News & Tips

Hiring a Cleaning Service in the Palm Desert Area: What You Should Look For

April 27, 2021

 
Looking for a reliable & trustworthy cleaning service in Palm Desert?

Choosing the right house cleaning service is a personal process that you’re probably not taking lightly. You’re letting strangers into your home, after all, and you need to be assured of their trustworthiness and reliability.

We’ve been caring for homes in the Coachella Valley since 1959. In that time, we’ve learned a few things about the industry and how to serve clients well.

Here are a few tips and questions you need to ask before hiring a house cleaning or maid service.

cleaning

Ask for Referrals & Be Wary of Online Reviews

Upset customers tend to write more reviews than satisfied customers, so take online reviews with a grain of salt.

While we might not have as many Google reviews as Molly Maid or MaidPro, we do have a stellar reputation for service in the Coachella Valley. We’ve been here since 1959 for a reason!

Please contact us, and we will be happy to connect you with a few current clients if you’re interested in hearing about their experiences with us.

Find Out How Flexible the Services Are

Does the company take requests or offer fixed set of cleaning services? Be honest about what you need and what you’re looking for. If the company is hesitant to agree to your special requests, keep looking.

Our approach is to do all of the basics (cleaning floors & surfaces, dusting & polishing, etc.), but to also make it a priority to take specific requests and follow your guidelines for how we clean your home.

Ask if the Cleaning Staff are Employees or Contract Workers

When you hire a house cleaner or maid service, you’re letting someone into your safest, most private space — Who can you really trust?

Some companies hire contract workers who, in some cases, might not have as much oversight or direct training from the company. This lack of oversight and training can lead to inconsistent results. Your experience will tend to be a better one when the company hires and retains a regular cleaning staff.

Our services are executed by our in-house team of professionals and not by a single person, a group of sub-contractors, or an inexperienced start-up company.

Woman wearing a mask cleaning a home in Palm Desert.

 

House Cleaning Pricing

How much does it cost to deep clean a house?

Price estimates for deep house cleanings are made on a per-property basis. However, current Premier Residential Services property management clients are eligible for discounted pricing.

How much does a weekly cleaning service cost?

Similar to deep cleanings, price estimates for weekly house cleanings vary by property and an owner’s specific requests. Current Premier Residential Services property management clients are also eligible for discounted pricing for weekly house cleaning services.

COVID-19  Precautions

We follow strict CDC and California health agency hygiene and safety precautions.

  • We conduct daily temperature checks of all Premier Residential associates.
  • Sanitation and protective equipment is provided to all associates.
  • Ongoing training is provided to ensure the safety of our employees and clients.
  • Associates wear masks at all times while working.
  • Gloves and protective footwear are worn as needed.

Contact Us for a House Cleaning Quote

Please call us at 760-239-9495 for complete the contact us form to request a cleaning quote.

COVID-19 Assistance

March 23, 2020

We believe in bringing peace-of-mind to ALL Coachella Valley homeowners.

In these unprecedented and unusual times, Premier Residential Services is able to offer you peace-of-mind by looking after your home. Our services are executed by our in-house team of professionals and not by a single person, a group of sub-contractors, or an inexperienced start-up company.

If you find yourself in a situation where you have to quickly vacate your home, we have the resources to instantly implement our services and begin caring for your property. We have also expanded and tailored our home management program to meet your specific home watch and home care needs.

We Will Be There for You

You may have experienced stressful thoughts when leaving your home, or while you are home for extended periods of time:

  • Did I remember to turn the water off?
  • Did I leave the oven on?
  • I hope that toilet doesn’t leak again!
  • Who may I call in the middle of the night if my security alarm goes off?
  • How am I going to go grocery shopping?
  • How am I going to pick-up my medication?
  •  I need a deep cleaning or professional home sanitizing service!
  • How will I retrieve or send my mail?

Let Premier Residential Services put your mind at ease. Below are four Home Management programs you may select from, starting at only $99.00. In our over 60 years of service, we have never required agreements or contracts from our clients. Instead we have offered membership flexibility and let our reputable service support long-term partnerships.

To learn more about these services, or if you are looking for other services not listed here, please call us at 760-239-9495 or simply complete the contact us form.

