Interview Questions and Considerations

Not long ago it used to be seen that hiring a house cleaner to help around the home was a bit of a luxury and reserved for those that were wealthy. Nowadays it is common to hire help especially if you work full time and run a busy family life. Creating free time can be a dream come true for many households by removing this burden but you will want to take careful steps when it is time to select your home cleaner. Below are some things to consider and questions to ask when going through the interview process.

• If you pay more than $1700 per year to an independent housecleaner, you must sign up for an Employer ID Number with the IRS. You are required to pay Social Security and Medicare (also known as FICA) and Federal Unemployment Tax. You may also be liable for Federal Income Tax withholding, state taxes and disability taxes. These taxes become part of your personal tax liability and must be reported on your Form 1040.
• Make sure that your homeowners’ insurance includes a liability clause in case your employee gets injured at your home. At least $300,000 in liability protection is recommended, but up to $1 million in an umbrella or excess liability policy may be needed to protect you. You also may be liable for workers’ compensation payments that would not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
• Paying Cash “under the table” can bring risk to you and your employee.

1. The person can be avoiding child support payments.
2. If the person becomes disabled they would not be eligible for support from the government.
3. If they get injured and need a means to live, will they sue you?
4. They lose unemployment benefits if there becomes a need through stopping service or a career change.

• Typically hiring your own cleaner means that you often supply the cleaning products and equipment. You will want to make sure to plan for the cost and the time that are associated with buying cleaning chemicals, laundering cleaning clothes and vacuum maintenance, repair not excluding possible replacement.
• Hiring your own cleaner also comes with a bit of management, how much time are you really saving again?
• Be careful when hiring an upstart company with no references or reputation.

 Questions to Ask?? 

1. Will they provide service as often as you want?
2. Can you provide services to meet my special needs?
3. Are the employees covered if they get hurt in my home?
4. Are background checks performed on each employee?

 If it is an independent cleaner it is recommended for the homeowner to have a background check performed with the consent of the person.  Be sure that you have one done for all areas where the person lived. 

1. What type of training do the employees receive?
2. What takes place when an item in my home is damaged or broken?
3. If I decide to go with you can you provide a certificate of insurance?
4. Do I need to leave a detailed cleaning list with each cleaning?
5. Who is supplying the cleaning supplies and equipment that will be used?
6. Are you using cleaning products that are safe for the environment and our health?
7. What happens if my cleaning schedule falls on a holiday?
8.  What happens if I’m not happy with my cleaning?
9. Do you send the same employee(s) each time?
10. How often do you experience turnover?
11. What happens if a cleaner is sick or on vacation?
12. What is in place to ensure that the quality of cleanings is high and consistent?
13. Why should I choose your company over the competitors?
14. How often are cleanings rescheduled due to broken equipment, employee shortage and vehicle problems?