In-House Cleaner Vs. Outsourced Cleaning: Which Is Best?

TLDR

Property Managers face a key decision between using in-house staff and hiring a professional communal area cleaning company, with the latter offering superior consistency and value. While in-house staff may offer perceived control, they suffer from training gaps, high management demands and hidden costs related to HR and equipment. Professional services mitigate these issues by providing trained, safety-compliant staff, predictable all-inclusive costs and crucial on-site support by acting as the "eyes and ears” of the building to proactively report maintenance issues. Therefore, outsourcing cleaning is generally the most effective strategy for ensuring high resident satisfaction and protecting long-term property value in large or complex blocks.

Introduction

For Property Managers, keeping shared spaces in good condition is vital. Clean lobbies, stairwells, lifts, and bin stores shape how residents feel about their building and how visitors perceive it. So when it comes to communal block cleaning, one key question arises: should you rely on in-house staff or hire a professional communal areas cleaning service?

Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of each approach.

The Case For In-House Staff

On the surface, employing in-house cleaners might feel straightforward. You recruit directly, set their tasks and see them as part of your own team. For some managers, this offers a sense of control.

But in practice, there are challenges:

• Training gaps - In-house staff may not receive professional training, leading to inconsistent standards.
• Supervision demands - Managers must oversee cleaning directly, which takes time away from other priorities.
• Limited awareness - Staff who are focussed only on their routine may not notice or report issues such as broken lights or damage.
• Hidden costs - Recruitment, HR, equipment, and cover for sickness or holidays can make in-house staff less cost-effective than they appear.

The Benefits Of A Professional Communal Area Cleaning Service

Hiring a professional communal areas cleaning service shifts responsibility to a specialist provider. This approach offers:

• Trained staff - Professional cleaners are trained in hygiene, safety, and best practice, ensuring consistent standards.
• Eyes and ears of the building - Cleaners proactively report issues like broken windows, carpet stains or blown lightbulbs before residents complain.
• Time saving - Property managers don’t have to supervise day-to-day cleaning.
• Predictable costs - Equipment, training, and cover are all included in the service.
• Consistency - Standards are monitored and schedules are tailored to each block’s needs.

This not only reduces complaints but also protects property value and enhances resident satisfaction.

Why Many Managers Choose Professional Services

When you weigh out the options, the difference is clear. While in-house cleaning might suit small, low-traffic sites, larger or more complex buildings benefit significantly from outsourcing. A professional communal area cleaning service provides the peace of mind that every corner of your block is maintained to a high standard, without adding to your workload.

At Jaguar Contract Cleaning Services, we understand the unique demands of communal block cleaning. Our trained, supported teams work proactively - cleaning thoroughly and reporting issues before they become problems. With one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the industry (just 15%), our clients enjoy a consistent, reliable service that keeps residents happy. Learn more about our block cleaning services. 

When choosing between in-house staff and a contractor, the hidden costs and risks of direct employment often outweigh the perceived benefits. A professional communal areas cleaning service delivers consistency, safety, and long-term value - while giving managers time back to focus on other priorities. Ready to experience the benefits of professional block cleaning? Make an enquiry today.