E.W.
It depends on how much of a clean you're looking for. Someone who is inexperienced I would probably pay by the hour or say that you only need them for 3 hours and will pay them $30 and leave a list for them to do. If they are more experienced, they will charge you by the house. When I first started, I cleaned houses for $10/hour, got as much from the list done in 4 hours. The women I cleaned for would list everything according to priority. And there are certain things I just would not do. I don't wax/polish wood furniture, don't wash sheets, don't pick up children's messes, don't do dishes....you have to determine what you're wanting done. My mother has been cleaning for years and charges $100 per house, regardless of how long it takes. She does not follow a list or do odd jobs but does the same things every week...dusting, windexing, vacuuming, moping, bathroom toilet, tub, shower and counters, and the kitchen appliances and counters, as well as all floors whether carpet, wood, or tile. If there's a mess of toys, she cleans around it. She treats every house the same and has only made one exception for a woman with MS who can't move very well. So sit down and really determine what your needs are, then decide what you're willing to pay.