When the clutter in your home stresses you out, or you simply don't have the time or patience to tidy it up, perhaps you're considering hiring a home cleaning service to lighten the load? Before doing so, however, we suggest you follow a few tips from a professional in the field to ensure you always choose the best possible cleaning company. Remember: when it comes to keeping your home in pristine condition, regular cleaning is a worthwhile investment!
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First, define your needs
To better understand the type of housekeeping service your home requires, the very first step is to define the scope of your needs. Do you need a deep clean? Consider a thorough cleaning; are you moving out? Clean up after yourself with a move-out cleaning; have you just finished your renovations? Don't forget a post-renovation cleaning; or perhaps you simply prefer regular cleaning, whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly?
How to choose the best company?
Once your housekeeping needs are clearly defined, we recommend that you follow this simple procedure:
- Choose a company that operates in your area. To avoid delays and unexpected absences, it's always helpful to use a company that's active in your local area.
- Take a look at the customer comments and reviews left on Google My Business.
- Next, verify that the company is duly registered in the Quebec business registry, and that it also issues receipts after services are rendered.
- Pay attention to the years of experience the chosen company has.
- Make sure that the company has taken out liability insurance covering damages up to $2,000,000.
Customer service
A prompt, clear, and detailed response is a significant indicator of reliability and professionalism. Also, don't forget to contact the company in question, either by phone or email.
Which is preferable: a company or a freelancer?
Whether you're looking for a professional cleaning service or a reputable freelancer, recommendations from friends or family can often be helpful. Online reviews can also provide some general information about the quality of service you can expect, although caution is advised.
For work done quickly, a cleaning company is the preferred choice, which can not only send up to several cleaners at once for deep cleaning or post-renovation cleaning, but also adapt to your schedule.
An independent worker, usually limited in his resources, may have great difficulty cleaning an entire house in record time, but can be incredibly efficient in an apartment in the same amount of time, and bring a level of attention to detail that a residential cleaning company will not have.
A company, unlike a self-employed individual, is much more likely to be adequately insured and consequently cover any financial loss or accident on site.
Whichever you choose, simply bear in mind that as an employer you are subject to tax liability, must also be covered by a home insurance policy and are additionally, in most cases, required to provide cleaning products.
Questions to ask a home cleaning service company
Before hiring a cleaning company, you should keep a list of questions to ask them, including:
– What types of cleaning services do you offer?
Be specific when contacting your chosen cleaning company: clearly explain your needs. Deep cleaning differs from regular cleaning and requires different equipment, so asking questions will greatly save you time and money.
– How do you bill, and how much do your different services cost?
Most cleaning companies charge by the hour, but some offer a flat rate. To avoid any potential misunderstandings, the highest-rated companies provide a service estimate before hiring, during the initial site visit. For a more accurate estimate, please ensure your home is left in the same condition as it was during the visit.
Beware of extra charges! Some cleaners tend to charge additional fees, calculated based on whether the house has pets, high ceilings, or requires deep cleaning. Discuss all of this in detail with them beforehand.
– Do you bring your own cleaning products and, if so, what cleaning products do you use?
As mentioned above, you may need to provide your own cleaning supplies, although a reputable company will usually bring their own. Don't hesitate to ask them what cleaning products they use, especially if you or your family have allergies, or if you have pets or young children at home.
– How do you select your staff?
Your home's security is paramount! Ask how the staff employed are selected, for example, and don't hesitate to request that the company consistently send the same team. While sick leave or unexpected absences are part of working life, most companies make sure to send the same technicians each time.
– Do you have any references that can be consulted?
Don't hesitate to ask a company for references! A reputable company should have them, as they are particularly crucial for new clients. If a company cannot provide them, be wary.
– Can you provide proof of insurance?
Never hire a cleaning company without first ensuring you have a copy of their insurance policy. Verify its terms by contacting the insurance company. A company that cannot provide you with a copy of these documents is not trustworthy.
Rest assured, though! At Au Chiffon Vert, all our franchised teams are reliable, experienced, and certified. Our mission is to offer high-quality housekeeping services at reasonable prices, which are already ranked among the best residential cleaning services in Montreal and the surrounding area!
Request your free online estimate https://lechiffonvert.ca/estimation-gratuite/
Or call us directly at: 514-995-3265