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>

8 Best House Cleaning Services - Fort Smith AR

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 & Maid Services in Fort Smith, AR

Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/21/23
Cleaning Type Needed: Recurring Service
What is the square footage of the house that needs cleaning?: Small (less than 1500 sq ft)
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: Within 2 weeks
Comment: I have a lot of items I need removed and disposed of. I would like the house cleaned and tidied. But mostly the living, dining, bathroom and bathroom porch areas. This will take 2-3 people.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/16/23
Cleaning Type Needed: Recurring Service
What is the square footage of the house that needs cleaning?: Small (less than 1500 sq ft)
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: Unsure - I'm planning & budgeting
Comment: I am looking for a house cleaner & be able to run grocery errands for a family member in Ft. Smith who is 95 years old and lives in a small home. 2-3 hrs per week, who would also be available to transport to dr visits as needed.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/15/23
Cleaning Type Needed: Recurring Service
What is the square footage of the house that needs cleaning?: Small (less than 1500 sq ft)
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: Urgent (1-2 days)
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/14/23
Cleaning Type Needed: One time cleaning
What is the square footage of the house that needs cleaning?: Small (less than 1500 sq ft)
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: Within 2 weeks
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/13/23
Cleaning Type Needed: One time cleaning
What is the square footage of the house that needs cleaning?: Small (less than 1500 sq ft)
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: Within 2 weeks
Comment: this is a 2 bed/2 bath apartment, but only 1 bed//1 bath needs to be cleaned. Bed linens and towels need to be washed
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/13/23
System Location: Attic
Type of system: Heating or cooling air ducts
Number of vents: 11-15
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: Within 2 weeks
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/12/23
Cleaning Type Needed: Recurring Service
What is the square footage of the house that needs cleaning?: Small (less than 1500 sq ft)
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: Unsure - I'm planning & budgeting
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/08/23
Cleaning Type Needed: One time cleaning
What is the square footage of the house that needs cleaning?: Small (less than 1500 sq ft)
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: Unsure - I'm planning & budgeting
Comment: Bathroom, floors, walls, baseboards especially. Have mobility issues that stop me from doing all.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/08/23
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Location: Home/Residence
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/08/23
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Location: Home/Residence
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/07/23
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Is this an emergency?: No
Customer moving in/out?: No
Cleaning Type Needed: Recurring Service
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/06/23
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Is this an emergency?: No
Customer moving in/out?: No
Cleaning Type Needed: One time cleaning
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/06/23
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Location: Home/Residence
Cleaning Type Needed: Recurring Service
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/06/23
Cleaning Type Needed: Recurring Service
What is the square footage of the house that needs cleaning?: Large (more than 2500 sq ft)
Location: Home/Residence
Is this an emergency?: No
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Recurring Service Requested: Weekly
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/04/23
Cleaning Type Needed: One time cleaning
What is the square footage of the house that needs cleaning?: Medium (1500 - 2500 sq ft)
Location: Home/Residence
Is this an emergency?: No
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Recurring Service Requested: Not applicable
Comment: The house is 2000 square feet with two bathrooms. It needs a good cleaning before the baby arrives on the 13th of June
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/02/23
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Cleaning Type Needed: One time cleaning
Location: Home/Residence
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/01/23
Cleaning Type Needed: Move-out
Location: Home/Residence
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Comment: A church member relocated and her church will pay for a deep clean.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 06/01/23
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Cleaning Type Needed: Recurring Service
Location: Home/Residence
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: Fort Smith, AR
Date: 05/31/23
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Customer moving in/out?: No
Cleaning Type Needed: Recurring Service
Is this an emergency?: No
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.

House Cleaning & Maid Services in Fort Smith, AR

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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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