How to Vet Any Residential Cleaning Service Before You Hire
How to use this checklist: Ask each question before hiring any residential cleaning service. A trustworthy service will answer every one with confidence — and documentation to back it up.
01
Insurance Coverage
Ask: "Can you show proof of $1M+ liability insurance?"
They provide a Certificate of Insurance same-day, no hesitation.
Hesitation or "we're bonded" with no specifics or documentation.
02
Consistent Specialist
Ask: "Will I have the same person every visit?"
Named specialist assigned, with a Known-Face Policy in writing.
"Whoever is available" or rotating teams with no consistency guarantee.
03
Transparent Pricing
Ask: "Is your pricing flat-rate and locked in writing?"
Written quote with flat-rate pricing and no escalation clauses.
Hourly billing, fuel surcharges, or vague "prices may adjust."
04
HEPA-Grade Equipment
Ask: "Do you use HEPA-filtered vacuums on every job?"
They can name the equipment brand and model, and explain why HEPA matters.
Consumer-grade vacuums, no specific answer, or vague "quality tools."
05
Satisfaction Policy
Ask: "What happens if I'm not happy with the clean?"
Written re-clean policy, response within 24–48 hours, no questions asked.
"We'll try harder next time" with no formal re-clean process in writing.
06
Background-Checked Specialists
Ask: "Are your team members background-checked?"
Third-party verification used, documentation available on request.
"We trust our people" with no third-party verification or paper trail.
07
Post-Service Report
Ask: "Do you provide a post-service report or completion checklist?"
Written completion checklist delivered after every visit, with before/after photos.
No documentation. "You'll see the results" is not a verification system.
08
Training Protocols
Ask: "Can you show proof of specialist training?"
Documented training program with continuing education and written standards.
"We train on the job" with no documented process or quality benchmarks.
09
Transparent Reviews
Ask: "Where can I read your reviews — independently verified?"
Active Google Business Profile with consistent review responses and a rating history.
No Google presence, or only testimonials hosted on their own website.
10
Pre-Service Walkthrough
Ask: "Will you do a walkthrough before quoting?"
In-person or virtual assessment before any pricing is confirmed.
Sight-unseen quotes by phone only, with no home-specific assessment.