Decide what you want help with
Start with the rooms you use most and the tasks you want off your plate. A recurring maintenance visit, a first deep clean and a move-out clean are different requests. Tell each company the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, approximate home size, pets and any areas you want left alone. Describe the current condition honestly so the quote reflects the work.
Ask for a written cleaning checklist
Ask what the quoted visit includes in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas. Confirm whether inside ovens, refrigerators, cabinets, interior windows and laundry are included or priced separately. Ask whether the quote covers a fixed checklist or a set number of hours, and what happens if the team needs more time. Compare the same tasks across companies rather than choosing by the lowest headline price.
Check who will enter your home
Ask whether the company sends employees or independent contractors, how workers are screened and whether a regular cleaner or team can be assigned. Request confirmation of applicable insurance and ask how damage, missing items and complaints are handled. Read recent reviews for patterns involving reliability, communication and corrections; do not treat a directory listing alone as proof of insurance or screening.
Discuss products, pets and delicate surfaces
Mention allergies, fragrance preferences and manufacturer instructions for stone, wood or other sensitive finishes. Confirm who supplies products and equipment. Explain pet routines and agree on where animals will stay during the visit. If you want your own products used, get the cleaner’s agreement before the appointment rather than leaving an unfamiliar bottle with no instructions.
Agree on access, payment and cancellation
Confirm the arrival window, how keys or entry codes will be handled, the total quoted price, any taxes or extra fees, payment timing and cancellation terms. Ask whether you need to be home and whether the company has a process for reporting missed work. Keep valuables, personal documents and private areas secured according to your preferences.
Start with one visit and review the result
After the first clean, check the work against the agreed checklist. Raise specific concerns promptly and give the company a chance to respond under its stated correction policy. If you continue with recurring visits, confirm the frequency and price in writing. Browse the directory’s residential cleaning listings to build a shortlist, then verify the details directly with each provider.