by marie almond

Created on: September 01, 2008   Last Updated: October 07, 2008

Hiring a stranger to come into your home is not something that should be taken lightly. There are many things to consider and you need to think like a maid when you decide on who is right for your home.

Big companies are likely to be secured and bonded. Covers damages and theft of employees. They send a group of people in to clean, which cuts down on the time, but rotates the maids so new people that you don't know are in your home every week. Turn over rates are high, because they are close to making minimum wage.

If you just hire one person that has placed an ad for maid/housekeeper, you ask there name, address, contact numbers, references and they also should be secured and bonded. The cost is cheaper and you know the person that is coming into your home week after week.

Look over the contract carefully. A bigger company is most likely to charge an extra fee for common things, like forgetting an appointment. If the maids have traveled to your home only to be locked out, you could be charged a travel fee. Vacations mean you might have to give notice or you will be charged a fee. Even a fee so you don't lose the spot on the day you want them to clean.

Contracts benefit the company, not the customer. You may be doing the hiring, but your still a customer to them. It is their time and travel, they even have a check list of what is to be cleaned and stick to it. A private maid will be more flexible in tasks, and look past forgetful customers that pass on appointed dates.

Put yourself in the place of the maid. Here are some tips to consider when you have decided on who you want in your home.

1. If it hot and you can't even sit without sweating, imagine what your maid feels like. Be aware of the conditions in your home. If its too hot for you, it is too hot for the maid. Use your air conditioner if you have it. Besides what is so clean about a sweaty maid.

2. Remember to stick to the original agreement. If they were not hired to move the couch and vacuum under it, do not expect them to do it later. Unexpected pet messes, vomit, parties that were not discussed ahead of time are not the maids responsiblity. If the bathroom is in a condition that would gross out the septic guy, don't ask your maid to clean it.

3. You are not their only customer, they have a schedule to keep like anyone else. When you make them stop vacuuming because your on the phone, or you are not ready for them. It makes them late for the next appointment.

4. Leave the area they are cleaning, they are not to be cleaning around you. Don't use the bathroom sink after they just cleaned it and expect to go back and do it agian. Be considerate. If the kids are running around, keep them out of their way. They are not nannies, plus the supplies that they use to clean should not be around kids.

If what you are looking for in a maid is someone just to cater to you and your needs no matter what, then express that right from the start. Do not set up false expectations, and do not take hiring a maid as a simple task. Do your research and word of mouth is a good way to find someone dependable and responsible.

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