How to choose a house cleaning service

You want to hire a trustworthy, liable and competent housekeeper to help you keep your home clean and comfortable for you and your family.  Here are some strategies to help you with your home works.

• Search.  The Internet is an amazing search tool, when you know what to look for.  Check the internet for listings and names of local domestic cleaning services around your areas.  Ask your neighbors, friends, and business contacts.  Don’t forget to check with the local Better Business Bureau (bbb.org).

• License.  Verify the prospective company for current business license.  The company should carry a payroll taxes, otherwise, you might be liable as an employer.

• Insurance.  Ask for proof and a copy of current liability insurance, Workman’s Compensation, and bond policy.

• Background Check.  Ask for a work history and references.  Follow up on these references to find out specifics about the services that the company provided.  Ask if they would use the company again.  Ask the references if they would recommend the company to their friends?  Ask about their opinion regarding the skills of the cleaners.  Check if the owner or the company has ever been sued by the court of law.  Are all employees finger printed, checked by the police and the paper work retained by the company in the employee’s file?     

• Interview.  The company will come to your home to give an estimate based on the size and condition of your house and frequency of cleaning.  Request to have a person who will actually be cleaning your house attend the interview.  You need to feel good about this person.  If you don’t feel comfortable with the applicant, do not hire the person.  Ask to see a form of identification such as a driver’s license and a permanent address.  Ask the applicant about his or her family; how long he or she has been in the community; if he or she has worked in any other states, where?  Ask if he or she or the company ever had a theft claim or complaint filed against.  Do your own back-ground check.  This is a stranger that you would let in your home to handle all your possessions.  No apology needed for safeguarding your self and your family.  Is the service backed by a written guarantee?  If you are not satisfied, will they send someone back to your house to complete any unsatisfactory work?  What are their cleaning procedures when they arrive at your home?  Will the worker be working alone or as a team?  Can you contact some one in the office during the day?  Does the service provide cleaning supplies and equipments?  Walk the applicant through the house and show them what you want done and how you want them to do the cleaning.  Is there a particular way you want the cleaning to be done for a certain area?  Be as specific as you can.  Give clear and simple instructions.  After give an assignment, ask the person to describe the task back in their own words.  Sometimes you have to show them exactly how you want things done.  Your possessions will be at risk if a careless cleaner use the wrong chemical or break an object.

• Contract.  Read the contract carefully.  Have all the agreements in writing.  Know the cancellation policy.  Ask for a short trial period before a long term commitment.     

Remember that not everybody has the same standard of clean.  Be sure your applicant understands your standard of clean.  Treat your worker with dignity.  After all the research and preparation, you should come up with a satisfactory service and can sit back and enjoy the benefits of your labor.