One of the biggest challenges for property preservation contractors is knowing what to charge. Price too high and you lose bids. Price too low and you're working for nothing.
This guide breaks down standard property preservation rates for 2025, factors that affect pricing, and how to ensure your jobs are profitable.
How Property Preservation Pricing Works
Unlike traditional contracting where you set your own prices, property preservation often involves:
- Set pricing from nationals - Companies like Safeguard and Five Brothers have predetermined rates for standard services
- Bid-based work - Some jobs require you to submit a bid for approval
- Regional variations - Rates vary significantly by location
Understanding this structure helps you decide which work orders are worth taking and which to pass on.
Standard Property Preservation Rates (2025)
Lawn Care Services
| Service | Low Rate | High Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cut (overgrown) | $75 | $200 | Depends on lot size and condition |
| Maintenance Cut (standard) | $35 | $65 | Regular monthly cuts |
| Maintenance Cut (large lot) | $65 | $125 | Over 1/2 acre |
| Shrub Trimming | $35 | $100 | Per job |
| Weed Treatment | $25 | $75 | Chemical application |
Securing Services
| Service | Low Rate | High Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock Change (1-2 locks) | $40 | $75 | Standard rekey |
| Lock Change (3+ locks) | $75 | $125 | Larger properties |
| Padlock Installation | $15 | $35 | Per lock |
| Window Boarding (per window) | $35 | $85 | Depends on size |
| Door Boarding | $50 | $150 | Depends on type |
Winterization Services
| Service | Low Rate | High Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Winterization | $125 | $225 | Up to 2 bathrooms |
| Extended Winterization | $175 | $325 | 3+ bathrooms |
| Radiant Heat Systems | $200 | $400 | More complex |
| Re-winterization | $75 | $150 | After break-in or damage |
Debris Removal
| Service | Low Rate | High Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Debris (1-5 cubic yards) | $25 | $40 | Per cubic yard |
| Heavy Debris (5+ cubic yards) | $30 | $50 | Per cubic yard |
| Hazardous Materials | Bid | Bid | Always bid these |
| Full Trash-out | $500 | $3,000+ | Depends on property |
Inspections
| Service | Low Rate | High Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupancy Inspection | $25 | $45 | Drive-by or door knock |
| Interior Inspection | $40 | $75 | Full photo documentation |
| Insurance Inspection | $50 | $125 | Detailed condition report |
Factors That Affect Your Pricing
Geographic Location
- High cost areas (California, New York): Rates 20-40% higher
- Rural areas: May pay more due to travel but fewer jobs available
- Competitive markets (Florida, Texas): More pressure on pricing
Property Condition
- Overgrown properties take longer than maintained ones
- Extreme weather damage requires bid adjustments
- Properties with code violations need detailed documentation
Client Requirements
- Some clients require specific materials (name-brand antifreeze, commercial-grade padlocks)
- Photo requirements vary significantly
- Turnaround time expectations affect your scheduling
How to Calculate Your True Costs
Many contractors focus on revenue without understanding their actual costs. Here's a simple formula:
Job Profit = Payment - (Labor + Materials + Travel + Overhead)
Example: Standard Lawn Cut
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Payment received | $50 |
| Labor (30 min @ $20/hr) | -$10 |
| Fuel (truck + mower) | -$8 |
| Equipment wear | -$3 |
| Insurance allocation | -$2 |
| Software/admin | -$2 |
| Actual profit | $25 |
That $50 job is really a $25 job. Now you can calculate how many jobs per day you need to hit your income goals.
When to Say No to a Job
Not every work order is worth taking. Consider passing when:
- Travel time exceeds work time - A $50 job 45 minutes away isn't profitable
- The bid won't cover costs - Don't take losses hoping for future work
- Requirements are unrealistic - 200 photos for a $35 inspection isn't sustainable
- Payment terms are poor - Net 60+ payment on materials-heavy jobs hurts cash flow
How to Increase Your Effective Rate
1. Route Optimization
Group jobs by location. Completing 8 jobs in one area beats 5 scattered jobs.
2. Efficiency Through Technology
Contractors using property preservation software complete jobs 20-30% faster by:
- Pre-loading work order requirements
- Capturing compliant photos automatically
- Generating reports instantly
- Eliminating paperwork time
3. Reduce Rework
Charge-backs and rejected work orders kill profitability. Proper documentation the first time prevents:
- Return trips
- Disputed payments
- Lost time arguing with clients
4. Negotiate Volume Pricing
Once you're established with a national, discuss:
- Priority routing for your coverage area
- Rate increases based on performance
- Additional service categories
Pricing for Profitability
The most successful property preservation contractors know their numbers. They understand:
- Exactly what each job costs them
- Their minimum acceptable profit margin
- Which clients and job types are most profitable
- When to bid higher and when to pass
This requires tracking every job, every expense, and every hour. Modern contractors use software to automate this tracking and generate insights about their most and least profitable work.