How to Do a Window Cleaning Count and How to Make Sure it is Done Correctly

A window count is a method employed by many window cleaners to determine how big the job is going to be. The information they’re looking for is how many windows you have, what style and type of windows they are, where they’re located, and what their access is. A window count is a little more detailed than, “My home has 32 windows.” Window cleaners need a little more information.

Typically, a window cleaning company will send someone out to do the window count, but if time is of the essence, or there’s a deadline coming up, they may ask for your help. Here are the basics on how to do a window count:

1. Familiarize yourself with the different types of windows.
2. Prepare a clipboard, a piece of paper, and a pencil or pen. It is recommended to have two because you never want your pen to run out while you’re on the job site while trying to figure out how much your customer’s job is going to be. Start at the front door and work your way around, clockwise or counter-clockwise around the home. This way, you won’t count any windows twice, and you’ll be sure not to miss anything. Common windows on a window count are 6/6s, casements, and picture windows. On your piece of paper, list out the home by floor (ex. second floor on the upper right side, first floor on the lower right side). Break out any other structures that may or may not be part of the job (ex. attached garage).
3. List the type of window.  You see a 6/6 (write 6/6 on the upper right side) that is a double-hung window, 6 panes over 6 panes. Put a hash mark down for the number you see. It makes it easy to count them and to add them up once you’re finished. Large casements, medium picture windows, list them by floor to make it a little bit easier for a customer to pick and choose if they need to alter their job at another time.  
4. Know if you did it correctly. With everything else, the best way is to check your work. Take another walk around the home. Make sure nothing was missed and you paid attention to detail: Is this truly a 6 pane over 6 pane divided light window? Or does it have a mullion insert that can be removed? A slider is counted as two. Two sets of sliders equal 4 panes of glass, that’s why each set of sliders is counted as two, not one.

Also, something to look out for: many people say, “I have a bay window.” A bay window is actually three windows, not one. Typically, it is two double-hung windows with a picture window in the center. Completely understand the estimate that you’ll be getting. You want to be able to know that that’s three openings and not just one. Understanding that will help you understand the price you’re getting from your window cleaning company and also double-check your work.

In doing your window count:

Start on the central spot (usually the front door),

Work your way around labeling each type of window and putting a hash mark down, and  

Separate it by floor so it’s easy to understand the job.

If select areas have to be done at a later date, it’s easy for your window cleaning company and for yourself to know what to expect for costs. the best way to double-check your work is to take another walk around.

Make sure it’s right.