Do you need a little extra help around the house? Whether you are short on time or just don’t have an eye for it, hiring a maid or cleaning service can be a total lifesaver. Having a busy work or family life sometimes makes house cleaning services a necessity rather than a luxury.
While deciding you need to hire someone is quick and easy, finding the right company usually isn’t. To make the process a little easier, we’ve come up with a list of 8 questions to ask your potential house cleaner that will tell you everything you need to know before making it official.
1. What Are Your Rates?
According to CBA, the average hourly rate for professional house cleaning services in the US is anywhere between $24-$45 per hour. Some companies charge hourly rates, while others may charge by the project. Get an estimate of how long it will take them to complete the job and make sure it fits in your budget. Many companies offer discounts to incentivize new customers, ask if they have any promotions that can be applied.
2. What Services Are Included?
Cleaning companies typically offer several types of cleaning services to fit the many needs of their residential and commercial customers. Some different service types include regular cleaning, deep cleaning (or spring cleaning), move-in or move-out cleaning and so forth. Make a list of tasks that you wish to have completed and discuss them ahead of time so both you and your pro are on the same page about cost and expectations.
3. Do You Bring Your Own Supplies?
Some cleaning service companies will bring their own equipment and supplies, some won’t. If you prefer a specific kind or brand of product, discuss this with them and provide your own. While many companies now use pet/environmentally friendly solutions, do not assume this to always be true. If you have any pets or allergies, let them know ahead of time and confirm the products they are using are safe for you and your home.
4. Do You Conduct Background Checks On Your Employees?
Credentials are important. If you are hiring a cleaning service because you are short on time, chances are you won’t be home every time they come to clean. Reputable services companies will always perform background checks on all of their employees to ensure your safety as well as the safety of your home. Since you are granting them access to your home, they should always be able to tell you who is coming.
5. What Should I Do With My Cat/Dog/Pet?
Discuss this with your pro before they arrive to prevent mishaps down the road. If you can, it is best to introduce your pet to the cleaner before leaving them alone. Depending on the activity level & habits of your pet, you may have to crate or make special arrangements. Remember, new people and loud vacuum cleaners are probably not comforting to them. You may ask the cleaning company to secure them safely in a particular area while they clean but beware that there may be an additional cost for this. If you have a dog that likes to run for the door, make sure they know so they can prepare ahead of time.
6. Do You Have a Satisfaction Guarantee?
This might feel a little odd but it’s a great question to ask. All reputable companies regardless of industry should be open to your feedback. In the event that you are reasonably unhappy with the service they have provided, it is important to know that they are willing to rise to the occasion and make it right.
7. Can I get this in writing?
Remember, not only is there money involved but you are giving this prospective company access to your home so make sure you have all the details of your arrangement clearly stated physically or digitally for ease of access in the rare event of a mishap. Familiarize yourself with their cancellation or change policy should you need to cancel or reschedule unexpectedly.
Regardless of the reason, hiring a professional cleaning service is a wonderful and rewarding experience. When you are ready to put this list to good use, give us a call at (888) 606-4738 to get in touch with the some of the best professional cleaning companies in your area!
