With many of us leading such busy lives, we don’t always have the time to do a thorough clean of our homes. Undertaking small tasks every day to maintain a constant and high level of cleanliness works well for some, but hiring a housekeeper/cleaner is often the way to go. While it may seem like a luxury, it’s one a lot of people can’t feasibly live without in this day and age.
Here are the basic questions you should consider asking before you give a cleaner your house keys…
Meet the Pristine Housekeepers
- Can I request an estimate?
Once you’ve made the decision on engaging a housekeeper or cleaning service, it’s essential to ask for their rates upfront. To avoid any confusion, make sure you are aware of the services that are included. You don’t want to end up paying extra fees for things you’re unaware of. Ask if they give free quotes in person, as every house is different and every client is different.
- Do your due diligence.
Just like when you buy a new appliance or online products- RESEARCH!
Hiring someone to clean your house appears to be a simple task. But make sure you’ll hire someone trustworthy. Even if they have been cleaning industry for a long time, you should still ask for references and testimonials from their previous clients. Or check your local community Facebook groups for referrals.
If the company has Google/Facebook reviews – this is really important if the reviews are recent, 2-year-old reviews could mean they have changed management. Check their social media if it’s active in the last 6 months.
- Do you conduct background checks on your team members.
A house cleaning service requires trust and security. Ask about an employee background check for the house cleaners coming into your home.
If they are a house cleaning company, it is their responsibility to conduct a police check on their employees; however, if you are hiring a private house cleaner, it is your responsibility to do some background checking ask for a copy of Police clearance, and check how old it is.
- Insurance?
Accidents happen everywhere, including among professionals. When hiring house cleaning services, you should inquire whether they are insured and covered so that you can seek compensation if an accident occurs in your home. It will also give you peace of mind if an accident does occur they will replace/fix the broken item.
- Ask what they do and don’t do.
You will be surprised at what some cleaners won’t do – empty bins, inside microwaves, lift items to dust or vacuum under furniture. Always make sure you are clear on your expectations first.
- Communication is key.
Make sure you and the housekeeper are on the same page. Try to meet and show them around, where things are. What your pet peeves are, and what’s important to you might be different to the housekeeper.
Some clients are very particular about their wooden floors so advise what product you like, and where the mop is.
These questions are must-ask questions for every homeowner who is looking to hire a house cleaning service. However, keep in mind that every family is different and you might ask other questions depending on your preferences and individual needs.
Hiring a house cleaner makes the daily maintenance of cleaning so much easier. regular cleaning can take so much stress off you and your family. The last thing you want to do at the end of your workday is to come home to more work.
Let us do the hard work 😀
