We all time to time want modifications in the property, be it replacing things in kitchen, bathrooms or toilets or the entire property in general, this can be getting the entire property re-painted or parts or some areas of it, normally the communal areas that are mostly used or getting the plumbing work sorted, electricians or simply the refurbishment, we all need changes time to time and this is where the most difficult and daunting task comes in i.e. getting the property cleaned to the liveable standards or rentable standards e.g. you are a real estate agency renting a house or flat or an office complex, a warehouse or a student accommodation
There are number of cleaning companies in London and Surrey which preach a lot about after builders cleaning or cleaning after painting or decoration, refurbishment or after plumbing or electricians work but this is quite true as well that half of those companies even do not know the ABC of after build cleaning:
Before you hire a cleaning agency for after construction cleaning, you should do your home work and ask questions in order to get to know them more and find and hire a cleaning company that can deliver at the same time can offer a good price:
1). Explain your job and ask if they have done something like this before?
Note: Giving a full job description about the property size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, number of levels, patio if any if that’s a residential property or giving the full information about your commercial building (property) will help cleaning companies understand the number of hours and people are required and what equipment and materials should be used, if there are paint stains on the floors, doors or the furniture or carpets, give full information, if there are wires all over the place or just rubbish which the builders left, give the entire information, please note, without a good accurate job description it is hard to give an accurate quote, please write bullet points and mention all these through an email, fax or ask them to come and access the job.
It is vital to ask, if they have done something like this before, unfortunately as we all are after business or plan to grow and keep our staff occupied we all say yes, well, most people will say yes, then in that case, you should ask for references, if a company is not sharing the references because they need to seek customer’s personal consent to pass on their information, that’s fine, but if they have been doing job like these before, commercial companies normally are happy to use their name or testimonial as their reference, also there is one point to note that if your cleaning company (you are talking with or writing emails is changing the subject while you ask more information about their existing customers or references, it is the time to move on to other cleaning service providers in London or Surrey or in your local town and do your mathematics.
2). Ask if they have powerful vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, windows cleaners, paint removals or dry and wet floor cleaners, rubbish pickers etc?
Note: Most cleaning companies in London, Surrey or in most England and Wales parts sub-contract their work and these cleaning providers hardly have their own machines, it is a lot better for you to acquire and use a cleaning service of a company which are equipped with their own cleaning equipment’s, and have equipment’s on standby if a break-down or fault occurs
3). Are they insured for after build cleaning work and what their insurance covers?
Note: Please note, accidents happen, omissions occur, so it is a lot better to work with fully insured people, do not just go for low price, after construction work may be a lot more time consuming and requires proper tools and equipment’s use and the people and the companies staff members fully insured, check and request their professional indemnity or public liability insurance and ask them to send their insurance cover or other insurances in place copies
4). Do they send their staff or sub-contract the job elsewhere?
Note: It is vital that you ask this question, most cleaning companies that sub-contract their work (normally use the terms in their terms and conditions or contract document) that they should not be liable for omissions happened by their sub-contractors, this means a very messy situation as they will simply not entertain your claims, plus your personal and secret contact details will be all over the place, avoid this and work for direct cleaning agencies which do not pass on your information to their sub contractors or simply sub contract or sell your work to another agency
5). How long have you been doing this?
Note: it is very important to work with experienced after builder cleaners, after paint, plumbing, electrician or construction work, it is good to work with only people which have been around for sometime, so they know they would not damage the floors, surfaces, work tops, cupboards, shelves or your walls etc. Do not just hire a freelancer or someone new in the game
6). May you provide references in and around my postcode?
Note: If they have been around for sometime, the chances are they should have worked with people in and around your postcode, be it residential properties or commercial buildings, if they have not worked in your postcode area, the chances are they have worked with businesses, private landlords or tenants or simply anyone in and around 10 miles radius? Well, if they have not done a job like this before in a wide 10 miles radius, it’s rather better to think “As I am thinking right now” and that is to look for another service provider
7). May you send me your work terms and conditions?
Note: It is good to ask for this in order to avoid small prints, shocking surprises and the behaviours, which as a customer you do not accept or expect. It’s rather better to read a document for 30 good minutes in order to know their facts, do not just sell yourself so easy, do your homework in order to avoid troubles which may occur at the later stage
8). What are your payment terms and conditions?
Note: Do not give all your money upfront until the entire job is done, if they have provided you several references in and around your area or in a 10 miles radius, and you have discussed with those people and they were more than happy, then taking a little risk might not be very risky but then again, you have to check whether these people were relatives, friends speaking on their behalf or the true customers? Normally working and paying after job completion is a lot better, which saves your time and energies
9). How many people will you send to work?
Note: It is a lot easier for you to know how much work is needed and what manpower may help you get your property fully cleaned, asking this question will help you understand if they have accessed the job well or they are just guessing and have no idea what they are talking about, ask your questions
10). What time will you start and finish the job?
Note: It’s a lot better to get this information sent back to you through an email or fax so you have proof, do not just talk on the phone, SMS is still a good proof, but then again, there are people which have never registered their personal mobile phone, be cautious
11). Are there any deliverables from my end?
Note: Honest cleaning firms will tell you that they will require hot water, electricity to be present and other deliverables from your end, e.g. the cupboards, shelves to be made empty or they will give you the price for that work, if a company tells you that there are no deliverables at your side, chances are, they do not know what they are talking or are brave enough to do the rest on their own
12). Are there any other charges other than the price quoted?
Note: Ask this and keep their emails or faxes in a safe place, you might require these in order to prove them wrong, well, many cleaning companies unfortunately will give you one price and charge a different price, small prints and all, you can avoid the mess by doing your home work
13). Do you have to be personally in the house, office or a shop?
Note: You should ask this question, it is a lot better to get the work done in front of your eyes or ask someone on your behalf to be there so you know what is going on.
14). What happens if the inventory company has not approved your work?
Note: They should give at least 24/48 hours guarantee for the work they have done, just in case if they have missed a spot or two, you may request them to come back and do the job you hired them for plus if they have not done a proper job then you may ask them to come back and finish the work as agreed. If a company does not give you a guarantee or warrantee for their work, they might never turn-up again, be careful!
Please note, even domestic cleaning companies, housekeepers and maids are used by many cleaning companies to do after build cleaning, I would personally not hire a person or a firm which has no idea what after build cleaning work is all about.
You can look for after construction cleaners or cleaning companies that specialise after refurbishment work and have all in place to provide you with an affordable, cost effective yet professional after builders cleaning service.
Do your home work, if you need any help regarding after build cleaning or are looking for a professional cleaning agency that specialises in such works, simply give us a call on +44 208 1111 987 or on +44 208 1111 987, Cheap Cleaning Services Ltd specialises in after construction work cleaning and provides services to both residential and commercial property owners, property firms, housing organisations and even the leading construction companies.
