Guidelines for Hiring a Cleaning Service

 

So, you’re considering hiring a house cleaner or a cleaning service but how do you find the right one for you? Beware of shopping around for the “cheapest” quote or the “best” hourly rate. While a low rate may look great up front, you very likely will not be getting the best value for your investment. Consider the following key areas first when looking into hiring an individual house cleaner or cleaning service.

 

Licensing/Insurance/Bonding

Does the individual or company have a current business license?

If they are unlicensed or not current with their license, you may be responsible for their Social Security, Unemployment and Medicare taxes. You would, essentially, be considered their employer.

 

Are they registered with a trade association, such as the Idaho Contractors Board?

While this is not a requirement in the state of Idaho for cleaning companies, registration with the state Contractors Board gives an added measure of credibility to the cleaning company.

 

Does the cleaning individual or company carry appropriate insurance?

An uninsured or inadequately insured individual or company means you could be responsible for medical expenses if a cleaner is hurt while working in your home. Additionally, your homeowners insurance likely will not cover damages caused to your hardwood floors, granite counter tops, accidental breakage, etc., from a business-type relationship with an uninsured cleaner or cleaning company.

 

Is the individual or company bonded?

This serves as protection for you in the event that a theft by a cleaning individual or company employee occurs. It also serves as protection to the cleaning individual or company from possible false claims.

 

Reputation & Professionalism

Does the individual or company participate in ongoing education within the house cleaning field?

The house cleaning industry is constantly evolving. New products are regularly being developed and introduced and new uses for “old stand-bys” are frequently discovered. Participation in ongoing education keeps cleaning companies abreast of these new developments as well as offering education and support for the internal operations and management of the cleaning business.

 

Are they members of professional business/community organizations?

Participation in local business and community organizations demonstrates willingness to “give back” to the community and build professional relationships based upon integrity.

 

These questions and more importantly their responses, will distinguish a true “professional” from an “amateur”. Professionals participate in and are engaged in the cleaning business industry, continually striving to provide consumers with the best value for their services.