Start with the building, not the sales pitch
Before calling cleaners, write down the square footage, operating hours, floor types, restrooms, kitchens, high-traffic areas and any spaces with special access rules. Note what is not working with the current service. A useful walkthrough is easier when you can point to real problems instead of asking for a vague quote.
What to confirm before hiring
Ask for a written scope that lists tasks and frequency by area. Confirm who supplies liners, soap, paper products and equipment. Check insurance, supervision, employee screening, keys and alarm procedures, complaint handling and what happens when the regular cleaner is absent. Get the start date, cancellation terms and price-change rules in writing.
Compare the plan, not only the price
A low number can hide fewer service days, skipped periodic work or unrealistic labor time. Compare proposals line by line. Ask how many labor hours are included and who inspects the work. The strongest choice is usually the company that understands the building, explains its staffing plan clearly and gives you one accountable contact.
Before you sign
Walk the property with the final scope in hand. Mark any locked rooms, sensitive surfaces and areas that need photos or special instructions. Agree on a 30-day review. That first review gives both sides a chance to correct missed expectations before they turn into a long-running problem.