 

Best Practices for Using a Carbon Monoxide Detector

November 28, 2017

bedroom co detector palm springs ca

Carbon monoxide (CO) — found in fumes produced by cars, gas stoves, and furnaces — is a dangerous gas that can build up in your Coachella Valley home. It is odorless and, when inhaled, is fatal for both humans and animals. Proper precautions must be taken to ensure you and your family are safe from this deadly gas.

 

Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 400 people die and 4,000 hospitalized every year from CO poisoning (source). Carbon monoxide poisoning danger increases while sleeping or under the influence of alcohol, as fatal levels of CO can build up without notice. Since July 2011, CO detectors have been legally required in all California homes.

 

Advice for Placing CO Detectors

The best protection against carbon monoxide poisoning is a series of well-placed, functioning carbon monoxide detectors. Like smoke detectors, CO detectors sound an ear-piercing alarm when activated, alerting everyone in the home of dangerous buildup. When the alarm sounds, the whole house should be evacuated and wait in fresh air until the authorities arrive.

Carbon monoxide detectors are required by California law for all residences to be installed on every floor of your home, along with one required in close proximity to every sleeping area. Another should be installed within 10 feet of the door leading to your garage, to detect CO generated from idling vehicles.

Some detectors can be installed in series, which means if one detects CO, they all sound an alarm. Detectors should be mounted at eye level or below, since CO does not rise to the height of the ceiling. CO detectors should not be subjected to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, so keep them away from direct sunlight, open windows, bathrooms, and heating vents.

Additional Tips for Preventing Carbon Monoxide Buildup:

  • Have your HVAC system serviced and maintained every year.
  • Don’t use gas or charcoal grills indoors.
  • Don’t run your vehicle in a closed garage.

Maintaining Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It is crucial that your carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly at all times. One handy tip is to replace batteries twice a year during the Spring and Fall – just like your smoke alarms. As part of our Home Opening and Home Closing Services, our maintenance department will replace batteries and test your home’s smoke and CO detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. That way, you can rest easier in your desert home, knowing that you and your family are protected by carbon monoxide detectors.

Advice on Hiring the Right Property Manager

October 16, 2017

la quinta property management company
For homeowners of vacation getaways or who travel or spend a portion of the year away from the Coachella Valley, a property manager is an additional insurance policy that provides the peace of mind that your desert home is well cared for when you are away.

If you rent out your vacation home or allow family and friends the use of it, there is a requirement by many of the Desert Cities that the homeowner have a local property management company that will promptly respond to issues or complaints, look after your home, and prepare it for your next guests.

Hiring someone you trust to look after your property when you are not there can be difficult; trust is earned and is based on positive experiences over time. By properly vetting potential property managers before you hire them, you can minimize your risk of a bad experience and find a company that has a time-proven track record and other people trust.

Here are some insightful questions that will help you as you hire a Coachella Valley property management company:

7 Questions for Hiring a Property Manager

  1. Is the company well-staffed and trained to evaluate, inspect, and respond to your needs?
  2. When you hire a property manager, you are hiring their team of housekeepers, maintenance workers, and customer service representatives. You want to make sure that this team is thoroughly vetted, able to perform the services you require, and can do a good job. Because they will also be your eyes and ears when you are away, you want them to look after your home the same way you would. Talk to a company to find out how they inspect your home and respond to your needs.

  3. Is the property management company able to respond to after-hours emergencies and requests?
  4. When inclement weather or a natural disaster hits, it can be nerve-wracking to wait to hear about the condition of your vacation home. For emergencies and after-hour requests, reliable property managers will have a staff member visit your house, check on its condition, and promptly communicate with you. If repairs are needed, the staff should be proactive in finding and scheduling the right contractor to address the situation.

  5. Does the company carry general liability, workers compensation, and fidelity insurance?
  6. You want to find a property management company that protects their team and your home. With liability and workers compensation insurance, you are protected in case a team member gets injured while on the job. Fidelity insurance protects you against theft from an employee. All of these protections should provide you with confidence and peace of mind as your property management staff enters and cares or your home.

