Deciding between an in-house janitor vs janitorial service is a significant choice for Canadian businesses. According to Statistics Canada, facility maintenance costs represent a substantial portion of operating expenses for most businesses.

This guide compares both options with honest cost analysis, helping you make the right decision for your facility.

In-House vs Outsourced: Quick Comparison

True Cost Comparison

In-House Janitor: Full Cost Breakdown

For a full-time janitor in Ontario:

• Base salary: $35,000–$45,000 CAD annually ($17–$22/hour)
• Employer CPP/EI contributions: ~$3,500 CAD annually
• Benefits (if provided): $3,000–$6,000 CAD annually
• Vacation pay: 4% minimum = $1,400–$1,800 CAD
• Equipment and supplies: $2,000–$5,000 CAD annually
• Training: $500–$1,000 CAD annually
• Workers’ compensation: $1,000–$2,000 CAD annually

Total annual cost: $46,000–$65,000 CAD ($3,800–$5,400 monthly)

Janitorial Service: Typical Costs

For comparable service (5 days/week, 2,500 sq ft office):

• Monthly service fee: $600–$1,200 CAD
• Supplies and equipment: Usually included
• Backup coverage: Included
• Training and supervision: Included

Total annual cost: $7,200–$14,400 CAD

Cost Savings with Outsourcing

For most small to medium offices, outsourcing saves $30,000–$50,000 annually compared to a full-time in-house janitor.

Pros and Cons of In-House Janitors

Advantages

• Direct control: Immediate supervision and task prioritization
• Flexibility: Available for immediate needs and emergencies
• Facility knowledge: Deep familiarity with your specific space
• Consistency: Same person every day
• Multi-tasking: Can handle light maintenance, deliveries, other duties
• Security: Known, trusted individual with building access

Disadvantages

• Higher total cost: Salary, benefits, payroll taxes add up
• HR burden: Hiring, training, performance management, termination
• No backup: Vacation, sick days, or turnover creates gaps
• Equipment costs: You purchase and maintain all equipment
• Training responsibility: WHMIS certification and ongoing training
• Limited expertise: One person may lack specialized skills

Pros and Cons of Janitorial Services

Advantages

• Lower cost: Pay only for cleaning hours needed
• No HR burden: Company handles hiring, training, payroll
• Guaranteed coverage: Substitutes for sick days or vacations
• Professional equipment: Commercial-grade tools and products included
• Specialized expertise: Access to trained professionals
• Scalability: Easy to adjust service levels up or down
• Insurance included: Liability coverage in service contract

Disadvantages

• Less direct control: Communication through contract management
• Rotating staff: Different cleaners may work your facility
• Scheduled service: May not be available for immediate needs
• Contract constraints: Changes may require renegotiation
• Quality variability: Depends on company supervision

When to Choose Each Option

Choose In-House Janitor When:

• Large facility (10,000+ sq ft): Full-time work justifies the cost
• Multi-role needs: Janitor also handles maintenance, security, or other duties
• Specialized requirements: Unique cleaning needs requiring dedicated expertise
• Immediate availability critical: Manufacturing, healthcare with urgent cleaning needs
• Strong preference for control: Direct supervision is essential

Choose Janitorial Service When:

• Small to medium office (under 10,000 sq ft): Part-time cleaning is sufficient
• Cost efficiency priority: Maximize value per cleaning dollar
• No HR capacity: Limited ability to manage additional employees
• Standard cleaning needs: Typical office environment without specialized requirements
• Flexible scheduling: After-hours or weekend cleaning preferred

Hybrid Approach

Some businesses combine both: a part-time in-house janitor for daily touch-ups and immediate needs, plus a janitorial service for weekly deep cleaning and specialized tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to hire a janitor or use a cleaning service?

For most small to medium businesses, janitorial services cost 50–75% less than a full-time in-house janitor when you factor in salary, benefits, equipment, and training costs.

What size facility justifies an in-house janitor?

Generally, facilities over 10,000 sq ft with daily cleaning needs can justify the cost of a full-time janitor. Smaller facilities typically get better value from janitorial services.

Can a janitorial service match the quality of an in-house janitor?

Yes, reputable janitorial services with good quality control often deliver more consistent results due to professional training and supervision. Choose companies with clear quality assurance processes.

How do I transition from in-house to outsourced cleaning?

Plan a 2–4 week overlap period. Have the janitorial service shadow your current janitor to learn facility specifics. Document all procedures and create a detailed scope of work.

How much do janitorial services cost in Ottawa?

Janitorial services in Ottawa typically cost $25–$45 per hour or $400–$1,000 monthly for a 2,500 sq ft office with daily service.

Conclusion

The choice between an in-house janitor vs janitorial service depends on your facility size, budget, and operational needs. For most Canadian businesses with offices under 10,000 sq ft, outsourcing to a professional janitorial service delivers better value with lower costs and reduced administrative burden.

Larger facilities or those with specialized needs may benefit from in-house staff, while many businesses find success with a hybrid approach combining both options.

Ready to explore professional janitorial services? Contact GoodCleaner for a free quote on commercial cleaning in Ottawa!