London is full of companies that claim to be able to keep your home spotless. Most of them will be able to do some kind of house cleaning but few are truly equipped and are competent enough to be able to do a really great job that justifies the expenditure you incur on this work. Choosing the right domestic cleaning agency is crucial to being sure not only that your home is properly cleaned; but that all your precious belongings are safe and secure.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when selecting a domestic cleaning agency:
- How long have they been is business. The longer they have been in business the safer your house will be in their hands.
- Ask them for recommendations. If they do not have any, ask for the contact details of some people whom they have previously worked for so that you may check on their bona fides and the quality of their workmanship.
- Ask about their staff verification procedure. Remember that you will be leaving your valuables within their reach. The better the verification the safer you will be.
- Enquire about the training the domestic cleaning agency gives to their staff and how they are certified as being fit for work.
- Ask if one team will be designated to work in your house. Having the same people come in regularly is an advantage since they will get to know the house well and also know where the trouble spots are.
- Will the domestic cleaning agency be able to work on days and at times that suit your convenience?
- Will they be able to provide extra service if needed? For example, you may need a special house cleaning before a party or a clean up after the party is over.
- What type of equipment and chemicals does the domestic cleaning agency use? Are the cleaning materials safe and nontoxic?
- Will the domestic cleaning agency offer full insurance cover for all the contents of your home?
- Do they have adequate manpower to cater for sickness and leave among their staff without making the customer suffer?
- Sometimes a domestic cleaning agency will quote for the job on an hourly rate and sometimes on a fixed job cost. If you opt for a company offering a per hour cost, compare the total cost with offers you have received on a fixed job basis and make sure that there are no large discrepancies in costs between the two options. If the per hour costs is significantly higher, ask for a justification.