  7. Does the company have a history of providing services and can they provide references?
  8. Some companies specialize in vacation property management services, while others focus on maintaining and caring properties for owners who do not rent out their home. Identify the type of services you are looking for, then use this as the criteria that you evaluate and hire your property manager.

    Ask any potential property manager for a list of references, whether they are in-person or online. Look for reviews that show whether this company is trusted, has open communication, and can handle the services you need.

  9. Are they able to obtain written proposals for services and repairs?
  10. Hiring a good property manager means they will be proactive in identifying and proposing services and repairs that your home will need. They should also be able to effectively communicate to you the need, timeframe, and cost of the work.

  11. Do they have a staff of employees or just contract workers?
  12. Some property management companies provide just management services, relying on outside sub-contractors for cleaning and handyman services. This can result in longer response times and a lower standard of service. Stellar property management companies have some or many of these capabilities in-house, relying on their team of maintenance and housekeeping staff that upholds a higher standard of excellence.

  13. Do they have a customer service department with an assigned individual to your account?
  14. When you have a question or concern about your service, do you have to call a general phone number and talk to whomever is working, or do you have a single point of contact that handles your account? Ultimately, peace of mind is gained when you build trust in a team of people who know and can respond to your needs.

7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Concierge Service

September 21, 2017

concierge service palm springs ca
Balancing your to-do list, chores, and errands can be a stressful, time consuming process. Fortunately, professional concierge service companies can remove the stress by helping you finish your to-do list.

From helping you with your schedule and arranging transportation, to taking care of shopping and dozens of errands both big and small, a concierge can make your time at your desert home more enjoyable.

But like hiring a handyman or home cleaning service, you need to do your research before hiring a concierge.

Here are 7 questions to ask when selecting a home concierge service in the Coachella Valley.

Seven Questions to Ask When Hiring A Concierge Service

  1. Do they provide 24/7 support?
  2. You want to gauge how responsive they will be to unexpected or unplanned requests that may occur during off hours, weekends, and while you are away from your home. If a natural disaster or emergency occurs, how fast will they respond to check on your home?

  3. Are they familiar with the local area?
  4. Here in the Coachella Valley, there are ample fine restaurants, shopping, and local attractions. You want to hire a concierge that knows the area well and can make suggestions and subsequently arrangements for you and your family. A concierge provides great value when they learn your tastes and schedule and can make the best recommendations for restaurants and local events

  5. Do they have a good reputation?
  6. Talk to friends or neighbors who have used the concierge service before about their experience. Are they difficult to work with? Did they have communication issues? You can also check online reviews on GoogleFacebook, and Yelp to learn more about the company before you hire them.

  7. Do they have the support to assist with multiple and/or larger projects?
  8. The goal of retaining a concierge is to make your life easier; don’t hire one that becomes more of a burden during a larger project. Ask about their organization, communication, and project management skills. If a larger request requires outside support or a subcontractor – like a home repair – ask them how they manage communication and work between all parties.

  9. Do they have the experience to meet all of your miscellaneous requests?
  10. Ideally, you would find a concierge that’s flexible and willing to adapt to all of your needs. No job or request is too small. Provide them with a sample list of to-dos and errands and ask them if they can handle the requests. Hiring the right concierge should make your life easier, so you can enjoy more of your time in the Coachella Valley.

  11. Do they hold a professional presence within the local community?
  12. There are several independent contractors and individuals in the Palm Desert community who provide concierge services; they often cannot offer the same level of service as larger personal service companies. Professional service companies have the resources and training to meet your needs discreetly and while safeguarding your privacy.

  13. Is the concierge assistant covered by adequate liability and workers compensation insurance?
  14. Every member of the concierge team should be covered by liability and workers compensation insurance, protecting you in case they get injured while in your home. If a concierge does not have this coverage, we do not recommend hiring them.

Home Repair Services: 6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Handyman

August 30, 2017

home repair contractor in Palm Desert, CA

When you have minor repairs and projects to complete at your desert home, you want to find a reliable contractor to do the work. A handyman service company can perform small repairs and routine maintenance at your home, including running toilets, leaking faucets, painting, and drywall repair. They can also troubleshoot problems with your HVAC system, appliances, and other home systems.

But how do you choose the right handyman?

