Cleaning Services - Domestic
Before You Hire A Cleaning Service.....
Working families with a scarcity of time often look to domestic cleaning services for assistance with their domestic cleaning needs. However, before you hire a cleaning service, there are several factors to consider.
Business References
A reputable cleaning service will have a license to operate their business. This is important for the sake of the security of your valuables and your home furnishings, should an accident occur. A license to operate insures that the business is firmly entrenched in the business community in which its services are offered and can be supported by their licensing agency in any legal matters, should that become necessary.
Cleaning Employee References
In addition to general business references, it may also be necessary to inquire into references for the individual who will perform the cleaning services for you. How long have they been employed? How much experience in domestic cleaning do they possess? Do you require bonding references? Some cleaning services insist their employees be bondable, that is, that a certifiable bond supports their reliability and experience. This is as much needed for the cleaning service's liability as it is their clients.
Liability Insurance
This is another very important area to be aware of before hiring a cleaning service. Ask who is responsible for liability insurance...you? The cleaning service? If you are required to cover any accidents that may occur, you will need to alert your homeowners' insurance agent in the event there may be a need for additional coverage. If the cleaning service is responsible for liability insurance, you should ask for a copy of the coverage.
Services Offered
It's important to detail, before hiring a cleaning service, what specific services you have in mind. Full-service cleaning companies often itemize the types of work you are paying for, in addition to the number of days you require their services. A live-in cleaning service arrangement is, of course, most costly. For those individuals who just require minimal help, one or two days of service may be sufficient. This should be planned well in advance and in consideration of other work and domestic schedules. Be prepared to submit a list of regular cleaning routine you expect to be completed in the allotment of time you are paying for.
Transportation Requirements
Some cleaning services have professional vans fully equipped that their employees use to travel to and from the residence or commercial building to be cleaned. Check transportation arrangements in the event that this is not included in their service contract. Some cleaning service employees do require their clients to provide transportation. This is should be determined in advance of signing the service contract.