Things To Consider

About us ◦ A different level of service ◦ Things to consider ◦ Rates ◦ Contact

There are several issues to consider when hiring a cleaning service:

Be sure to request a copy of a provider’s insurance declarations page or certificate. Also be sure to request the name and telephone number of their insurance agent so that you can be sure that their policy is still in effect and in-force. This will protect you from being sued if the provider or its employees injure themselves, and it will help you to recoup losses from theft or other financial loss.

Be sure to ask for references. A reputable provider will happily give you three references of existing clients.

Request all services to be provided and all of their associated charges are in writing. While in many cases a formal contract is not necessary, this will still protect you in the event of a dispute regarding any guarantee the provider may offer.

In most cases, a provider will provide a flat-rate fee structure based upon their estimate of the time involved. This flat rate fee is really their standard hourly rate computed at the amount of time they believe the project will take. Some providers will leave once their time estimate is met, whether the project is completed or not, or they will cut corners. To protect yourself be sure to request in writing what services will provided under a flat rate agreement, regardless of the time involved.

Ask a potential provider what is included in their quote. Are all supplies and equipment provided or will you be requested to supply products and equipment at additional expense? How long are their rates guaranteed for? Will you be charged any additional fees or expenses?

A potential service provider should give you options in their fee structure. In some cases a flat-rate will be more expensive than an hourly rate, or a rate hybrid.

Cheaper is not always better. Everyone wants to receive the biggest bang for their buck, especially given the current economic conditions. A good service provider will not be the cheapest, but they will be the most thorough.

A service provider should ask you questions regarding your needs and should spend the time to find out what services you wish for them to provide. They should not simply push a standard basket of services. Also, they should address your questions and concerns directly and immediately.

Request direct access to the owner of the organization in case any problems should arise. Be sure to request their complete contact information. Additionally, the owner of the organization should maintain an ongoing dialogue and relationship with you. You are paying for a service and you should not be treated as a number.

If the prospective service provider is a larger company, request in writing that the same cleaning people come to your home or office at each service visit. The more frequently a service provider comes into your home, the more efficient they become. This is especially important if you are paying on an hourly basis.

Obtain several quotes and conduct interviews with the actual cleaning people who will be coming into your home and interacting with you, your family, and your pets.

In short, a good, honest, and reputable provider should offer to provide you with a detailed service plan and fee structure in writing; and they should provide you with valid proof of insurance and licensure.