Like choosing a house cleaning service, selecting the right maintenance company to come into your home and make repairs is an important task. You want to find a team that you can trust and have the confidence that they will perform the repairs safely the first time.

Protect your home and your family by asking these 6 questions when you are selecting a home repair contractor.

Six Questions to Ask When Hiring a Handyman

  1. Can you do the job?
  2. Create a list of the projects you’d like and ask the company if they can do the work. If they cannot, ask them for who they would recommend. Ideally, you’d find a handyman company who can accommodate all of your projects, no matter how small.

  3. Are you experienced doing this work?
  4. You don’t want a handyman learning on the job, using your home as practice. Experienced handymen are skilled at identifying problems and knowing the right solution, which will save you time and money. Inexperienced or unqualified contractors can create more issues, leaving you scrambling to find another contractor to fix their mistakes.

  5. How long will this take?
  6. A good handyman will be able to give you a time estimate for the work and be able to schedule the work within a reasonable time. They should also be able to quote how much materials and supplies will cost. During this stage of the process, make sure to ask for a quote or estimate in writing; this will help set expectations for both parties.

  7. Do you carry insurance?
  8. Handyman and maintenance contractors should have liability and workers compensation insurance, which will protect you from liability in case a team member is injured at your home. We strongly recommend not hiring a handyman who does not carry liability insurance, as the risk is too great.

  9. Are you licensed?
  10. Ask your potential maintenance contractor if they are licensed to do business in California. A handyman with a business license ensures they are registered with your local city, and are not a side business run by someone out of the back of their pickup truck. A license is a trust symbol you should look for in a contractor that will be entering your home.

  11. Do you have references?
  12. Ask the company for references from past clients, especially homeowners that had a similar project to yours. By talking to these references, you can learn more about the handyman service, like their cleanliness, level of communication, and punctuality. Online reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp are a great way to learn about a service company before you hire them.

Energy Efficient Tips for Your Desert Home

July 10, 2017

energy-conservation-coachella-valley-ca

8 Ways to Reduce Your Energy Usage This Summer

During the warm summer months, you are likely to see a drastic increase in your home’s energy costs. The high heat can make your HVAC system work harder to keep it cooler; this demand creates greater stress on the Coachella Valley’s utility grid. One way to keep your energy costs low and limit the stress on the power grid is to reduce your energy use during the summer. By following these energy-efficiency tips, you can reduce energy costs, lessen your impact on the environment and grid, and keep your home comfortable all season long.

  • Reduce peak time energy usage. During peak hours (11 am – 6 pm), the demand for energy is greatly increased. Hold off on running energy-demanding appliances – like a washer, dryer, or dishwasher – until off-peak hours.
  • Properly set your thermostat. Programming your AC to a consistent temperature can cut energy costs and keep you comfortable at the same time. Set your thermostat to 78° when you are home, and 85° when you are away.
  • Have your HVAC system regularly maintained. This includes changing air filters, checking ducting and vents, and making sure your AC system is functioning properly. If your climate system is over 10 years old, you may consider upgrading to a newer high-efficiency unity which will reduce your energy costs further.
  • Seal your home. Sealing up gaps along your ducts, doors, and windows will keep your cooled air in your home, reducing energy use and improving comfort.
  • Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting. Compact fluorescent lighting (CFLs) and LED bulbs last years longer and use a fraction of the amount of electricity as traditional lights. Installing dimmer switches can also help you reduce energy use.
  • Install shades, blinds, or awnings. Sun shades and awnings can block the sun’s rays from baking your windows and heating your home. Blinds or solar window screens provide the same shade advantage, but without adding an awning to your home’s exterior.
  • Upgrade your pool pump. Variable speed pool pumps are more energy efficient than single-speed pumps. Adding a pool cover and scheduling automatic pool cleanings can also minimize energy usage.
  • Add automated controls to your outdoor lighting systems. Programmable and photo cell lighting controls can turn your outdoor lights and landscape lighting on and off when you want them.

If you have any questions about these steps, or would like one of our experienced maintenance staff to make these changes for you, give us a call at 760-773-4081.

