Whether you’re an existing cleaning customer or you’re planning on hiring a professional house cleaning service to get your home in shape, its important that you – as the customer or client – know what you’re getting into.
You can keep your home clean and organized by hiring a house cleaning service, but you should make sure they are a good fit for you and your house by asking the right questions before you hire them.
Below are 8 essential questions that you should definitely ask your current or prospective house cleaning company before paying them another cent.
Are you licensed and insured?
It’s critical to confirm that the cleaning service is duly licensed and insured in the state of Texas. This will help shield you from any liability for mishaps or damages that might happen while cleaning.
In Texas, the majority of housekeeping services are required to have a business license and liability insurance.
An organization needs a business license in order to legally operate within a certain jurisdiction. Normally, the company must pay a fee and register with the state. Cleaning businesses in Texas might need to get a general business license as well as any other licenses that might be required for their industry.
Liability insurance is a type of insurance that offers financial security in the event that harm, mishaps, or losses happen while the cleaning service is working on your property. It could assist in defraying the price of a liability claim for property damage, bodily harm, or another expense. The carrying of liability insurance by cleaning companies is not mandated by Texas law, but it is generally a good idea to hire one that does. This can give you additional peace of mind and shield you from potential legal problems if something goes wrong while cleaning.
What services do you provide?
Confirm that the cleaning service provides the particular services you require, such as deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, or routine maintenance cleaning. Some professional cleaning companies accept any customer that comes their way, despite not having the staff or experience to tackle their needs, so always be specific with what you’re looking for.
How long have you been in business?
It is advisable to pick a cleaning company that has been around for a while and has a solid reputation for offering high-quality cleaning services. According to a study conducted by the Texas Association of Business in 2018, the average lifespan of a small business in Texas is about 7.5 years. A local business that has been around for a while is usually a good indication that they are a reputable company, offer high quality services, have strong relationships with their customers and in their community.
Do you run background checks on your employees?
You want to make sure the cleaning service has screened its staff to make sure they are dependable and trustworthy.
Cleaning businesses are not required by law to conduct background checks on their employees in the majority of states, including Texas. To make sure they are hiring dependable and trustworthy people, many reputable cleaning businesses opt to perform background checks on their employees as part of the hiring procedure.
Criminal records, employment history, educational credentials, and other pertinent data can all be included in background checks. Background checks are a way for cleaning companies to give their clients additional peace of mind and protect them from potential safety and security risks.
The breadth and depth of background checks can differ depending on the organization and the position being filled, it’s important to note. Some businesses might only do rudimentary criminal background checks, while others might carry out more thorough investigations that take into account factors like credit history, driving records, and other things.
It’s a good idea to ask about the company’s hiring procedure and whether background checks are performed on new hires if you are thinking about hiring a cleaning service. This can assist you in picking a business that takes safety and security seriously and can offer you the best service.
What cleaning products do you use?
Be sure to e]inquire about the products the company uses if you have any particular preferences or worries about the kinds of cleaning products used in your home. For example, Maid Zen uses green cleaning products.
Green household cleaning products, also referred to as eco-friendly cleaning products, are typically thought to be better for the environment than non-green cleaning products. They frequently don’t contain harsh chemicals that can be bad for the environment and people’s health because they are made with natural, biodegradable ingredients.
There are numerous advantages to using green cleaning products. Consider this:
- Better for human health: Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Particularly for those with allergies or sensitivities, green cleaning products are generally healthier for people.
- Better for the environment: Green cleaning products are typically made with natural, biodegradable ingredients that decompose quickly in the environment, lowering the risk of pollution and harm to wildlife.
- Better indoor air quality: The use of conventional cleaning products can cause the air to become contaminated with dangerous chemicals, lowering indoor air quality. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can lead to respiratory problems, are typically absent from green cleaning products.
Having said that, it’s crucial to remember that not all environmentally-friendly cleaning products are created equal, and some may not be as efficient as conventional cleaning products. Additionally, it’s critical to use all cleaning supplies safely and according to label directions.
In conclusion, green household cleaning products can be a good option for people looking to lessen their environmental impact and support a healthier living environment. To make sure that the product is used safely and effectively, it’s crucial to select the appropriate one for the cleaning task.
How do you handle special requests?
Find out if the cleaning service can meet any special requirements you may have, such as using particular cleaning equipment or avoiding certain rooms in your house.
Most professional cleaning companies are willing to work with their customers to customize their cleaning services based on their specific needs and preferences.
Some common special requests that cleaning companies may handle include:
- Using specific cleaning products: If a customer has a preference for certain cleaning products, such as eco-friendly or non-toxic products, a cleaning company may be able to accommodate their request.
- Focusing on specific areas or tasks: Customers may have specific areas of their home that require extra attention, such as deep cleaning the kitchen or cleaning a particularly messy room.
- Cleaning during specific times: Customers may have specific times when they prefer their home to be cleaned, such as during their work hours or when they are away on vacation.
- Addressing special concerns: Customers may have special concerns, such as allergies or pet-related cleaning needs, that a cleaning company can address.
It’s always a good idea to discuss any special requests or preferences with the cleaning company before scheduling services. This can help ensure that the company is able to meet your needs and provide you with the best possible cleaning services.
What are your rates?
Be sure to enquire about the company’s pricing policy and any potential supplementary charges. Prior to hiring the cleaning company, make sure you have a clear understanding of their total costs.
The cost of house cleaning services can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size and condition of the home, the type of cleaning services requested, and the location of the cleaning company. Here are some general guidelines on the cost of house cleaning services:
- Hourly rate: Many cleaning companies charge by the hour for their services, with rates typically ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. The actual rate may be higher or lower depending on the location and the type of services requested.
- Flat rate: Some cleaning companies offer flat rates for specific cleaning services, such as deep cleaning or move-in/move-out cleaning. These rates may range from $100 to $500 or more depending on the size and condition of the home.
- Frequency of service: The cost of house cleaning services may also depend on how often the cleaning is performed. Some companies offer discounts for regular weekly or biweekly cleaning services.
- Additional services: Cleaning companies may charge extra for additional services, such as window cleaning, laundry, or oven cleaning. The cost for these services will depend on the company and the type of service requested.
It’s important to note that the above are general guidelines and the actual cost of house cleaning services will depend on many factors. It’s always a good idea to get a quote from a cleaning company before scheduling services to ensure that you are aware of the cost and any additional fees.
Do you provide a satisfaction guarantee?
A reputable cleaning service should be willing to stand behind their work and provide a guarantee to make sure you’re happy with the services rendered.
Satisfaction guarantees offered by businesses are generally considered to be contractual agreements between the business and the customer. If a business offers a satisfaction guarantee, it is legally binding, and the business is expected to honor the terms of the guarantee.
However, the specific terms of satisfaction guarantees can vary widely depending on the company and the type of service being provided. For example, some satisfaction guarantees may provide a full refund if the customer is not satisfied with the service, while others may offer a discount or a free follow-up service.
It’s important for customers to carefully review the terms of any satisfaction guarantee before making a purchase or hiring a service. This can help ensure that they understand what the guarantee covers and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.
Once you have the answers to these questions, or at least a better understanding of the business offering, you can decide to move forward with the cleaning company. Don’t feel weird about asking these questions as any reputable cleaning company should be able to easily answer these questions.
