When cleaning your home becomes too much work, hiring a residential cleaning service is the perfect solution. However, with so many residential cleaning services in the GTA, it can be hard to know who to hire. Cleaning services vary from individuals to global cleaning companies, and everything in between. Here, we provide the 11 essential questions you need to ask when considering residential cleaning services for your home.
1. How much do you charge?
Each company or individual will have their own rates. Some offer packages, some charge by the hour, and some charge by the square foot. In hand with their fees, you also want to understand if they include a certain amount of cleaning tasks they will complete, or if they only do what they can in the time allotted. You want to understand exactly how much the company charges and what this includes to ensure your expectations are met.
2. Who will be cleaning my home?
This is important because many companies have contract workers, or actually contract their work out to other cleaning companies if they become too busy. You want to know that the people in your home have passed some sort of screening including a background check. As well, the cleaners’ experience is something to discuss, as cleaning is a skill and not a job just anyone can do.
3. Are you insured and bonded?
If you hire an individual to perform your residential cleaning services, it is very important to make sure they are insured and bonded, with proof of this. Cleaning companies should also provide proof of insurance and that they hire bonded cleaners. You also want them to have workers’ compensation to cover any costs associated with injuries that occur in your home.
Most homeowners don’t realize that if an accident occurs in their home and the cleaner is not insured, they could be liable for damages. If you rent your home, chances are that your insurance (if you have any) won’t cover damages.
4. Who supplies the equipment and cleaning products?
Often, individual cleaners expect you to provide the cleaning supplies and equipment. It is also not uncommon for some cleaning companies to do the same. Part of the reason you are hiring a residential cleaning service, however, is so you don’t have to worry about these details. Therefore, make sure your cleaners are fully equipped to manage the job, without the need for you to contribute to their supplies.
5. What types of cleaning solutions do you use?
Many cleaning solutions leave behind dangerous toxins that you can breathe in or transfer to food or your mouth. If you have kids and pets, it is even more dangerous. Asking what types of cleaning solutions are used ensures there aren’t any products you feel are unsuitable for your home. You can even ask if eco-friendly products are available, or in the case where you are more concerned about germs, if they have deep cleaning solutions available.
6. Do you guarantee your work?
Good cleaning companies are proud of their work and offer a satisfaction guarantee. Their reputation depends on satisfied clients, and they’ll do everything possible to make sure their customers are happy with their work. Make sure you understand what steps the company takes if they miss something or you are unhappy with their cleaning.
7. Do I have to be home?
In most cases, you won’t have to be home when the cleaners arrive. Make sure you understand the set up and how they will access your home. It is actually often better to be out because it allows them to do their cleaning without having to work around you! It also frees up your schedule so they can come any time.
8. Do you work with pets at home?
Cleaners are used to working with pets, but you need to consider not just the safety of your pet, but also the cleaners. If you have a particularly aggressive or even friendly pet, it can be difficult for some cleaners. Make sure you understand how pets are dealt with, and what your cleaners recommend while they are there. If you know that your pet is nervous around strangers, or loud equipment like vacuums, you might want to make arrangements to take them out for a walk or visit friends.
9. Do you have a quality assurance process?
Along with the guarantee, it’s nice to know the cleaning team uses a process to ensure each job is completed perfectly. Whether they use a checklist, leave a little note confirming the job is complete, or have spot checks by supervisors, quality assurance processes help keep the quality of work consistent and up to snuff.
10. How do you keep my home secure?
Once the job is complete, the cleaning company needs to have a process to keep your home secure. Depending on the types of locks and security you have at home, the cleaners need to lock up, set alarms, etc. to reduce risk for break-ins. They should have strict guidelines about key management, and protocols such as cleaners not opening back doors or windows while they work. This reduces the risk of leaving your home vulnerable.
11. What if something breaks?
Professional cleaners are very careful when working in your home. However, accidents do happen. Be sure to ask what process they use if something is broken during the cleaning process. How are you notified? How are repairs or replacements managed? What if it is something that is not replaceable such as a family heirloom or antique? As mentioned in point #3, you should only be working with an insured cleaner, so your losses are covered. Still, you want to know how you will be compensated before entrusting your home to the cleaning company.
You should also feel free to ask any questions that are specific to your needs. This might include concerns about someone with mobility issues who might be at home, allergies you might have to certain cleaning products or fragrances, concerns about security, etc. By asking these questions and anything else that comes to mind, you can feel safer knowing that you have hired the right company to handle your residential cleaning services.
Speak to our team of professional residential cleaning services at Maid4Condos today by calling us at 647-822-0601, or click here for a quote.
