications or updates.
Job Completion	Marking jobs as completed with details and status updates.
Earnings and Payouts	Track earnings, view payment history, and request payouts.
Ratings and Reviews	View and respond to user ratings and reviews.
Availability Status	Set availability status and update working hours.
Training and Resources	Access to training materials and guidelines for cleaners.

Admin Panel:

Feature	Description
Dashboard	Overview of user and cleaner activities, bookings, and revenue.
User and Cleaner Management	Manage user and cleaner profiles, reviews, and ratings.
Service Management	Control and update available cleaning services and pricing.
Real-time Analytics	Monitor app performance, user engagement, and trends.
Push Notifications	Send announcements, updates, or alerts to users and cleaners.
Dispute Resolution	Resolve issues between users and cleaners efficiently.
Commission Management	Set and manage commission rates for cleaners.
Reports and Insights	Generate reports for business insights and decision-making.
Marketing Tools	Implement marketing strategies and promotions within the app.
App Settings	Configure app settings, including language and currency.

 

Step By Step Guide To Develop an On-demand House Cleaning App

Now you have a good understanding of how an on-demand house cleaning app works and what the benefits are for stakeholders, so let’s get started on creating your own.

Step 1: Perform Market Research 

The first step in creating an on-demand house-cleaning app is researching your niche market and competition.

Start with market research to determine the demand for a house cleaning app in your target location. Identify your target audience and their needs. 

Who will be using your app, and what specific needs or pain points do they have when it comes to house cleaning services? 

• Are they busy professionals looking for quick and efficient cleaning services? 
• Are they elderly individuals or individuals with disabilities who require assistance with household chores?

You can gather data through surveys, interviews, focus groups, or by analyzing online reviews of existing house cleaning apps. 

After knowing all these, you can develop a unique value proposition for your app that will differentiate it from others and make it more appealing to potential users. This step is critical in ensuring that you develop an app that will not only be useful but also profitable in the long run. 

Step 2: Define the Features and Functionalities

All you need is to choose the essential features and functionality for your on-demand house cleaning app. 

For example, if you are targeting-

• • Busy professionals: Features like real-time booking, schedule management, and payment integration would be essential. 
  • Elderly individuals:  An easy-to-use interface, appointment reminders, and caregiver monitoring may be important features.
  • Individuals with disabilities: Features like voice-controlled commands, personalized assistance, and an accessible user interface would be crucial.

The features and functionalities you include in your app will determine the user experience, and thus it’s crucial to select the features carefully.

Furthermore, you don’t have to include all the features at once, start with the basics, and gradually add additional functionalities based on user feedback.

Step 3: Choose the Platform and Technology

Whether you want to develop the app for iOS, Android, or both? Will you use Flutter or React Native?

Therefore, your next step is to – determine the platform and technology stack for your on-demand house-cleaning app. 

Each platform has its own set of requirements and considerations. iOS development typically requires knowledge of Swift or Objective-C, while Android development requires knowledge of Java or Kotlin.

You also need to decide whether to develop a smart app that has integration with advanced technologies like AI,  machine learning, or IoT.

So, have a look at your target audience, budget, and time constraints when making this decision.

Step 4:  Create a Wireframe and Design Prototype

The wireframe will act as a blueprint for your app design, similar to a floor plan for a building.

Use software like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD to create the wireframe. It should show the architecture of your on-demand house cleaning app’s interface and provide an idea of how users will navigate through it.

Once you’re happy with your wireframe, move on to designing a prototype. This involves adding more detail, colors, typography, images, animations, and so on. Your prototype should mimic the final app as closely as possible to help you spot any design issues or UX problems before starting the coding process.

Step 5: Choose a Reliable Development Team and Develop an app:

Choosing a reliable development team is essential for creating a successful on-demand house cleaning app. Look for a mobile app development company that has previously worked on similar projects and can offer you the necessary technical expertise. 

You should also consider factors such as communication skills, project management experience, and their ability to meet deadlines.

Once you have found the right team, the development process can begin. Ask them to develop MVP (Minimum Viable Product) first, which is a simplified version of the app with the core features. 

This allows you to test the app in the market and gather feedback from users before investing further resources into the app development process.

Step 6: Test and Launch Your On-Demand House Cleaning App

Once the development of the app is complete, it’s time to test it. This involves running multiple tests on the app to ensure that it works smoothly and without any errors. You can use tools like Appium, XCUITest, or Espresso for testing your on-demand house cleaning app.

After testing, you can launch your app on the app stores (Apple App Store or Google Play Store). 

Before launching the app, make sure to follow all the guidelines set by the app stores. You should also focus on promoting your app to your target audience using social media, paid ads, and other marketing channels.

Finally, monitor the app’s performance and gather feedback from users. Use this feedback to improve the app and add more features as required.

Cost To Develop An On-Demand House Cleaning App

Creating an on-demand house cleaning app involves strategic planning and assembling a skilled team. The necessary roles include a product owner, project manager, mobile developers for both Android and iOS, back-end developers, a UI/UX designer, a business analyst, and a QA engineer. 

Depending on your preference and circumstances, you have the answer to App development cost for developing an on-demand House Cleaning App.

Moreover, let’s delve into the rough cost estimates for different types of on-demand house-cleaning apps:

1. Basic Cleaning Service App:

Features: User registration, service booking, real-time tracking, in-app chat, payment integration, service ratings, reviews, and push notifications.

• Development Time: Approximately 2–3 months.
• Cost Estimate: $40,000–$50,000.

2. Full-Featured Cleaning App:

Features: Enhanced features like schedule management, loyalty program, FAQ and support, cleaner availability status, and training resources.

• Development Time: 3–4 months.
• Cost Estimate: $60,000–$75,000.

3. Comprehensive Cleaning Solution:

Features: Advanced features such as an admin dashboard, reports and insights, marketing tools, commission management, and dispute resolution.

• Development Time: 4–5 months.
• Cost Estimate: $80,000–$100,000.

We at ScalaCode

With a wealth of experience in crafting innovative IT solutions for diverse businesses, our expertise positions us as the ideal partner for developing cutting-edge applications tailored to your specific needs. Allow us to guide you through the planning and execution of your on-demand house cleaning app development, ensuring a seamless service that will make a notable entrance into the market.