Frequently Asked Questions
Our Top Four...
What is the advantage of hiring Housekeeping Specialists instead of an individual?
We are cleaning professionals. When one of our workers goes on vacation, we have a fully trained replacement ready to make your home sparkle. We are here to clean your home and to make your life easier – we guarantee what we do.
How do your rates compare with other cleaning companies?
We are very comfortable with our pricing policy. Our goal isn’t to give the absolute cheapest price; it’s to give you the best value for your money. To do this we use the best materials and specialized housekeepers that are prepared to spend as much time as necessary to do the job right. We often tell prospective clients to give us a try along with a couple of other companies so they can compare the difference in quality, customer service and satisfaction.
What type of training do your workers receive?
Excellent question! Our management team and cleaners are constantly trained in proper cleaning techniques, use of different cleaning products, proper use and maintenance of cleaning equipment, use of alarm systems, workplace safety, organizational and time management skills, knowledge of our company’s policies, map-reading skills and communication skills with the client, co-workers, pets and the company.
What is the availability of your service?
Our regular working hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, we can usually start as early as 7 a.m. if necessary. Saturday service is also available, however, we try to schedule all regular cleanings from Monday through Friday.
The Runners Up...
How many people do you send to my home?
Normally, we send a team of three to four cleaners, including a working supervisor to clean your home.
How do you monitor quality?
Each person checks the other’s work and the team stays until all members of the team are satisfied that the job is complete.
What if something is missed or not cleaned properly, something gets damaged or something is missing from my home?
Simply call our office right away. We answer our phone Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also email us at mcdrmtt@centurytel.net.
Is there anything I need to do before the cleaning?
In order to provide quality cleaning, please pick up clutter and secure cash, jewelry and other small valuables. We also ask that if you have clean dishes in your dishwasher, to unload them. We will be happy to load any dirty dishes that you might have, but sorry, we do not hand wash dishes.
What about pets?
Most of our clients have pets of some kind, and they are no problem, but we do need to know if you have them. Large and/or aggressive pets will need to be secured by the homeowner so that we can clean your home, but if your pet will not mind sharing its space, we will gladly work around them.
Do I need to be home?
Most of our customers are not home when we clean their homes. We keep detailed information about each client’s home regarding pets, special instructions and access. You can give us a key, hid a key, give us a code to the garage door if you have a keypad outside or make sure that someone is home when we arrive. If you prefer someone to be home, we will schedule a time that is mutually convenient.
If I give you a key, how will it be protected?
All keys are marked for identification with a code number and locked in a safe when not issued to the cleaning supervisor for the day of your cleaning. Only our top management staff has access to the safe.
What time will you be cleaning my home?
Normal cleaning hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and we would prefer to have the flexibility to arrive and depart between those hours; however, special requests for either before or after noon or as early as 7 a.m. can usually be accommodated at no additional charge.
Who provides the supplies and equipment?
We will provide all of the cleaning supplies and “tools of our trade”. We never use industrial strength chemicals or cleaning solution to clean your home. We use the same types of products that you would use to clean your home, such as Lysol, vinegar and Murphy’s Oil Soap. If you would prefer to provide the cleaning supplies, just ask us!
What about “special requests”?
We love special requests! Please communicate any additional chores or services or cleaning procedures you desire directly to our office. Every effort will be made to accommodate you.
What don’t you do?
Our employees cannot climb higher than a step stool, work outside the home, life any objects over 50 pounds, prepare meals or provide any pet or child-related services.
Will I always have the same cleaner?
We make every effort to send the same cleaners each time. Occasionally there might be a change in cleaners due to illness, days off and vacation, or a team member might no longer work for us.
Do you leave a written record of the work performed?
Yes, we will leave a signed work order, stating what services were performed, arrival and departure times, which cleaners provided service as your home, the fee charge and how it was paid and any comments from our employees to you.
How is payment handled?
The method of payment is arranged at the time your home is scheduled for cleaning. Most of our clients leave a check on the kitchen countertop and a receipt is left for your payment.
What if I forget to leave payment?
Payment is due at the time of service. If the housekeepers arrive and there is no payment, we will contact you immediately. If you are not available, we will have to reschedule your appointment and charge you a $40 lockout fee.
What if my check is returned?
You will be charged a $20 fee. We will not clean your home again until the fee is paid with the amount of the bad check. After two returned checks, we will only accept cash.
Do I have to sign a contract for service?
No contract is required, but we do ask that you sign a “Service Agreement” which states what services we will be providing and what we will charge to provide those services, as well as a list of our policies and procedures. You may cancel your service at any time.
What if I want to cancel a scheduled service?
No problem. All we ask is that you give at least 24 hours notice. If we arrive at your home and are unable to gain access for any reason, there is a $45 no-access fee, but if you call and cancel the appointment any time prior to our arrival, we will not charge you anything, so long as it is not a habitual problem.
What if my regular cleaning falls on a holiday?
We will contact you ahead of time to arrange an alternate day for that week. We do not work on New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
How do I get a regular service started?
Simply give us a call at (573) 886-8636 or email us at mcdrmtt@centurytel.net.
