We've been pretty good at guessing an average size rm (200sf) takes between 30-45 min full process ( pre-vac,pre-spray ,rake in,spot clean ,extract,post vac, protect, groom and set up dryer) including move furn. We charge .50sf to clean and .25 to protect... that equals $150 (or more with less time) per hr..1 man .. don't really need to rush ..I'm happy with $150-300an hr--1or2 men ..if you're rushing..you're not charging enough..
I used to charge flat rate $35 per room .. that included pre spray,move furniture and some light spotting..nothing else ..1 man 15 min per room... add $20 per rm to protect and add 5 more min per rm would equal 3 rooms an hr for $165 .. some would think .. wow that's $140-$165 an hr less hassle.. the way I look at it is ..the new way, I'm taking more steps per room and getting $150 per hr for all the steps.. (machine doesn't come on til I'm ready to pre-spray) the other way I would have to do more rooms to equal the income.. I'd run out of rooms to do.