Things to Consider When Choosing a Window Cleaning Company
We have all been there. The sun is out, and it is a beautiful day until you open your windows and the sun filters in through dirt-caked windows.
A house with filthy windows is an instant deal-breaker, no matter how attractive the rest of the property is. A clean window not only enhances the curb appeal but also lets in more natural light, making the living space brighter and much more welcoming.
But, choosing a window cleaning company is not simple. Sure, your local gardener or the office janitorial service might offer to do it. Still, only a professional window cleaners can actually deliver the sparkling windows that your house craves.
Without further ado, here are the top things you should take into consideration before contracting a window cleaning service.
How much experience do they have?
Experience should be one of the top criteria to rank your shortlisted candidates. There isn’t a huge upfront cost for starting a window cleaning service, but it takes a significant amount of effort and happy customers to stay in business for years. Make sure that the company washes windows throughout the year and don’t only do the job during specific seasons as a second job.
Cleaning businesses do not generally need a permit or license to operate in Australia, so it is up to you to weed out the unqualified and inexperienced companies and opt for professional companies that educated on the know-how.
People tend to draw towards franchises, but be very cautious with them. While good for fast food, franchises are not generally great as window cleaning companies. This is because the level of quality and customer care tends to vary from one franchise owner to another. While the leading company might be well known, the level of service you receive from a franchise owner might differ.
Do they value customer satisfaction?
You have to ensure that the company you do business places a high emphasis on client satisfaction. A great and professional cleaner would even come back and redo the job if you are not happy with the final result. You should go for a company that focuses on the client and will go to great lengths to ensure that you are happy rather than a company that is rushing through the procedure.
Hiring Professional Window Cleaner
How could you gauge this, you might ask. Speaking to past clients is an excellent way to do that, so is reading reviews on the Internet. Find at least three reviews or references and make sure that these references are for your type of facility as this guarantees they have experience dealing with similar facilities. When talking to references, the key points you should touch on are quality, professionalism, communication, after-service support, and how punctual they were. Also, a lot of companies offer a “satisfaction guarantee”, and it is exactly what it sounds like. Companies like that are always a good sign.
Is the cleaning company fully insured?
Check if the window cleaners are insured as this will protect your property in case of any damages incurred to them. It is true that the chances of accidents happening are quite low, but it is always better to safe than to be sorry. For example, a falling ladder can cause extensive damage, either to a person or to your house. A cleaning company might not always be able to afford to pay for the costs, but if they are insured, compensation for damages will not be an issue. Put insurance safeguards both you and the cleaning company.
Do not only trust the word of the company, instead ask for documentation that prove they are insured and check if the insurance covers personal injuries.
How is the safety rating?
It is a no-brainer that the window cleaning company should have a high safety rating. If the firm is unwilling to do show their safety rating, it is probably because they had a few incidents in the past.
Does the package cover everything you need to be done?
This is a very common mistake. Before you begin your search, write a checklist with all the things and areas you need to clean. Once this is done, compare it with the services offered by the company. Some companies clean only the glass and charge extra for the frames and sills while others include it all. Firms that use water-fed pole systems usually include it in the price, but few do not do so. If you come across a quote that is way too low, be sure to ask if such things included in the price. This is why you should look at multiple companies and ask for quotes from all of them. This gives you a better idea of the market rates as well as finding a great deal.
Additionally, you should check if the company affiliated with associations. While these associations are not difficult to enter nor is it necessary to enter into one, an affiliation with a professional association leads credibility to the entire company. It shows you that they are serious about their line of work.
Do not go for the low-ball offer
The price offered is not what matters – it is what you get for your money that matters. Cheap window cleaners reduce costs by providing a reduced level of service. They could do this by using standard or low powered equipment, inferior products or by putting in hardly any effort into the job.
When you ask for quotes from several companies, it allows you to gain an understanding of the market and the average price it costs. This way, you can ignore the lowest offer and seek something closer to the average that fits your purpose. A bid which is in the 10% range of other proposals is safe and fair. If it is lower than 10%, there is a good possibility that the bidder does not have much experience or has overlooked something while giving a quote.
Whether it is residential or commercial premises, Ministry Of Cleaning is a trusted name for professional Window Cleaning.
This is Chapter 2 of our “Things to Know before you hire” series. For Carpet Cleaning, read our blog on Things to know when you hire a professional carpet cleaner.
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