Hiring someone to clean your windows sounds simple. Then you get a quote for triple what you expected, or they show up without a ladder. Don't learn this the hard way.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for proof of general liability insurance before you let them near your property. A fall from a ladder could land on your shoulders if they're not covered. Workers' comp matters too — if they get hurt on your driveway, you don't want that bill. Don't take their word for it. Ask to see the certificate. If they hesitate, move on.
Experience & References Questions
How long have they been doing this? One year of weekends doesn't compare to a decade of full-time work. Ask for three recent references. Call them. Ask about missed spots, broken screens, and whether they showed up on time. A good window cleaner will have repeat customers who are happy to talk. If they can't produce a single reference, that's a red flag.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get a written quote before they start. Flat rates beat hourly every time — hourly pricing rewards slow work. Ask how many panes or square feet are included. Find out when they'll finish. A one-person crew on a big house might take all day. Two people can knock it out in a few hours. Don't pay in full upfront. A small deposit is fine, but never the whole amount.
Contract Questions
Read the contract. Look for cancellation fees, what happens if they break a window, and how they handle weather delays. Some contracts lock you into a recurring schedule you can't easily cancel. Make sure you can pause or stop without penalty. If the contract is full of weasel words, walk away. A clean contract means a clean business.
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