Hiring a house cleaner for your home can be a total game-changer if you are one of those busy homeowners who want to keep a pristine and sparkling clean pad but just don’t have the time. However, you may end up hiring someone who’s not the right fit for the job. To help ensure you pick the right house cleaner, here are the top mistakes homeowners face to be aware of.
Not Verifying Credentials and References
One of the most common errors when employing a house cleaner in Seattle is not doing a background check. When you hire a professional house cleaner, always check that they are adequately bonded, insured, and certified for the job so you have peace of mind that they will provide you with quality service and are safe to work with. If you skip this step, you can be responsible for accidents or damage that happen while cleaning.
Request references from past clients and take the time to call them and inquire directly or even look up online reviews. Doing so will give you a better idea about whether or not the cleaner is trustworthy, professional, and does quality work.
Opting for the Cheapest Option Irrespective of Quality
Price is a common consideration for many people hiring a house cleaner. However, hiring a cheap cleaner can end up costing you more in the long run. Sometimes, extremely low prices can run you into quality shortcuts, unreliable service, or the use of harsh chemicals, which can put the safety of your home or health at risk.
Instead of fixating only on cost, consider the value you are receiving. Find transparent pricing and good explanations of what services are included. A good, moderately priced option can pay for itself many times over by giving you regular, consistent cleaning.
Neglecting to Clearly Communicate Expectations
If you don’t make your expectations crystal clear from the get-go, like you want them to clean this room but not that one, use or avoid a specific cleaning product, and work at a certain time, they may not measure up.
Before they are hired, have a long conversation about what you need and get everything you agree to in writing if at all possible. That way, there’s no misunderstandings and the cleaner doesn’t say: “I thought you wanted this and that,” and then all of a sudden your house is clean, but not to your satisfaction.
Overlooking Background Checks
It takes a certain amount of trust to invite a stranger into your home. A dangerous mistake that many Seattle residents make is failing to run background checks on potential house cleaners. A background check can quickly let you know if someone has any criminal history or red flags that might be a risk to your safety.
If you hire through a cleaning service, ask about its hiring and screening process. Cleaners should have no trouble proving their background is clean. This will ensure that the safety of your family and your property is a priority.
Failing to Understand the Scope of Work
If consumers are not aware of what types of services a house cleaner in Seattle provides, they may be unhappy with the results. Some cleaners focus on simple housekeeping tasks while others specialize in deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, and even eco-friendly cleaning.
Request an itemized list of the services covered in your package and find out if there are add-ons or additional fees. It’s a way of establishing clear expectations, so there are no surprises when the cleaner comes, and you know the cleaner’s going to be doing exactly what you need done.
Ignoring Insurance and Liability Coverage
It is a fact that house cleaning work comes along with negatives, like a chance for accidental breakage or injury. Sadly, not everyone asks whether their cleaner has liability insurance. If an accident occurs and your cleaner is uninsured, you could be on the hook for damages or medical bills.
Make sure that your house cleaner has liability insurance. It’s one of the signs of professional work and protects both parties in case of unexpected occurrences.
Not Scheduling Regular Cleanings
Some homeowners believe bringing in a cleaner only when a home is incredibly dirty makes sense. This culminates in last-minute jobs or less-than-desired results. Scheduling a clean every week or two will keep your home clean and prevent dirt from accumulating.
Adopt a cleaning schedule that’s in line with your lifestyle (weekly, biweekly, monthly) and stick to it. This also makes the house easier to work with and helps to maintain the cleanliness of your home.
Finding the right house cleaner Seattle residents can rely on can really change the cleanliness level of your home and your peace of mind. Avoiding these common mistakes, like rejecting credentials, sacrificing quality over cost, lack of communication, not performing background research, and overlooking the importance of insurance, will ensure that you get a trustworthy, capable professional.
Do your due diligence, ask questions, and know your expectations from the outset. When you do things the right way, you’re going to end up with a sparkly clean home and a great house cleaner who will stick around.