Professional Cleaning Company vs. Independent Cleaner
Factors to consider when deciding who to hire to clean your home
Finding a good cleaning company can feel completely overwhelming. There are so many options. From large franchises to small independent people who literally work out of their trunk. At Buckets & Bows Maid Service, we are locally owned and operated. In fact, you can stop by our offices in Lewisville during regular business hours and meet our team.
We are equipped with a wonderful staff who work incredibly hard. Many of our employees have cleaned their clients’ houses for years and have developed wonderful, trusting relationships with them. We are also equipped with a small staff of administrators who expertly schedule our cleaners. Each type of cleaning service definitely has their advantages. It is important that you choose a company you feel comfortable with.
Usually, an independent cleaner will give you an estimate that will be a bit lower than other professional companies. This makes them seem like the more attractive choice. However, there are so many other factors that must be considered when choosing your cleaning service.
Other than cost, here are some other important things to think about when choosing between a large cleaning service versus a small independent cleaner:
Schedule
An independent cleaner can be difficult to pin down a time that works with your busy schedule. You often times have to work around their schedule instead of yours. Most likely you will have to choose a day and time that is less desirable. A larger cleaning company has several cleaners, making it easier to find a day that works for you and your family.
Reliable
When you are dealing with a single person, it is hard to know if they will be reliable. There are many things that can happen to make them miss or be late to your cleaning appointment. For instance, if their car is giving them problems, if their child is sick, or if they suddenly have another obligation, there is no one to come in and take their place. At a larger, professional service, they are equipped to handle these problems that are likely to arise once and a while. Most professional companies have a backup cleaner to come in and take the place of the regular cleaner. When choosing who will clean your house make sure to factor in how reliability plays into your decision.
Bonded and Insured
A professional cleaning service must be registered as a company either at the state or federal level…or both. This allows the company to have something called liability insurance. This type of insurance actually protects the homeowner for liability if something were to happen on their property. For instance, if a cleaner slipped on a wet floor, their liability insurance will cover all medical and other costs.
It is not uncommon for a small independent cleaner to lack legal necessities. This clearly puts you and your entire family at risk. Before you hire someone, you want to talk to them about their policies. You want to know how they would handle an injury, theft, or breakage. It is crucial that you know the risks associated with hiring a cleaner that is not insured or bonded. If your cleaner hurt herself while working at your home, you – or your homeowners insurance – may be responsible. You also would most likely be out of luck if they were to break something in your home. Learn more about why hiring a cleaning company that is bonded and insured is important.
Background Checks and Training
A professional cleaning service does the hard work for you. They take care to find the absolute best cleaners in the area. They will provide background testing and the training necessary to make sure your home is cleaned correctly. When hiring a professional service, make sure you ask them how their employees are checked and trained. If you decide to hire an independent cleaner, it is definitely a good idea to request references and background checks. If there is nothing to hide, your independent cleaner should not mind questions like this. You are literally giving someone free reign of your home or business and should be careful.
Accountability
If you choose to hire a professional cleaning service, you can always call their office to issue a complaint. However, an independent cleaner must be confronted head on. This can often be awkward, hard to do, and also less effective. The administration team can handle the problem quietly and effectively. This is your home and you have the right to have these tough conversations, but they are infinitely easier with superiors rather than the person who comes into your home weekly.
Personalized Services
Renee Angela Photography
Some people prefer hiring an independent cleaner because they can customize the work they want done. A professional cleaning service, on the other hand, usually has a set list of tasks or services they offer. These “menus” allow a professional cleaning service to keep their pricing down and their quality high. Think about the services that are most important to you when deciding what type of cleaner, you would like to hire.
There are several professional services that do offer add-no services upon request. This means that you will be paying hourly for your cleaner to come in and do the tasks that you choose for a certain amount of time. This way you can choose certain areas that need cleaning and other areas that are not as important to you. This can be a great choice for those who are trying to manage their budgets but still get the help they need.
Never be nervous to ask your cleaning service for specific services or for pricing. This allows both a professional and independent cleaning service to meet your needs as closely as possible. You are not insulting them but rather developing a very important business relationship. They want you to be happy.
In short, a professional cleaning service usually does cost a bit more than an independent cleaner. However, the benefits that come with a professional service far outweigh the cost. The quality, reliability, the safety, and the accountability are well worth the price. Contact the professionals at Buckets and Bows today for more information.
