House Cleaning Services
Why Hire a Cleaning Service?
Housecleaning services can be hired for weekly, biweekly, or monthly schedules or on a one-time basis. Most cleaning services can also be hired to perform move-in and move-out cleaning for apartments and homes. Whatever kind of cleaning you may need, there are many benefits to hiring a cleaning service over an independent housekeeper.
It’s safer. Most reputable services conduct background checks on all employees. These checks are especially important because homeowners often need to give a copy of their key to the service in order to allow the cleaners access to the home when no one is there.
No personal liability. If homeowners hire independent cleaners, the homeowners officially become employers, making them responsible for medical costs due to injury and issues such as state and federal taxes and social security. A professional housecleaning service will carry the necessary coverage for injury related expenses and any damage that may occur to property during cleaning. Cleaning companies also handle all the tax and social security paperwork involved with hiring a service provider, which makes the process of hiring a housekeeper much easier for the homeowner.
Easier conflict resolution. One great advantage of using a cleaning service is the ability to try out multiple housekeepers within the service. Additionally, if any issues arise with a specific employee, the cleaning service will help settle any disputes.
Questions to Ask
Homeowners looking to hire a housecleaning service should ask several questions when interviewing candidates. Some of these questions could include: How does the company hire its employees? What are the scheduled tasks for initial cleaning and for regular service? Who will provide the supplies? Do I need to sign a contract? What happens if I need to reschedule? How does the company handle breakage of personal items? Do I need to be home during visits? Will one person or a team of people be cleaning my home? Will I need to take any steps before a housekeeper arrives? Homeowners with allergies or small children may want to ask what type of cleaning supplies the housecleaning service typically uses. If the company claims green cleaning services, inquire what agency has certified its cleaning products. Homeowners with pets may also want to ask if animals need to be locked up during visits.
Getting an Accurate Quote
To obtain the most accurate quote, homeowners should meet with the cleaning company in the comfort of their own homes. Homeowners need to be as specific as possible when explaining what their expectations are, including which rooms should be cleaned and how often service will be needed. Quotes for service depend on several factors, such as the size of the home, the frequency of service, and the amount of work.