Because of busy schedule, hiring a cleaning lady is now becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. As a mother handling a business while also taking care of two hyperactive toddlers and a school-age kid who also now has a lot of activities, getting my house cleaned is almost always impossible. Having to drive my kids to daycare and school and also manage my business, my time is so hectic I can barely drink a hot coffee in the morning(cheers to us moms!). It would take the stress out of me if someone is there taking care of the cleaning rather than cleaning it myself and take my precious time that I’d rather be spending with my husband and kids- and yeah, a little me-time too! Now, you may not be a mother like me but a student who’s too busy about school works that you can’t clean your condo or apartment, hiring a maid to clean for you would be a great option too. If you are a young couple or with a baby on the way, it is best to hire someone to assist you too with cleaning your home. Maybe you are moving out of your old apartment and would like to get your deposit, hiring a professional cleaning service would help you with that. There are so many scenarios wherein you will need help in cleaning your home but, before employing a cleaner or signing up for regular cleanings from a cleaning company, you will have to contact numerous cleaning companies, get a quote and ask questions whether they are using green cleaning products if they are bonded and insured and a lot of other questions. The good thing is, I got these questions covered for you. Here is the list of questions you should ask a house cleaning company to see if they fit your house cleaning needs and preference:
How do you set your rates?
Some of cleaning services companies charge an hourly rate for the visit while others may charge you by project, and some charge by the number of employees they send. In most cases, the home size, condition and task required are the basis of the rate.
If the cleaning company charge by the hour, make sure to ask an estimate on how long it will take to clean your home. Cleaning services company should be able to provide you a flat rate for each visit depending on the condition of your property, cleaning needs as well as on how often you will be needing the service. Also, be sure to put a cap on the number of hours the cleaners will be on your home to avoid unwanted costs.
Do you conduct background check on employees?
A reputable cleaning company performs a background check on all of their employees to ensure the safety of you and your home. A background check is needed to verify if that person is who they claim to be and allows an opportunity for someone to check a person’s criminal records, education, and employment history. When you hire an independent cleaner, you act as their employer; it is therefore making you responsible for doing any background screenings.
A pro tip: Should you decide to hire a cleaning company, ask if they can send the same cleaner every time. That way, the cleaner already knows your cleaning preference, idiosyncrasies, and you’re able to build a relationship of trust and reliability with her.
Do you carry worker’s compensation?
The difference between a cleaning contractor versus a cleaning companies that hire employees is that the latter pay federal, state, and social security taxes that provides their employees with worker’s compensation in the event that their employee gets injured-so you, being the homeowner, will not be liable.
Do you bring your own equipment and supplies?
Some companies, such as Mexicleaning, bring their own cleaning supplies and equipment while others may only bring the equipment, and you will be responsible for providing them cleaning supplies. Sometimes, some homeowners prefer they own brand of cleaning supplies and would insist on using it. Nowadays, many cleaning companies in Minneapolis and St. Paul can use both conventional and green cleaning products. You can always ask and request which products you prefer for some certain areas in your home. For example, I opt for conventional cleaning products to be used in my bathrooms while the other areas of the house would have green cleaning products.
Do you have a satisfaction guarantee?
Any professional company should be open to suggestions and feedback. A satisfaction guarantee should be provided to you once you hire a cleaning company in the event that you are unhappy with the level of service you receive. You should be able to communicate with them either by phone, email, chat, or SMS, to ensure your cleaning needs are met.
How will you gain access to my home?
Cleaning companies provide options such as you leaving the keys under the mat, leaving the key at the reception, providing access via a keypad or choosing to be home during the cleaning. Do not hesitate to request for the best option for you and you can ask your cleaner what works best too!
What should I with my pet?
If you book for a recurring service, it is best to introduce your pet to the cleaning lady to get them acquainted. That way, your pet won’t be hostile or uncomfortable with having the cleaning lady around especially when you won’t be home during the cleaning appointments. Since most pets are sensitive to loud noises such as the ones produced by a vacuum, you may leave your pets in a safe spot or in another room.
What is included in your cleaning?
To avoid any surprise and/or disappointments, it is encouraged to ask what is included in the regular cleaning service. There are companies that may have some services that are included in their standard cleaning that may not be included in a standard cleaning for the other companies. Most of cleaning services companies have their own cleaning checklists and it is best to ask them to send you one so you will know what to expect.
How long has the cleaning service been in business?
Knowing how long the company has been in the business is a great gauge in terms of customer service and quality of their job. Most of the time, experience equals excellence. Though there may be new cleaning companies out there that does a great job in cleaning apartments and houses, so make it a point to check their reviews online for reference.
Are you insured and Bonded?
Having a cleaning company who carries liability insurance and bond and have a policy in place if something gets broken, damaged or something goes missing in your home, will give you a sense of security and peace of mind that they will have it covered.
There you have it, hiring a cleaner may be a daunting task but asking the right questions will surely make your job a lot easier. Weigh the pros and cons and do your research first. Hire a cleaner so you can give yourself the gift of time.
