When you have a home and have a family, working and needing to rest on weekends — professional cleaning services can come in very handy and help you to save time, money, and energy. We all need to rest one or two days a week, and we love to spend this time at home with children, pets, or some time with friends. Home is a very important space for each person, it is a place where we recharge, plan our future, meet relatives and enjoy “me” time, thinking or not thinking, just relaxing.
Some homeowners want to save money and are looking for an independent maid, thinking it is cheaper than contracting with a professional agency. But actually, this is a terrible mistake, because opening your house and your personal life to an independent maid, there can be a lot of problems associated with this in the future like damages, theft, scam, injuries etc.
Let’s take a closer look at this issue and compare which services are better to use.
Private maid: peculiarities and risks
Private maids often offer the general housekeeping services, including dusting, vacuuming carpets, washing floors, cleaning bathroom and kitchen. The specific services offered and their rates vary depending on the maid.
Hiring a private maid for cleaning services can provide a more personalized and flexible cleaning experience but hiring a private cleaner instead of an agency has some potential safety risks that need to be considered. These include:
— Background checks: Private cleaners are not typically subjected to the same level of background checks as those hired by agencies, so there may be a higher risk of hiring someone with a criminal history.
— Insurance: Private housekeepers are not usually covered by liability insurance, meaning that if they cause damage to your property or steal from you, you may not be able to recover any losses.
— Contracts and agreements: An agency will often provide a contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the cleaning services, including payment and liability. Private cleaners may not have a formal agreement in place, leaving you with less protection.
That being said, some private maids are trustworthy and reliable, and can provide high-quality services. Before hiring a private cleaner, it is important to thoroughly research their background, ask for references, and consider taking steps to protect yourself and your property.
Here are some additional risks associated with hiring private maids:
— Lack of professional training: Private cleaners may not have received professional training, meaning they may not have the skills or knowledge needed to effectively clean your home or use cleaning products safely. As a result they can ruin stone, glass, wood, laminate and other materials or coverages.
— Lack of reliability: Private cleaners may not have a consistent schedule or may cancel appointments without notice, which can be disruptive and inconvenient for homeowners.
— Lack of accountability: Private cleaners may not have a supervisor overseeing their work, meaning there may be no one to hold them accountable for the quality of their work or any damages or losses they may cause.
— Security risks: Private cleaners will typically have access to your home and personal belongings, and may not be bonded or insured, meaning that if they steal from you or cause damage, you may have difficulty recovering any losses.
— No guarantee of quality: Private cleaners may not have a reputation or track record to rely on, meaning there is no guarantee of the quality of their work.
It’s important to carefully consider the risks and benefits associated with hiring a private maid, and to thoroughly research and screen any potential candidates before making a hiring decision.
Damages or theft during cleaning with an independent maid
In the case of damages or theft that occur during a cleaning by a private person, responsibility will depend on the circumstances and any agreements in place between the homeowner and the cleaner.
If the homeowner has hired the private cleaner on an informal basis, there may be no written agreement in place, making it difficult to determine liability. In such cases, the homeowner may need to pursue legal action to recover any damages or losses.
If the homeowner has a contract or agreement with the independent cleaner that outlines the terms of the cleaning services, the contract may specify who is responsible in the event of damages or theft. In such cases, the terms of the agreement will dictate who is responsible.
It is important for homeowners to take steps to protect themselves and their property when hiring a private cleaner, such as thoroughly researching the cleaner’s background, asking for references, and having a written agreement in place that outlines the terms and conditions of the cleaning services.
What to look for when signing a contract with a cleaning lady
When signing a contract with a private cleaning lady, here are some important things to look for:
1. Scope of services: The contract should clearly outline the cleaning services to be provided, including the frequency of cleaning, the specific tasks to be performed, and any special requests or requirements.
2. Payment terms: The contract should specify the rate to be charged for the cleaning services, as well as the payment method and frequency.
3. Liability and insurance: The contract should state who is responsible for damages or losses that occur during the cleaning process and whether the cleaning lady carries liability insurance.
4. Confidentiality: The contract should address the cleaning lady’s obligations with respect to confidentiality, particularly if sensitive or personal information may be accessible in the home.
5. Cancellation policy: The contract should specify the conditions under which the cleaning services can be canceled and the consequences of doing so.
6. Termination clause: The contract should include a termination clause that outlines the conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement.
7. Detailed contact information: The contract should include the cleaning lady’s contact information, including her full name, address, and phone number.
It’s important to thoroughly review the contract and understand all of its terms before signing. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to ask the cleaning lady to clarify before signing the agreement.
Along with this, it is important to note one more advantage of hiring a professional cleaning agency. When you sign a contract with a cleaning company, you can avoid wasting time on these nuances, and at the same time you can be sure that you will not be deceived. All the necessary clauses of the contract will be carefully checked by a lawyer and only after that will provide a contract for signing by both parties to the transaction. The law in this case protects both the client and the contractor.
Additional benefits of a cleaning agency
Cleaning companies offer several benefits over independent housekeepers:
— Professionalism: agencies typically have a professional image, and their employees undergo background checks, training, and drug testing.
— Reliability: companies have a team of cleaners and a scheduling system, meaning they can provide consistent cleaning services and are less likely to cancel appointments or reschedule.
— Accountability: official cleaners have a supervising staff that is responsible for overseeing the quality of the cleaning services and ensuring customer satisfaction.
— Security: companies usually carry liability insurance and bond their employees, which provides homeowners with added protection in case of damages or theft.
— Guarantee of quality: cleaning businesses have a reputation to maintain, and often provide a satisfaction guarantee for their services.
— Ease of use: professional companies handle all aspects of the cleaning process, from scheduling appointments to providing cleaning supplies and equipment, making it a convenient and stress-free option for homeowners.
In conclusion
It is absolutely safer for homeowners to work with a licensed cleaning agency than with a private cleaner. All our clients know that MrsClean allows only bonded, fully trained and background checked cleaners to work in our clients home. It is a reliable, trusted and insured cleaning company, serving Calgary & Edmonton for 13 years.
Mrs Clean completely protects homeowners from any damages and if cleaners are injured in homes as well. That’s why we kindly warn all customers to be careful with independent maids due to the possibility of scam, theft, damages, injuries and many other issues. Don’t stress and choose the insured cleaning agency for all of your cleaning needs.
Take care!
