Out of business

#1) Are the people your considering to hire Insured?

State Law makes the homeowner responsible if anyone is injured while working on their property. Ask for written Proof of insurance and it's not a bad idea to call the insurer and ask for a certificate of insurance listing your property on the policy, they will be glad to send you one, also this let's you know the policy is current and in good standing. If the insurance lapses you will be notified by the insurer. You may think this isn't that important but what if something of value gets broken? Maybe a family heirloom or something of great value such as a big screen TV. Are you willing to just write it off? Are you going to trust that the person responsible will do the right thing and make good on their mistake? If they even have the resources to make good. Dont jepordize your home or belongings to save a few bucks, it's like driving without insurance.

#2) Does the company have a valid State license?

If you are hiring a company that doesn't pay sales tax you can not write the services off on your tax return. It just doesn't make good sense to put hard earned money into the upkeep of your home and not be allowed to show it as a deduction.

#3) Does the people you are considering have valid references?

This is another important consideration when allowing someone in your home, are they trustworthy? Are they bonded? What is the quality of their work? What happens if something comes up missing? Are their employees screened with drug test and background checks?

#4) Does the company have Professional affiliations?
Are they members of the IJCSA or ISSA? These are Internationally recognized trade organizations, they have standards for members on etiquette, procedures, practices and code of ethics. Companies who are serious about their profession will belong to one or both of these organizations.

You may think "it can't happen to me" but let someone become injured and nomatter how nice that person is, when it comes to taking care of their family, and they have no income, because they fell down the steps or off a ladder while working on your property..... well you see where this is going.

Sure it's going to cost you a little more for that cleaning service, but your home and family are worth a little extra to protect what you have built for yourselves, a legitimate service has legitimate expenses with the State, IRS and Insurance responsibilities for employees and clients. They can't compete with a so called cleaners that aren't responsible enough to protect the people who hire them or their employees that count on them to do the right thing.