Finding a trustworthy, reliable housekeeper or cleaning service could be an enormous challenge, particularly for those who haven't used one previously. It's true that allowing someone else access to your house is an unsettling experience. Although customers might be unsure initially, they usually decide that hiring cleaners is worth the expense because it will save their work and effort.
"Having a housekeeper is a luxury, but so worth it." According to Dan DiClerico of HomeAdvisor which connects homeowners to a range of professionals in the field. "Living in a Rengøringsfirma is money well spent." However, he warns, "expect to spend time to find the right person." Here's how you can get rid of the mess and make sure your home is clean and safe.
Determine the kind of cleaning service you'd like. Do you require an experienced cleaning service? Would you rather be with someone else? Professional cleaning services ensure that that someone is always there to tidy your home. The company isn't accountable for screening employees, preparing paperwork or being a carrier of insurance. However the rate of turnover is high, which means you might not see the same staff each time.
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If you hire an independent cleaner you'll be able to establish an intimate relationship with them and communicate your requirements only once and arrange additional services like childcare as well as folding laundry, or let your dog out. However, if a person suffers illness and doesn't show up then you're out of luck. In addition, you'll need to pay state and federal taxes and also carry Workers' Compensation. "In our surveys, we find consumers who employ individuals tend to be more satisfied than those who use cleaning services," says Kevin Brasler, executive editor Consumers' Checkbook (checkbook.org), an D.C.-based non-profit consumer group that assesses the quality and costs of local services.
Find suggestions. Your best resources are family, friends neighbors , and colleagues. Personal recommendations are the best method to get an impression of a prospective employee's character, work ethic, degree of accountability and reliability. Make use of social media by posting your information on Facebook and Nextdoor. I discovered my current housekeeper when I asked participants in my Pilates class for recommendations. A classmate had been on similar searches in the past six months and came across a reliable cleaner and was willing work with another customer.
Write down your requirements in advance. Even if you've previously had a housekeeper this time, it's moment to review or reconsider your requirements. Maybe your needs have changed and you need less or more cleanings each month. Maybe certain rooms require only an occasional dusting instead of a thorough clean every time you visit. Pets and children may have left or arrived. Perhaps there was something that the previous cleaner didn't accomplish to your taste but it didn't seem important enough to mention? Record it so you do not forget to make it clear.
Meet-and-greets are scheduled for every month. Whether you're hiring either a person or a service it is essential to sit down with the service provider for a conversation that is honest. Request them to explain what services they provide and what they do not offer. Make clear your expectations and discuss any issues or problems with the previous housekeepers. Complete a room-by-room walk-through. Highlight any areas that are problematic. It's essential to record the things you're looking for. If you'd like every little object cleaned up then dusted and put back where it belongs, tell them that you would like it to be done. Request references and get in touch with the employer.
Stay around to the beginning of the cleaning. "You don't have to follow them around the house, but this gives cleaners the chance to say, 'This is more than I expected,' and you the opportunity to make sure they understand what's important, especially if you have any items you deem precious," Brasler declared.
Calculate the cost. According to Brasler, Checkbook.org estimates that hiring an expert to perform weekly clean-up of a home that has an average mess costs between $125 and $150 per visit. Certain cleaning services cost at or below $70 and others surpass $250 within the same market. HomeAdvisor estimates that the price of cleaning a house is $167. DiClerico states that self-employed cleaners are typically less expensive in the average, charging between $50 to $90 for 2 hours. The frequency of cleaning is an important element and some cleaners charge less if they visit regularly instead of every month. You may also be charged less if you bring the cleaning equipment yourself or more if you wish to have the inside of your fridge cleaned. Don't be deceived by the price alone. "A lower price doesn't mean lousy work or a higher price equal great work," Brasler declares.
Learn the meaning of "bonded and insured" really is. Not much. "Services that advertise as being bonded indicate they have a kind of bond that shields the business from employee theft. This doesn't cover homeowners," Brasler says. Instead professional services should carry general liability insurance that protects homeowners in the event that housekeepers accidentally damage windows or break a door, and workers compensation insurance. Get a copy the insurance certificate. A reputable company will be more than happy to supply the certificate. If you are hiring someone to do the job, consult your insurance company to determine whether workers' compensation is included in the homeowner's insurance. Should it not be, it typically costs just the cost of a few dollars to your policy. It covers medical expenses and the loss of earnings in the event that your housekeeper is injured within your home.
Trust is a process that takes time. Unless you always plan to be in your home when the housekeeper arrives, there will be the time when you'll need to hand them keys or alarm codes. If you're employing a professional service and you are unsure of who is the keeper of keys and has access to the keys. If you are an individual, you might prefer to begin by putting the keys in a "safe" spot for them to access for every cleaning. There will eventually come the point where you feel at ease enough to give them their own. DiClerico states that certain homeowners are making use of "smart locks" that allow users to enter the code of the keypad of a smartphone application or keypad to unlock and secure the door. A fascinating note: Brasler reports that of all complaints regarding cleaning the house that are filed on Checkbook.org most do not concern theft, but rather about being late or not turning up in the first place.