Maintaining Your Home During Desert Summers

June 27, 2017

palm springs, california
As the summer starts and temperatures rise to 120 degrees, we get calls from homeowners like you who are concerned about how the high temperatures will impact their desert home. Whether you are staying in the Coachella Valley for the summer or not, you want to make sure your home is protected from the varying temperatures and humidity changes we see during June through August.

Here are 3 areas that the summer weather can affect your home’s exterior and interior.

1. Dry Heat

While our dry heat may make summer more enjoyable than more humid climates, it can cause damage to your home if you do not take the proper precautions. Low humidity can cause wood furniture, walls, and floors to crack. Installing a humidifier or placing hydration containers around your house can help maintain humidity levels. Art and wine collections that require precise humidity and temperature controls will need specific systems to protect them during the summer. And appliance manufacturers recommend Coachella Valley residents replace their washing machine’s rubber water hose and gaskets every 18 months.

2. Prolonged Sun Exposure

When the sun bakes down on your home, it can cause dry rot and damage to surfaces. This is especially true for exterior doors, windows, and patio furniture. Your home’s sun-facing sides will need to be checked for sun damage and have weatherstripping and caulk replaced if it is dried out. Patio furniture can be refinished or repainted and stowed when you are away.

3. Dust and Sand

Summer windstorms coat all exterior surfaces with a fine coat of sand and dust. Proper weatherstripping on garage and exterior doors can keep the dust from entering your home. Regular maintenance visits can wash dust and dirt from your home’s exterior. If you have solar panels, desert sand can negatively affect your system’s energy production; we offer a solar cleaning service that cleans and maintains your solar array all summer long.

 

Protect Your Home This Summer with Home Watch

If your home will be vacant this summer, consider signing up for our Home Watch Service. Our staff will perform weekly inspections to ensure your home is protected – even during excessive heat waves. If we identify an issue with you home, we will contact you and schedule repairs. This summer is also the best time to schedule maintenance and necessary home improvements. Schedule your carpet & upholstery cleaning, HVAC upgrades, and handyman services now so that your home is ready when you return.

Additional Summer Maintenance Tips

May 25, 2017

garage door in palm desert ca
After working as a residential maintenance professional in the desert for many years, I have realized the beating summer sun and excessive heat can be extremely damaging on homes.  For instance, hardwood floors and furniture begin to warp and crack.  Mold and mildew may begin to grow.  Often the excessive heat establishes breeding grounds for dust mites. Wall paint may start to bubble, artwork can start to dry out and crack, and appliances begin to stick.  Those are all potential interior home issues, now add the exterior areas that are either not fully ventilated and/or under direct sunlight. This is why participating in a Summer Home Watch program is highly recommended. It can help prevent these potential issues from developing.

Summer Maintenance Recommendations for Your Desert Home

1. Garage, Exterior Doors, and Entry Gate Painting/Care

Paint, stain and/or oil your garage doors, exposed exterior doors, and entry/side yard gates. This enhances their protection from exposure to direct sunlight. In addition, lubricate the garage door hinges, wheels, tension springs, and all moving parts of the lift motor(s) to improve smooth operation.

2. Outdoor Furniture Maintenance

Outdoor tables, chairs, and lounges suffer from prolonged exposure to the desert elements. I suggest you restore your wood furniture with a refreshing treatment of wood oil. Metal furniture can be restored as well by having the frames either repainted or applying a fresh powder coating. Additionally, broken straps should be replaced and, if necessary, new cushions should be ordered during this process.

3. Tile Floor & Grout Cleaning

A non-heat related project to think about, especially if your home will be vacated during the summer season, is your flooring restoration. Now is an excellent time to have your tile and stone floors (travertine, marble, limestone, pavers etc.) cleaned and restored. Cleaning is recommended every two years. I suggest contracting an expert to strip and deep clean your floors, seal and buff to a high gloss or matte finish, and replace grout as needed. Showers, vanities, and counter tops should also be inspected.

When Should I Restore My Tile Flooring?

Many clients have asked me, How do I know when it is best to restore and not replace my tile floors? The majority of the time, restoration is the ideal step.  Below a few indicators it is time to restore your tile floor:

  • Crumbling Grout – Grout begins to collect water, scratch, and crumble.
  • Lack of Shine – Tile coloring is fade and dull.
  • Stains – Although tile is one of the more stain-resistant options, it is not 100% stain-proof.
  • Grimy Grout – Dirt and gunk will accumulate between the tiles making it seem impossible to clean.
  • Water Incursion – Grout should keep water out of the grooves, but it too may fail if the seal breaks or the tile was improperly installed.

