subject: Discover The Top Calgary Maid Service [print this page] How To Choose The Best Maid Services In Calgary:
...Finding the best Calgary Maid Services money can buy!
What a House Cleaning Service does Q's and A's:
Q I don't know much about Cleaning Services. What kinds of services do they provide?
A A Maid Service is primarily required to clean within the house itself. Though there are some restrictions about what they should and should not be cleaning, 98% of all the cleaning jobs that you can think of within a home are normally covered by a good cleaning service.
A complete routine cleaning from top to bottom is the bread and butter of any cleaning service. This service will most likely include the following:
- bathrooms
- kitchen
- bedrooms
- main rooms
- vacuum
- clean
- shine
- disinfect
- tidy up (straighten the appearance of all rooms)
Detailed deep home cleaning should include move-in and move-out house cleaning. This is also great for spring cleaning when you want everything cleaned, sanitized, and shiny.
- cleaning walls
- light fixtures
- oven
- refrigerator
- windows and window tracks
Custom house cleaning should be in your service's repertoire. Examples include:
- cleaning plant leaves
- folding laundry
- organize the pantry
- or just cleaning higher traffic areas of the home
- only the bathroom
- and you can also request that you be there to help out
Q What kind of training do House Cleaning Services have?
A Many house cleaners get in house training. A reputable service will have it's own high standards and cleaning practices that each maid will conform to upon working with that company. There is no external training required although many maids will come to a new company with prior experience.
Q How are Maid Services licensed? And what are they Bonded and what does that mean?
A Good maid services in Calgary are licensed. It is a legal requirement. A good service will also be bonded, which, means that any dishonest acts are insured. But you have to understand first party bonding and third party bonding. First party bonding protects the company from its own employees. And third party bonding (affects you) protects you from dishonesty and negligence of the house cleaning service's employees.
Q Are there any risks?
A Yes, there can always be risk associated with others spending time in your home. However, you can considerably reduce that risk by paying close attention to the pointers I have laid out in this eBook.
And now the goodies...
"How to choose the best Calgary Maid Service"
When selecting a maid service, take time to consider these tips:
1. Choose a maid service that does not use any chemicals to clean. Your children and pets with thank you - so will your health. Ask them if they use green products.
2. Ask if they use multi-level filtration closed canister vacuums for better air quality.
3. Ask if the maids get formal training (in house is fully acceptable)
4. Make sure the maid service has references to verify high standards. Your valuables should be left alone and so you must check references.
5. When talking to references ask how long they have used the maid service.
6. Ask the references if they've ever needed to make any complaints.
7. Make sure you ask the cleaning service if their maids perform criminal record checks
8. Ask the service if they have employees or sub-contractors. A service that used sub-contractors will not require criminal record checks nor provide training so quality control is low.
9. A good company will provide free estimates for your first cleaning.
10. Find out what needs doing and how much and how often. (depending, once a week, bi-weekly, or once a month is considered standard)
11. Make sure what you agree to gets written into the contract.
12. Make sure the company is bonded and insured. That way, you are protected from theft and the maid is protected in case of injury in your home.
13. Make sure the company you choose has liability insurance to ensure you are protected in case of injury in your home.
14. Make sure the company has worker's compensation.
15. Make sure the service brings it's own cleaning supplies and equipment. (read the fine print in any contract)
16. Ask if the maid service is guaranteed. Ask them what quality assurances there are. Make sure you understand how there quality of service is quantified and verified.
17. If possible, getting referred a service from someone you know will be a good bet but still make sure to ask the service all the questions above.
Answering your FAQ's about Maid services
Q What happens when I accidentally lock my Maid out of the house while I'm at work?
A Just as with any rescheduling fee, you will have to accept the maid service's lock-out fee. Make sure you understand your service's lock-out policies before it happens.
Many clients will hide a key on premises on cleaning day to avoid this.
Q What should I do about my house alarm system on cleaning day?
A If you have an alarm, you'll have to make certain arrangements with a family member or someone you trust with your alarm system to allow your cleaning team in. Many alarm systems have a temporary guest code function.
Q What should I do with my pets on cleaning day?
A Make sure your service knows you have pets and keep the team updated with any specific instructions that would be helpful for them to know. Ideally you could be there on the first cleaning.
TIP: Show the team where the treats are so they can make friends with your pets when they first arrive.
It is not a requirement but it may be helpful to section off the pets from the cleaning areas.
Q What if I have my own products I want them to use?
A Most good cleaning services are happy to oblige. Just advise the company before-hand and leave them in a visible location with a note for the team.
Q What if some of the cleaning was missed and I am unhappy with the result?
A If this is the case, you must call the company within 24 hours and notify them otherwise they will assume you are happy with the job. And a good company should return to your house and correct the issue at no additional cost to you.
Q How do I prepare for my first cleaning?
A First you must communicate your desires to the company and make sure both parties are clear before signing any agreements. Give them any instructions about pets, keys, alarms, and any other particular house instructions.
Make sure you are satisfied with the type and quality of cleaning supplies they will use in your home.
Leave a cleaning list either in your house for the team or at the company office.
Definitely, for your sake, reduce the amount of clutter as much as possible because time is money - your money.
Q I've never had a maid service, how do I get started?
A You'll have to submit a request for a cleaning quote so you have an idea about time and cost. Most people decide to get a deep clean on their first visit and then regular weekly maintenance cleans or a routine that suits them.
The first clean will take the longest - about twice as long as a regular visit for obvious reasons. But once your cleaning team gets to know your house, the cleaning will be much more efficient and quicker too.
Q Can I arrange a time for the service to clean when I'm not home?
A Yes. This is standard practice. Just make sure they have a key and instructions.
Q What if they break something of mine while cleaning?
A This is rare but it does happen. By this time i hope you will have asked the company's policy on damaged goods. A good company will replace or reimburse the item. And they will carry liability insurance of course.
Q How do I know a Maid Service will do a good job?
A You must ask for references before you agree to a contract and do what most people don't do: check them! Also, you can go online and look for company reviews.
Q Can I expect the same maids each visit?
A If you prefer this, just notify the service and, if they are any good, they will make it happen.
Q What happens if I need to cancel my cleaning service?
A You should be sure to cancel 48 hours before your next visit otherwise you will most likely be charged a cancellation fee. If it is any more than $100, ask where it says that in the contract.
Things House Cleaning services shouldn't be cleaning:
- due to health concerns, they shouldn't be cleaning up kitty litter boxes (risk of toxoplasmosis)
- blood
- vomit
- or any other types of body fluids, either from humans or animals
- needles
- contraceptives
If it seems like it could be a bio hazard, then they should not be cleaning it. You call a bio hazard cleaning service for this type of mess.
