How to Choose a Cleaning Company in Vancouver: 10 Questions to Ask
Licensing, insurance, background checks, products, pricing and cancellations: the ten questions that separate a reliable cleaning company from a risky one, and our own answers.
S&A Cleaning Team
5 min read
Letting someone into your home or workplace takes trust, and trust is hard to judge from a website. The good news is that a handful of direct questions will tell you most of what you need to know. Here are ten to ask any cleaning company in Greater Vancouver, and how S&A answers them.
Is the company licensed and insured?
Ask for proof, not just a promise. A licensed company with liability insurance protects you if something is damaged or someone is hurt. A reliable company will share its details readily. If it avoids the question, move on. S&A Cleaning Group is fully licensed and insured.
Are staff background checked?
Whoever cleans your home has access to your belongings, so ask how staff are screened. Every S&A team member completes a criminal and background check before they start. Be wary of companies that send whoever is free that day, or can't tell you who is coming.
What products do they use?
If you have children, pets or sensitivities, ask exactly what is used and whether it suits your home. We use eco-friendly, pet-friendly, hospital-grade products. You can read about the brands in our products we trust section, and you can tell us about any surface or allergy to avoid.
How is the price set?
Ask whether the quote is a total or an hourly rate, whether there's a minimum, and what could change it. Our hourly cleaning starts from $130+ with a 3-hour minimum, and our monthly plans are listed in full. For a breakdown, read how much house cleaning costs in Vancouver.
What exactly is included?
A written task list is the single best protection. It tells you what you're buying and gives you something to point to if a task is missed. Compare lists, not only prices. If a company can't send one, you can't tell what the quote covers.
Who comes to your home, and will it be the same people?
Consistency matters, because familiar cleaners learn your home and your preferences. Ask how teams are assigned, whether the same people usually return and how you're told if that changes. It's a fair question, and the way a company answers shows how organised it is.
What happens if something is missed or damaged?
Every company makes mistakes occasionally. What matters is the response. Ask how to report a problem, how quickly it's resolved and what the company does if something is damaged. Our service comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and you can tell us straight away if something isn't right.
What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?
Life changes, so ask how much notice is needed to move or cancel a visit, and whether there's a fee. Get the answer in writing. Policies differ widely between companies, so don't assume. Ask us when you book and we'll tell you how it works for your booking.
How long has the company been in business?
Experience isn't everything, but it suggests a company has weathered busy seasons, difficult jobs and plenty of different homes. S&A has been running for more than nine years, and was formerly known as Akumal Executive Cleaning. We're run by co-founders Alex and Shaida.
What do other customers say?
Read reviews on independent sites such as Google, and look for how the company responds to criticism as well as praise. A few honest, specific comments are worth more than a perfect score. Be cautious of reviews that are vague, all posted on the same day or all identical.
Does a bigger company mean better service?
Not necessarily. Size can bring systems and backup, but a smaller company can offer more personal attention and consistent teams. What matters is how a company answers the questions above, not how large it is. Judge each one on its answers, its paperwork and how it treats you before you've paid.
What are the warning signs of a risky cleaning company?
Be cautious of a company that won't put the price or task list in writing, can't say who is coming, has no insurance to show or pressures you to decide on the spot. A price far below everyone else's is also a warning. Reliable companies are happy to answer questions and give you time.
- No written quote or task list
- Can't show a licence or insurance when asked
- Won't say how staff are screened
- A price far below every other quote
- Pressure to pay in full or decide immediately
- No clear way to report a problem
| Question | A good answer | A warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed and insured? | Yes, and they can show proof | Vague, or changes the subject |
| Staff screened? | A clear process, such as a background check | "Don't worry about it" |
| What's included? | A written task list for every visit | "Everything", with nothing written down |
| How is it priced? | A total, or an hourly rate with the minimum stated | A number with no explanation |
| If we're unhappy? | A simple way to report it and a fix | No process, or blame |
Quick checklist
- Licensed and insured, with proof
- Staff background checked
- Products suited to your home
- Price type and minimum explained
- Written task list
- Clear process for problems
- Cancellation policy in writing
Take your time and keep the answers in writing, so you can compare companies side by side rather than from memory. A short conversation with two or three providers is usually enough to see which one is organised, open and easy to deal with. Ready to compare? See our home cleaning options, learn more about S&A, or if you're hiring for a workplace, read about our custodian services.