Once your tile is restored, it is extremely important you properly maintain it in order to ensure you get the full benefit of your restoration investment. For instance, always sweep or vacuum your floors to remove dust and debris before utilizing any cleaning products, and damp-mop your tile at least once a week. For glazed tile, clean with an all-purpose, non-oil based cleaner. For unglazed tile, use a concentrated tile cleaning chemical that has a neutral pH. Lastly, ensure you rinse all floors with clear water to remove any chemical residue.

Maintenance Recommendations for Summer Season

April 13, 2017

After nearly three decades of helping homeowners with repairs and maintenance, there are not many issues that come up that surprise me.

I am always asked, what should I do about this system or that repair? My response is regular home preventive maintenance pays for itself many times over by not allowing a little issue become a major repair problem. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional service company like Premier Residential Services to assist maintaining equipment, clearing irrigation lines or replacing older/malfunctioning products, your home will be better for it and so will your “pocketbook.”

Regular Summer Maintenance For Your Home

What needs regular maintenance (interior/ exterior) and how often?

Interior Maintenance

  • Heating and air conditioning systems including air filters – every 3-6 months.
  • Lighting, fixtures and light bulbs should be inspected and maintained by visual inspections.
  • Smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm batteries should be replaced at least yearly.
  • Plumbing systems and water heaters – water heaters should be drained and flushed 1-2 times/year. Faucets, toilets, and drains should have water run through them weekly to avoid a build-up of debris. P-traps and drains should have a lot of water run through them to avoid stagnant water and sewer gas back-up, especially in the hot summer months.
  • Appliances need attention regularly. The coils on the rear of the refrigerator should be cleaned yearly, refrigerator water filters should be replaced yearly and dryer vent exhaust system should be cleaned yearly.
  • Garage doors, door locks, and interior door hinges should be lubricated every 6-12 months.

Exterior Maintenance

  • Pool systems – In addition to twice weekly service, your pool professional should clean the filters 1-2 times/year and the pool water should be changed every three years.
  • Landscaping, underground drain lines, emitters and sprinkler heads – Periodic sprinkler checks should be scheduled every 4-6 months and drain lines should be hose checked and cleaned on a regular schedule.
  • Hardscape (concrete, outdoor tile, and pavers) should be cleaned of effervescent as needed.
  • Photocells that control outdoor lighting and bulbs should be checked visually monthly.
  • Misting systems should have the pump motor oil replaced and nozzles cleaned yearly.
  • Solar panels – should be on a regular cleaning cycle to remove dust, dirt and rain water residue to maintain peak efficiency.
  • Roof drains and downspouts should be cleaned and flushed every 6- 12 months.
  • Garage doors, entry doors, wood trim, and stucco sustain abuse from the summer sun and the desert’s high temperatures. These areas require regular paint and stain applications to maintain useful life.
  • Weatherstripping needs to be inspected yearly.

Advice for Festival Season

The month of April means music festival season is here! Many Coachella Valley residents take advantage of the high travel demand by renting their homes to travelers. Among all the hype and “once in a lifetime” attitude of festival goers, perhaps home cleanliness and care is not at the top of their priority list.  Nonetheless, homeowners should not be discouraged to host during the various music festivals, because we are here to help.

Homeowners trust us — and have done so for over 57 years — to care for and protect their vacation homes when the property is vacant, before guests arrive, and after they depart. We make certain that your home is clean, well maintained, and secure, so you don’t have to. It’s worry-free vacation property management. Visit our Vacation Rental page for more information.

Gain Peace of Mind With a Home Watch Inspection Program

March 14, 2017

Did you know that the number of people living in households that own a second home in the United States was 10.2 million in 2016? If you fall within that demographic and own a home in the Coachella Valley, you may have already experienced those nagging thoughts when you leave your home for an extended period of time:

  • Did I remember to turn the water off?
  • Did I leave the oven on?
  • I hope that toilet doesn’t leak again!

