1. Do the employees undergo a background check? Are Past Employers contacted to verify character and experience by the employer? Are Criminal Background checks run and utilized? Where are new employees sourced from? If you are not using a service and hiring on your own, you should highly consider executing these things on your own. For housekeeping services, reviews can almost always be found online.
2. Is the company/housekeeper insured adequately? In the state of Illinois, employers must provide workman’s comp insurance. If your service doesn’t have workman’s comp for it’s employees, then it is not a legal company and furthermore, you can be held liable for any injuries sustained on your property. A quality company will also provide liability insurance. As a client, you should be able to request a copy of the company’s certificate of insurance for both of these types of insurance.
3. Is the company/housekeeper bonded? While not a necessity, it’s a good idea. There is no guarantee that if you accuse an employee of the company or a housekeeper of stealing something that a company will reimburse you. Even with a bond. Chances are much better though that the company will take your claim seriously and assist you through the process of filing a police report while getting to the bottom of things if they are bonded. If the company or employee is at fault, restitution can be made.
4. Can you communicate with the employees? If you are fluent in several languages, this may not be an issue for you. For most, however, it is. Companies that require employees to speak English may charge more but it’s because they are seeking out a more experienced individual. Communication is the key to success in any relationship and the housekeeper/homeowner relationship is no different. When communication is not an obstacle, quality of work improves as does trust.
5. Are the employees legally eligible to work in the United States? You may think it’s great to save a few dollars by hiring these individuals. You may even think you are helping him/her out. Defrauding the government in general is a pretty bad idea though and when it comes to hiring illegal workers, employers/homeowners should know that the penalties can be harsh.
6. Is the work guaranteed? Housekeepers are human like you and will make mistakes from time to time. How eager is the company or individual to correct mistakes? Is there follow up? Does the company solicit your feedback? A company or individual who dismisses your complaint or doesn’t offer to correct errors is not worth dealing with.
7. What types of products do they use? Are they top quality or do they simply use vinegar and water? Maybe they want to use your supplies or refuse to use your supplies. All important things to consider? Are the rags they bring into your home clean? Rags should be washed using sanitary cycles on commercial grade machines or discarded after each home cleaning to prevent the spread of germs.
8. Do they “lock” you into a contract for a specific period of time? Why? Are they afraid you will not want their services for long? Commercial clients aside, (contracts are required in most cases because of the size and scope of work – employers have to plan staff and equipment and need to protect themselves in terms of payment) residential work should not require a contract.
9. How thorough is the cleaning? What is included? Comparing is often like apples and oranges. Many housekeepers and companies rotate items to be cleaned. Be sure there is an agreement up front, preferably written, that states what is included.
10. Trust. Bottom line, after exploring and considering all the aforementioned items, what does your gut tell you? Hiring a housekeeper is a very personal thing. You are allowing a guest into your home on a regular basis and giving them access to the most private areas of your home. Do you FEEL you can trust them? Follow your instincts and find the right fit for you.