Guide To Home Improvement - Hiring a Maid Service

While some people enjoy doing their own housework or simply feel secure in having it done a certain way, not everyone has the time or energy to keep their house the way they like it. Maid cleaning companies can provide a consistent level of services that fit your budget. Evaluate several maid service companies before settling on a choice.

Make a List

Create a detailed list of the housekeeping chores you want done by a maid and how often you need them completed. You'd be surprised how efficient this exercise can be in prioritizing tasks and setting limits to how much you want to pay the maid service. Be sure to include everything that matters to you: sweeping and vacuuming, floor mopping, countertop cleaning, laundry washed and folded, dusting, bath (mirrors sinks, tubs, toilets), kitchen, drapes and curtains, windows (inside and/or outside), appliances scrubbed, ovens, refrigerators, area rugs, window sills, and bedding changes.

Evaluating Maid Services

Now that you know what you need, shop around for quotes for the services, and ask maid companies if they meet your requirements for security and quality. For your own peace of mind, you'll want a maid service company that offers proof of liability insurance and is bonded. The combination of assurances mean that you're covered in case of theft of if something is broken by the maid.

Ask each maid company to provide references to recent or current clients and contact them about the quality of service. You may want to ask if the maid service pays worker's comp and payroll taxes to ensure that you're dealing with a legitimate organization that hires employees legally.

You'll also need to know if the maid service fee covers all materials used in cleaning, including cleaning solutions, mops, brooms, brushes, and paper towels--or if you're expected to provide them. When it's time to get down to prices, ask for either an hourly rate or rate based on total services.

Either way, you'll want the maid service to stipulate and agree to your list of chores and set a price that includes all of them without hidden costs or spikes. Some companies set terms by the visit, by the hour, or by the month. Once that's settled, you can compare bids and hire your maid. Be sure you tell your new maid service if anyone in your household has allergies to cleaning supplies.

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.