Most people wait until their house is a disaster zone to start looking for a cleaner. That's the worst time to make a clear-headed decision. A few smart checks ahead of time save you from getting burned.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask if they carry general liability insurance and workers' comp. If they say "we're bonded," push for specifics — bonded usually means a small theft policy, not real coverage. A solo operator might skip insurance to keep prices low, but if someone slips on your wet floor, you're paying their medical bills. Call their insurance agent to verify the policy is active. Don't take a digital copy of a certificate at face value — people fake those.
Experience & References Questions
Ask how long they've been cleaning homes full-time. A six-month side hustle is not experience. Get two or three recent references — not their cousin, not their best friend. Call those references and ask: did they show up on time? Did they break anything? Did they ever miss a spot you pointed out? If they dodge giving references, move on. A good crew is proud of their track record.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get a flat rate for a walkthrough, not a per-hour guesstimate. Hourly billing rewards slow work — you want someone who gets in and gets out. Ask how long a standard visit takes for a house your size. If they quote thirty minutes for a three-bedroom, they're spraying and praying. If they quote four hours, they might be thorough or they might be slow. Trust your gut on the time vs. quality trade-off.
Contract Questions
Read the cancellation policy before you sign. Some companies lock you into a year with a fat exit fee. Others let you pause or cancel with a week's notice. Check if they charge extra for supplies, stairs, or pet hair. Get everything in writing — text or email counts. A handshake deal is fine for a one-time job, not for someone with a key to your house.
Compare local cleaning services on RatingsNearMe to see real reviews and pricing before you commit.