Judge the work first, the price second
- Ask all of them for the scope on paper, each task spelled out with how often it's done.
- Ask how many hours of crew time each visit is priced around.
- Learn whether paper goods, liners and soap come bundled into the price or get billed later.
- Make sure you know whether periodic jobs, like floor care, are included or priced on their own.
What to get in writing
| Contract term | What it should say |
|---|---|
| Scope of work | Each task, room by room, with its frequency. That's what the provider is on the hook for. |
| Schedule | Which days and what hours the crew shows up, and what changes around holidays. |
| Price and what's included | What you pay monthly or per visit, which supplies that includes and who signs off on extra work before it's billed. |
| Insurance | Proof they carry liability insurance, and workers comp if anyone is on their payroll. |
| Keys and security | Who carries your keys and alarm codes, and what gets done if one goes missing. |
| Quality checks | How often someone looks over the work, and how you flag missed spots and get them fixed. |
| Term and cancellation | How long the deal lasts and how much notice either of you has to give to get out. |
Red flags to watch for
- They throw out a number before seeing your space or asking a single question.
- Nothing in writing, or a scope that leaves out how often each task happens.
- They dodge when you ask for proof of insurance.
- They want you locked into a long contract you can't leave if the cleaning gets worse.