Self-Employed Housekeeper vs. Professional Cleaning Services

<tr> <td><b>Self-Employed Housekeeper</b></td> <td> <ul style="list-style: inside"> <li>Cheaper</li> <li>Become familiar/comfortable with one person</li> <li>More personalized service</li> </ul> </td> <td> <ul style="list-style: inside"> <li>May not be insured or bonded</li> <li>May not have a recent background check</li> <li>No supervisor to report a bad experience to</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Professional Cleaning Service</td> <td> <ul style="list-style: inside"> <li>Insurance and bonding usually guaranteed</li> <li>Reliability</li> </ul> </td> <td> <ul style="list-style: inside"> <li>More expensive</li> <li>May have multiple people in your home</li> </ul> </td> </tr>

Skills And Qualifications For Housekeepers

<ul style="list-style: inside"> <li>Keeping your home clean is a task that never seems to end, and it can take up most of your free time. Instead of spending your weekends mopping and dusting, consider <a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/emc.Cleaning-Maid-Services-directory.-12014.html" target="_blank">hiring a housekeeper or cleaning service</a>.</li> <li>Unless a housekeeper performs specific duties regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency or your state or local government, no specific licensing is usually required to become a housekeeper. However, you’ll want to work with a professional who can pass a background check and has a current business license, liability insurance and a surety bond. You’ll also want to select someone who has the experience and can provide references, or someone who has received some professional training from a cleaning company.</li> <li>Keep in mind when hiring any type of professional to clean your home that each state has its own requirements for licensing. You can use Home Advisor’s <a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/state-by-state-licensing-requirements/" target="_blank">Contractor Licensing Requirements State-By-State</a> guide to learn more. You can also learn more about the <a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/screening/" target="_blank">extensive screening process</a> we use when allowing businesses to join our network.</li> </ul>

68 Best House Cleaning Services - West Chester PA

Frequently asked questions

Self-Employed Housekeeper

Cheaper
Become familiar/comfortable with one person
More personalized service

May not be insured or bonded
May not have a recent background check
No supervisor to report a bad experience to

Professional Cleaning Service

Insurance and bonding usually guaranteed
Reliability

More expensive
May have multiple people in your home

Keeping your home clean is a task that never seems to end, and it can take up most of your free time. Instead of spending your weekends mopping and dusting, consider hiring a housekeeper or cleaning service.
Unless a housekeeper performs specific duties regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency or your state or local government, no specific licensing is usually required to become a housekeeper. However, you’ll want to work with a professional who can pass a background check and has a current business license, liability insurance and a surety bond. You’ll also want to select someone who has the experience and can provide references, or someone who has received some professional training from a cleaning company.
Keep in mind when hiring any type of professional to clean your home that each state has its own requirements for licensing. You can use Home Advisor’s Contractor Licensing Requirements State-By-State guide to learn more. You can also learn more about the extensive screening process we use when allowing businesses to join our network.

When you hire a housekeeper or cleaning service, there are some questions you’ll need to ask to ensure you’re hiring the right person for the job. Writing down a list of services you want to be completed is a great place to start. This way, you’ll have all the information you need when you do interview a housekeeper or cleaning service, and they can provide you with accurate information and cost estimates.

What Services Do You Offer?

Find out upfront if the housekeeper or cleaning company offers the services you need, especially if you have requests that go beyond basic services.

How Do You Come Up With Your Rates?

Do they charge a flat fee each week? Do they charge an hourly rate? Some companies charge based on your home’s square footage or the number of bedrooms you have.

Do You Provide Your Own Supplies?

Many companies may provide some smaller cleaning supplies, but they may need to use your vacuum cleaner or mop. Others bring their own or none at all. And if you’re particular about the types of chemicals used in your home, you may want to ask what products they use or if they’re willing to use what you provide.

What Happens if Something Goes Wrong?

Anytime you have a professional in your home, something could go wrong. They could get hurt, or some of your property may be damaged. Ask what would happen in these scenarios — a well-qualified professional will have the necessary insurance and bonding to cover these situations.