At Premier Residential Services, we can help you watch over your desert residence while enjoying much cooler climate somewhere else around the world.

Home Watch: Weekly Inspections for Your Coachella Valley Home

Our Home Watch Program grants you the peace-of-mind that your desert home is being cared for while you are not in residence. Home Watch Service consists of a weekly inspection by our well trained staff of professionals. Our Home Watch team will complete a detailed inspection report during each visit to your home and, at your request, send you a copy or summary for your review. On the occasion when a problem does arise, we have the resources and knowledge to resolve the problem quickly. Performing a regular house check will address minor problems before they have a chance to escalate.

Out-of-Residence Tips for This Summer

Below are a few out-of-residence tips that are also incorporated in our Home Watch program:

  1. Confirm that all doors and windows are fully secured, and that exterior lighting is functioning properly.
  2. Check temperature and humidity levels to ensure that the system is functioning properly, and adjust the thermostat settings as needed.
  3. Confirm that the security alarm is functioning and is enabled before leaving premises.
  4. Run water throughout the residence to ensure that there are no leaky faucets or running toilets and check for leaks.
  5. Identify any post-earthquake or weather-related structural issues
  6. Set out and maintain large humidity containers of water to provide a proper level of moisture in the indoor air.
  7. Check irrigation systems.

House Cleaning Services: Four Questions To Ask Before You Hire One

February 10, 2017

questions for residential cleaning serviceFinding the right housekeeping service is an important task. After all, these are people you are inviting into your home, often without you present, and asking them to clean up after you and your family.

You want to find a team that you trust, is thoroughly vetted, and can perform the tasks you ask for without constantly checking in on them.

Here are four questions you want to answer when evaluating a house cleaning service.

  1. Can You Trust Them in Your Home?
  2. Your primary concern should be finding a service company that you trust. You don’t want to hire a team with whom you don’t feel comfortable giving them your key or alarm code. Nor do you want to hire a cleaner that causes you to check your valuables after each visit.

    You can gauge a cleaner’s trustworthiness by doing several things:

    • Ask for references from current and past customers.
    • Check their online reviews (Yelp and Google are good places to start).
    • Ask about their hiring and vetting process and procedures to ensure your home’s security.
    • Some professional cleaners will provide a dedicated housekeeper to you, so you’ll be able to build a relationship with one person. Ask if they can do that for you.

  3. Are They Professional?
  4. Many self-employed cleaners and franchise housekeepers do not meet the standards of professionalism that other service companies have established. Some basic indicators that can demonstrate a high level of professionalism include:

    • Does the company carry liability insurance?
    • Do they bring their own cleaning supplies and equipment?
    • Do their housekeepers wear a uniform?
    • Do they require an in-home personal meeting before starting the service?

  5. Does Attention to Detail Matter?
  6. The difference between a good and a great cleaning company lies in the details. You want a housekeeping company that consistently cleans your home well and that cares about the fine details of caring for your home.

    You can point out specific areas you want cleaned during an initial meeting. This may be high-traffic areas, places where clutter can gather, a guest room, or hard-to-reach spots. Your cleaning company should make notes about these areas so they receive proper attention.

  7. Are They Willing to Clean According to Your Requests?
  8. Any good house cleaning company will clean how you want your home to be cleaned. Many services use a cookie-cutter approach and don’t care much about what you want.

    The initial walk-through is critical. The housekeeper should be willing to meet you at your home and ready to note details about each room and your cleaning preferences. Next, they should create a custom work order based on your cleaning specifications for a consistent job every time.

    Also, find out if they can accommodate special requests. This might include using green cleaning supplies to special cleanings before or after an event. Any good housekeeper should fit into your schedule, fulfill your requests, and make your life easier.

How Can a House Cleaning Service Go the Extra Mile?

Custom house cleaning services are flexible enough to provide your every housekeeping need. In addition to the common household cleaning tasks, see if your cleaning company can provide these add-on tasks:

  • Ironing
  • Organize closets and clothing
  • Polish silverware and copper doors
  • Clean out refrigerator every week
  • Organize pantry
  • Serve refreshments at private parties
  • Seasonal home opening and closing services