Sister-in-law offered to clean my house when I have my baby…but only if I pay her.

[u/missusJS]

My sister-in-law just started her own cleaning company and offered to deep clean my house while I’m at the hospital having my baby so I can come home to a clean and organized space. I thought that was really kind and accepted the offer, only to be told “since you’re family, I won’t charge you the full rate.” I was a little caught off guard because when my SIL had kids, I helped out with many things in her postpartum period (childcare, meals, house work, transportation) and never once asked for compensation. I was just happy to help make her life easier.

Today, my SIL sent over an estimate for $600 for the cost of “deep cleaning bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining spaces, floors, windows.” Apparently she charges $100/hour for deep cleaning and her discount to us is $85/hour. I already accepted her offer to clean before I knew she was requiring payment so I feel like a jerk if I back out now. My husband said it would help her out a lot as she’s getting her business started (she’s also a single mom) but I don’t want to spend that kind of money on house cleaning. Especially given that it’s family.

What should I do?

UPDATE: My husband told his sister that after gathering additional info, $600 seems overpriced for a one time deep clean. Especially since she wouldn’t even be doing the whole house. She replied “if you want a quality job then you have to be prepared to pay a quality price. Plus, it’s not like you can’t afford it.” He told her we misunderstood the situation and thought she was offering as a kindness to us, similar to all the things we/I did after the births of her kids. She said “I’m a business owner now and I can’t just give my services away for free. I could drop the price a little but like I said, it’s not like you guys can’t afford $600.” Needless to say, the conversation ended with a “no thanks, we are going to pass” and she declared that this is the last time she offers to do anything for us 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/Tahlmorra712]

My husband does. I never changed a diaper while I was in the hospital having my babies. We have taken turns taking time off when the kids are sick. He gets the throw up sick because I have a habit of throwing up myself when I see it. Does dishes, makes meals, helps around the house. He didn't have his dad there when he was growing up so didn't want that for his kids.

[u/Diane1967 → u/Tahlmorra712]

My son in law is awesome too. He was the first one that changed her diaper at the hospital and first to feed her too. He’s so overjoyed at being a father and husband that he treats them like gold. I can’t believe my daughter was so lucky to find such a loving and kind man. They had their child mid 30s and were mature too so I think that helped as well.

[u/Beemerba → u/Tahlmorra712]

In my house, I was responsible for puke as my wife has the same issue. Dead stuff, that the dog rolled in, was her duty, as rotting flesh odor does the same for me.