Now that the in-laws have left, the decorations are packed away and the kids have headed back to school, it’s time to give yourself (and your home) a post-party present: the gift of a professional cleaning service.
Remember, no two cleaning services are the same. Choose blindly and you may not get what you bargained for. Before you make an appointment, peruse our list of things to consider.
1. Cleaning Service Pricing.
Be aware that not every company quotes prices based on the same factors. There are companies that charge by the room, by the number of hours, by the square footage you need cleaned and some that even price packages based on the services included.
2. Cleaning Services.
Just like pricing, not every cleaning company offers the same services in each package. While some include washing windows, steaming carpets and doing laundry, other companies may charge extra for these services or not offer them at all.
3. Insurance.
Your cleaning service should be bonded and insured. If it isn’t you could end up being liable. Be safe not sorry, ask to see their proof of insurance.
4. Cleaning Supplies.
Many cleaning services provide their own supplies. Other companies rely on you having the necessary tools to get the job done. Double check prior to the day of the appointment — you don’t want to end up making an impromptu trip to the grocery store to grab glass cleaner.
5. Eco-friendly.
Cultivating a chemical-free household? Then pick a cleaning service that uses eco-friendly or all natural products.
6. Policies.
Your daughter comes down with the flu forcing you to reschedule or possibly even cancel the big clean at the last minute. Depending on the company’s policies, like the ones at Liberty Home Services, this could be a mild inconvenience or something that costs you big bucks. Many companies charge a re-booking fee, a late fee (you’re late to let the cleaning assistants into your home) and have a 24- or 48- hour cancellation policy.
7. Extras.
In the competitive market there are quite a few services that have upped the ante by offering to organize and even feng shui as part of their package, such as Rent-a-Wife Ottawa.
8. Recommendations.
Cruise the web and check out sites like EiEi Home to see what ratings former customers have given the company you have your eye on. And if you don’t feel confident in the opinions of anonymous strangers, ask a friend or family member to recommend a trusted cleaning service provider.
By Megan Mostyn-Brown
