On-site walk through

Before you can get a written formal estimate, you need to do a formal walk-through with a representative, preferably the owner or manager, of the company you will potentially hire. This walk-through serves two purposes.

1) This gives them an opportunity to inspect the job you have for them. They can see the size and the full scope of cleaning that you need to have done on a regular basis. It is essential for them to be able to know what a fair price to charge you will be.

Be wary of anyone who tries to give you an estimate without a full walk through. This mean that either they don’t know what they are doing, are very lazy (which will be reflected in their work), or they charge hourly. You will want to stay away from a janitor service that charges on a hourly basis because it is in their best interest to take longer on the job and therefore costing you more. However, on the same note, it is okay if they charge hourly for special & additional assignments you give them on an occasional basis.

2) The walk through is also a chance for you to interview them. Get to know as much as you can about their character, how the business runs, and the janitor service you are hiring.

Be sure to ask the company you are getting an estimate from to bring references (if you have not already gotten them) and a copy of their business licenses, bonding (if desired), and insurance for you to verify.

A quick note: It is a good idea to have qualified the cleaning service through their references before getting to this step so you don’t feel obligated toward them for the time they spent on the estimate. However, if you had no way of getting references before this time, DON’T forget the now!

Shortly after doing the walk-through, the janitor service should present you with a written estimate. You can compare this estimate with the others you got based on services provided, price, and over all quality of business.

Even though it can seem like there is a lot to do to find and hire the right janitor service, remember that hiring is the easy part. Dealing with sub-par service is a lot more tiresome. In the end you will be glad you took a bit more time in the beginning because you will get what you want without the hassle of having to deal with people that don’t meet your standards or don’t know what they’re doing.