The Maids

Hiring a Maid

You and your family are busy and constantly on the go. Finding time to run errands, go to ball practice and recitals is hard enough – let along finding time for housecleaning and chores. Hiring a maid service to handle your house cleaning is a wise decision.

Hiring a friend or neighbor as your housekeeper may seem like a good idea and may save you money in the short term, but there are important factors to consider when having someone enter your home to handle your cleaning. Thats why house cleaning is best left to a professional who is trained, insured and bonded.

Here are some things to consider when hiring a cleaning service:

Insurance and Bonding – A professional maid service like The Maids carries liability insurance and employee accident coverage to protect you against unfortunate accidents that may happen while your home is being cleaned. Bonding ensures that you will be protected in the event of theft or negligence on the part of the cleaning service or housekeeper.

References – The Maids uses Mindshare, an independent customer satisfaction survey system to monitor client feedback and customer service. The Maids also encourages clients to post reviews and feedback on line and on their Facebook page. When checking references, be sure to find out  how long the person has used the housekeeper, how have complaints been handled by the cleaning service and how satisfied they are with the level of service.

Employee Hiring and Screening – The Maids holds its team members to the highest standards. Each Maid goes through a rigorous background check and interview process. The Maids also has an intensive training program that each team member must complete before entering client’s houses.

Cleaning Products and Equipment – Independent housekeepers and some maid services may expect you to supply all cleaning products and equipment like vacuums. If your cleaning service brings their own cleaning supplies, what kind are they using, are they safe to have around children or pets? Are they environmentally friendly? Will they disinfect surfaces and reduce bacteria and viruses? These are all important questions to ask your prospective housekeeper.

Satisfaction Guarantee – What happens if you’re unhappy with the quality of your maids work? If it is a family friend or neighbor, you may be hesitant to offer criticism. A professional cleaning service, like The Maids, will have a satisfaction guarantee. The Maids will come back and re-clean anything that we cleaned, if you call within 24 hours of service, at no extra charge.

Taxes – Did you know that if you pay a regular housekeeper or maid, federal law may require you to pay social security and other taxes on that person? A professional cleaning service is an independent contractor who uses their own tools and products and provides services to the general public. Independent contractors withhold taxes for their employees, so that you don’t have to. Consult with an accountant or the IRS if you have questions about paying employment taxes.

The Maids is a trusted name in Maryland. We proudly service Annapolis, Bowie, Columbia, Ellicott City and Silver Spring. Please contact us for more information about hiring The Maids.