Are you looking to hire a window cleaning service?
We all want our homes to look their best and having sparkling windows is an important part of that. But window cleaning isn’t always the easiest task. If you don’t have the time or skills, it’s often better to call in someone to do it for you. It can be tough to know how to hire the right people for the job though.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Read on for these 7 questions to ask when hiring professional window cleaners.
1. Do They Have a Licence & Insurance?
This is the most important question you should ask. If you asked them, any window cleaning professionals worth considering would agree. It’s a big red flag if a cleaning company hasn’t gotten a license, or can’t get one. If they aren’t insured, then this spells even more trouble.
Without the right insurance, should a worker get injured in your home, you could be liable for the health bill. You won’t have cover for any damage they might do to your property either. It could end up costing you big time.
Get proof of their license and insurance, and check they have workers’ compensation. You must do this due diligence to save you the stress of a costly lawsuit should the worst happen. Only consider companies that won’t cut corners on liability.
2. What Services Are They Offering?
This is a quick, simple question to set up your expectations. You want to be clear on the window cleaning service you’ll get, and what’s on offer.
Do they only do exterior window cleaning, or interior surfaces as well? What sort of equipment do they use, and do they have power washing options? Do they offer extra services like gutter cleaning?
Think about what you want out of the service in as much detail as you can. The more detailed you are, the better idea you’ll get of what you’re signing up for and how much value you’re getting for the money you’re spending.
3. Are There References You Can Check?
One of the best ways to work out if a window cleaning company is worth your time is by checking reviews. See what their current and previous customers have to say about their service.
You have a couple of ways you can go about finding reviews. Sites and search engines like Google, Yelp, and Facebook all offer customer reviews. If you search for the company, you’ll be able to view the reviews they’ve received.
You can also search the company’s website for a section with testimonials. Any reliable window cleaning professional will have a list of testimonials. Either they’ll be on their website, or you can call and ask for them.
Take the time to look up the companies you have on your list, and check out their websites and social media. You’ll gain a lot of insight from other customers into how their work, their rates, the value you offer, and much more.
You can’t please everyone, so don’t let a few bad reviews here and there put you off. But make sure it’s more positive than negative. This is a great way to gauge how trustworthy a company is before you sign up with them.
4. How Long Have They Been in Business?
It’s not always the case, but in general, the longer a company is in business the safer you can feel in their hands. If a window cleaner has been in the business for years, they likely know what they’re doing.
They’re going to be profitable, with the experience to handle almost any window washing job. Their reviews should reflect that, working many varied jobs with many satisfied customers.
While it’s not bad to go with a newer company, there is more risk there early on. They won’t have established or proven themselves yet as an older company will have.
It’ll be up to you to work out if it’s a risk you’re willing to take. But always ask how long a company has been in the business so you have all the facts to make that choice. At the end of the day, you need to hire a company you’re comfortable working with.
5. Do Employees Get Ongoing Safety Training?
You might not think it but window washing can be dangerous. With over 164,000 emergency room treatments for ladder falls each year in the US, safety is key.
Make sure that your prospective window cleaning company is serious about safety. You can do this by asking them if they provide ongoing safety training for employees.
A good window cleaner should walk you through what they do to keep you and their employees safe. Most will welcome the conversation and take great pride in their safety protocol.
6. Do They Do Employee Background Checks?
Letting someone onto your property and in your home is a big deal. It’s important that you and your family feel safe around the contractors you hire.
There are some cleaning companies out there that will cut corners. As we’ve seen, some won’t have their licenses or insurance. Some of these companies won’t do background checks on their employees either.
The last thing you want is for workers to come into your home without having a background check. It could put you, your family, and your property at risk.
To avoid this, ask your prospective cleaning company about their background checking procedures. If they’ve nothing to hide, they’ll be open and honest and will be able to put your mind at rest.
7. When Can They Start?
If the rest of these questions check out and you want to proceed, you should ask is when they can start. Bear in mind that a good window cleaning professional is often busy.
You need to make sure that they have availability to suit your needs. Even if they’re busy, a great window cleaner will work with you to create a schedule tailored to you.
They shouldn’t be inflexible with the service they’re providing. If they are, or they want to restrict how often they come or what times, then find someone willing to work with you.
Hiring Professional Window Cleaners Made Easy
So, there you have it! Now you know these 7 questions to ask, you’ll be sure to find the right professional window cleaners for you.
Make sure to check they’re licensed, insured, and have workers comp. This will give peace of mind you won’t have to cover any fallout should something go wrong.
Also, check reviews and make sure you go with someone you can trust and who you feel safe with. The most important thing is you pick a window cleaner you can rely on and who works with your needs.
If you’re looking for a reliable, trustworthy professional window cleaner, contact us today. At My Window Washing, we have the experience and tools to help you with all your window washing needs.