Hiring a house cleaner means letting someone into your home, often when you are not there, and trusting them with your belongings. It makes sense to ask questions first. The answers help you compare companies on more than price and set clear expectations from the first visit.
Here are the questions worth asking any cleaning company or independent cleaner before you book, and why each one matters.
1. Are you insured, and can I see proof?
Liability insurance covers damage to your property during a cleaning. If a company says it is insured, it is reasonable to ask for a certificate of insurance. Some people also ask whether workers are covered by workers compensation, since an injury on your property is otherwise a gray area.
Condo and apartment buildings sometimes require proof of insurance from service providers, so it is useful to know the answer before the first visit.
2. Who will be cleaning my home?
Ask whether you will see the same cleaner or team each time, how cleaners are hired and whether the company screens them. Consistency matters: a team that knows your home works faster and learns your preferences.
3. What exactly is included in a standard cleaning?
Ask for the checklist in writing. Standard cleanings usually include kitchens, bathrooms, dusting and floors, but details vary. Does it include inside the microwave? Making beds? Wiping baseboards? Knowing what is included is the only way to compare quotes fairly.
4. What counts as an extra?
Inside the oven, inside the refrigerator, inside cabinets, interior windows, laundry and blinds are often priced as add ons. Ask what they cost and how to request them.
5. Do you bring your own supplies and equipment?
Some companies bring everything, others use your products and vacuum. If you have preferences, such as a specific product for natural stone or a fragrance free cleaner because of allergies, ask whether they can use it.
6. How do you price: by the job or by the hour?
Flat rate pricing tells you the cost upfront. Hourly pricing can be fair for unusual jobs but makes the final cost harder to predict. If the rate is hourly, ask how many cleaners will come and whether the rate is per cleaner.
7. Is the first visit priced differently?
Many companies charge more for the first cleaning or require a deep clean first. Ask so the first bill is not a surprise.
8. How does scheduling work?
Ask about available days, arrival windows, how far in advance you need to book and what happens on holidays. If you want weekly or biweekly service, ask whether you get a fixed day.
9. What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
Life happens on both sides. Ask how much notice you need to give to cancel or reschedule, whether there is a fee, and what happens if the cleaner needs to cancel.
10. What happens if I am not happy with the cleaning?
Ask how the company handles complaints. Some will send someone back to fix missed areas, others offer a credit, and some have no formal policy. Knowing the answer upfront avoids friction later.
11. How do you handle keys, codes and security?
If you will not be home, ask how the company stores keys or codes, who has access to them and what they do with alarm systems. Also ask how they handle pets that stay home during the visit.
12. How do I pay, and how do I reach you?
Ask which payment methods are accepted, when payment is due and whether there is a deposit. Ask the best way to reach the company with questions or changes: phone, text or email. A company that responds quickly before you hire is more likely to respond quickly after.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious if a company cannot tell you what is included, will not put a quote or checklist in writing, asks for full payment far in advance or is hard to reach while you are still deciding. Prices far below others in your area can mean a much shorter checklist or rushed visits.
Read recent reviews on Google and other platforms, paying attention to how the company responds to complaints. A calm, specific reply to a negative review often tells you more than a long list of five star ratings.
A note on independent cleaners vs companies
Independent cleaners and cleaning companies can both do excellent work. The questions above apply to either. With an independent cleaner, pay special attention to what happens if they are sick or on vacation, and whether they carry their own insurance. With a company, ask how consistent the team will be from visit to visit.
Putting the answers together
Write down the answers from each company you contact and compare them side by side with the quotes. The cheapest option is not always the best value if the checklist is shorter or the policies are unclear. Look for clear answers, a written scope and a company that is easy to communicate with.
S&A House Cleaning is based in Delran and cleans houses, apartments, condos and offices across South Jersey and the Philadelphia area. If you are comparing companies, call or text (856) 258-0638 with your questions and to request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
01What should I ask a house cleaner before hiring?
Ask about insurance, who will clean, what is included and what costs extra, supplies, pricing method, first visit pricing, scheduling, cancellation policy, how problems are handled, key security and payment.
02Should a house cleaning company be insured?
Insurance protects you if something is damaged during a cleaning. It is reasonable to ask any company whether it carries liability insurance and to request proof.
03Do house cleaners bring their own supplies?
It varies by company. Some bring all supplies and equipment, others use the homeowner's. Ask in advance, especially if you have product preferences or allergies.
04How do I compare house cleaning quotes?
Compare the written checklist, what counts as an extra, frequency, first visit pricing and policies, not just the price per visit.
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