Recent Job Requests for House Cleaning Services in West Chester, PA

Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 02/06/24
Location: Home
What type of cleaning do you need?: Housekeeping
Approximately how big is your home?: Less than 3,000 sq ft
Comment: Just under 1500 sf. Two full baths and bedrooms. I'd like to see price estimates for entire place and separate ones for just the two bathrooms.
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 02/05/24
Location: Home
Comment: House cleaning
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 02/03/24
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 02/02/24
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Location: Home/Residence
Is this an emergency?: No
Cleaning Type Needed: Recurring Service
Comment: I have a one bedroom apartment One bathroom Carpet in the living area and bedroom Tile in kitchen and bathroom
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 02/02/24
Desired Completion Date: 1 - 2 weeks
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Why Gutters Need Cleaning: Water isn't draining from the downspouts
Location: Home/Residence
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 02/02/24
Location: Home
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 01/31/24
Location: Home
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 01/29/24
Location: Home
Comment: however, i do have the following items: broom mop dust pan swiffer swiffer pads vacuum cleaner do not have trash bags also,i am currently in physical therapy,and have serious walking and balance issues, so the individual will also have to take a few trash bags to the dumpster right up the road. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ basic cleaning kitchen.. clean counters in kitchen clean sink basin area clean out microwave clean out coffee pot sweep and mop kitchen floor light dusting of kitchen furniture wipe down window. ++++++++++++++++++++ living room… vacuum rugs dust tabletops wipe down windows to outdoor terrace +++++++++++++++++++++ bathroom… clean toilet clean sink area and organize clean out bathtub scrub bathtub if necessary sweep and mop bathroom floor wipe down windows +++++++++++++++++++++ bedroom.. vacuum rugs dust tabletops make bed wipe down windows
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 01/29/24
Rooms Included: Roof drains
Why do you need your gutters cleaned? (Check all that apply): Regular maintenance
Why do you need your gutters cleaned? (Check all that apply): Water isn't draining
Why do you need your gutters cleaned? (Check all that apply): Water overflows
Why do you need your gutters cleaned? (Check all that apply): Gutters are clogged
Comment: we think nothing is broken, need check/clean out
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 01/28/24
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Location: Home/Residence
Is this an emergency?: No
Cleaning Type Needed: One time cleaning
Comment: individual needs to bring theirown cleaning products.however, i do have the following items:broom mopdust panswifferswiffer pads vacuum cleanerdo not have trash bagsalso,i am currently in physical therapy,and have serious walking and balance issues, so the individual will also have to take a few trash bags to the dumpster right up the road.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++basic cleaningkitchen..clean counters in kitchenclean sink basin areaclean out microwaveclean out coffee pot sweep and mop kitchen floorlight dusting of kitchen furniture wipe down window.++++++++++++++++++++living roomâ¦vacuum rugsdust tabletops wipe down windows to outdoor terrace +++++++++++++++++++++bathroomâ¦clean toiletclean sink area and organize clean out bathtub scrub bathtub if necessarysweep and mop bathroom floorwipe down window+++++++++++++++++++++bedroom..vacuum rugsdust tabletopsmake bedwipe down windows ******do not touch fish tank or small indoor vegetable garden on righthand side of bedroom +++++++++++++++++++++if interested ,i am waiting to hear from youâ¦.thanks !!!rich dursonew kent apartments 1720 barker circle ,west chester,pa.19380cell:610-357-7744email: dursmeteo@comcast.net
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 01/27/24
Location: Home
What type of cleaning do you need?: Housekeeping
Approximately how big is your home?: Less than 3,000 sq ft
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 01/25/24
Type of system: Dryer vent
Where are the dryer vent(s) located? (Check all that apply): Basement/1st floor
Comment: 1 year old home needs dry vents cleaned, multiple pets.
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 01/24/24
Location: Home
What type of fireplace or burning device do you use?: Wood fireplace
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 01/22/24
Location: Home
What type of cleaning do you need?: Housekeeping
Approximately how big is your home?: Less than 3,000 sq ft
Comment: small rooms; 1 1/2 bathrooms, all hardwood floors
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 01/19/24
Location: Home
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 01/18/24
Type of system: Dryer vent
Where are the dryer vent(s) located? (Check all that apply): 2nd floor or higher
Comment: Need dryer vent cleaned.
Project Location: West Chester, PA
Date: 01/18/24
What type of fireplace or burning device do you use?: Wood fireplace
Location: Home
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.

House Cleaning Services in West Chester, PA

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Frequently asked questions

Self-Employed Housekeeper vs. Professional Cleaning Services

Skills And Qualifications For Housekeepers

Housekeeping Questions To Ask On An Interview

What Services Do You Offer?

How Do You Come Up With Your Rates?

Do You Provide Your Own Supplies?

What Happens if Something Goes Wrong?

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