What questions should I ask before hiring cleaning service?
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008I need to hire someone to help clean the house on a regular basis. I’ve never done this before and am looking for help on how to find a good cleaning person. What questions should I ask before hiring them?
answer:
First you will need to decide whether you want to work with a self-employed cleaner or with a large, often nationwide, franchised cleaning service. Both options offer advantages. Freelancers tend to be more flexible on the details, such as what products they will clean with and what chores they are willing to take on. And usually, the same person comes into your home each time. Ask friends and neighbors to recommend a freelance house cleaner and check the want ads in your local newspaper.
Franchise services, on the other hand, can often provide a substitute if the cleaner is sick or on vacation and are usually willing to tackle really large jobs, like annual window or carpet cleaning (for an extra fee, of course). In general, you’ll want to find out exactly what the houseclean-er’s fee covers. Ask how long they have been in business and what tools and cleaning products either plans to use. Who supplies the cleaning products? When you’ve narrowed the field to a few candidates, ask for references. And call them. Find out how long the cleaner has worked for them. Ask if the cleaner shows up at the time they committed to and whether there have been any problems.
Ideally, before you hire anyone, ask for proof that the cleaner is bonded to cover theft, and check whether the cleaner carries liability insurance to cover breakage of items. Don’t take anyone’s word for it over the phone. Ask to see their certificate of insurance. Be sure the date is current and that a signature and contact number for the insurance agent appears on your copy. Then call to verify that the insurance premium is paid up.
