Hiring someone to help with the house work is one of the best ways to reclaim some free time. If you find there are just not enough hours in the day, consider a house cleaning service to do your dirty work. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right service and establish a great working relationship with them.
Choose your help wisely. First, look for a service that is bonded and insured. This coverage will help protect you in the event of theft or injury. Second, ask how they screen their employees. A good service will choose their staff very carefully. They may use a variety of tools such as criminal background checks, drug testing, past work verification and personal references.
Meet face to face for an estimate. Most services will want to see the job before giving an estimate; and they should! It is impossible to know how clean (or dirty) a place is without seeing it. Likewise, it is good to meet the owner or a representative of the company. They should leave you with a good first impression. You should feel as if they are trustworthy and knowledgeable in their field.
Get a clear picture of what you are paying for. In other words, what duties are being performed for the agreed upon price. Don’t just settle for “We will clean your house for $100.” Find out what they will be cleaning and how they will be cleaning it.
Help them help you. Make sure your home is picked up and orderly on cleaning day. Having your home in order enables the cleaners to effectively get to all the areas they need to clean. They can do a much better job in homes that are picked up and organized.
Don’t hesitate. Communicate! If you have any questions or concerns about your cleaning, discuss it with the service as soon as possible. Do communicate your concerns honestly and with respect. Don’t be shy or worried you may upset them. A professional business will value your input and want to correct any mistakes. You want your house cleaned, and they want your business. Try not to be petty. No one is perfect, but don’t ever settle for sub-par service. You are paying for it and you deserve to have it done properly. Just be honest and respectful when communicating with your service, and everyone will be happy.
Recognize a job well done. It is not necessary to praise you house cleaner every visit, but occasional recognition is always appreciated. Everyone likes a pat on the back, and your cleaning service is no exception.
