(1) Verify that the company is bonded and carries a high limit liability policy with a reputable insurance company.

(2) Verify that service providers are employees of the company and not independent contractors.

(3) Verify that the company pays workers’ compensation insurance and all applicable federal and local taxes for its employees.

(4) Ask if the company offers a service guarantee, standing by the work they do.

(5) Ask about the cleaning products used by the company. Make sure products are safe for children and pets.

(6) Ask the company if they have a satisfaction guarantee for re-cleans for specific aspects of cleaning that you feel were not performed to the agreed-upon terms and conditions of a service agreement.

(7) Ask the cleaning services company if they have a regular ongoing company training program.

(8) Ask the company for references from customers who have had work performed similar to yours.

(9) When selecting a cleaning services company, you are picking a company you can trust as much as selecting a company that will do a professional job of cleaning. Your home is your domain - make sure you are comfortable with the company that will be cleaning your home.

(10) Use a well-known and reputable company that you can always contact or find in the future for any reason. You want an established company with an office that you can go to if you ever need personal contact. Check out the address of the company and see how long they have been in the area.

(11) Pay contractors by check or credit card. Avoid cash payments, since there is no paper trail of payment to protect you. If a representative of a company requests any form of cash payment, this should be a major ‘red flag’ of caution to you as a consumer.