How to Find a Housekeeper

Housekeepers--they’re not just for the wealthy anymore. Many people are finding that hiring a housekeeper even for just a few hours a week to keep the chores on track opens up so much time in their schedule that it’s well worth the money. If you are thinking about hiring a housekeeper, there are some things you should keep in mind.

Instructions

1. Look in your local yellow pages, browse through online or newspaper classified ads, or place an ad yourself. Another option is putting up fliers in your neighborhood in places such as laundromats, supermarkets or college bulletin boards. One great way to find help is through word-of-mouth, as people are always eager to recommend workers when they have had a good experience with them.

2. Prepare to interview applicants by writing a list of questions you would like to ask. Questions should involve issues such as past employment, the days and hours they are available, their salary requirements, and what their services include. You will also want to have a list handy of the exact work you would like them to do. There should be no miscommunication about their duties or how much they will charge for the tasks you need performed. Don’t assume anything will be included in the price. If you underestimate the amount of work, or how many tasks you need done, it can affect the price later, or cause a housekeeper to quit because of all the extra unexpected duties you are piling on them.

3. Hold the interview in your home and give them a walk-through. Show them the rooms they will be cleaning. Include as many specific tasks as possible, and make sure to get a clear answer from them on how long the tasks will take. Write down their answers. If there are any rooms or areas that are off limits or will not require their attention, let them know so it will not be calculated into the price. Let them know if you intend to provide cleaning supplies, or if you will require them to bring any of their own. This will affect the price. Then you can offer them the opportunity to make a bid, or tell them how much you are offering, at which point negotiations may begin. Decide together how and when they would be paid.

4. Consider security as the most important issue. You’ll want to ensure that anyone who has access to your home, particularly if you are not there, is completely trustworthy. Be sure to ask any applicant for a resume or work history, and a list of at least 3 to 5 references. Be sure to call former employers and ask about the person’s work habits and efficiency, and why the employment came to an end. One good question to ask is if the person would be willing to work with the applicant again. Call all references and ask how they know the applicant, and why they would recommend them. If you’re hiring a housekeeper through a cleaning service, check the service out with the Better Business Bureau, and ask the service for references you can check on them before seeing anyone they send out. Even if you’re hiring through a service, check the references of the individual they send for the job.

5. Make sure there is a contract. If the housekeeper provides one, read it carefully and ask any questions or address any concerns you might have. If the applicant doesn’t have a contract, draw one up yourself. Make sure the contract lists the hours that will be worked, the times and days the person has agreed to work, a detailed list of all the services you require, the payment you have agreed on, and who will provide any cleaning supplies. Both you and your housekeeper should sign and keep a copy of the contract. That way, you will have everything you required and offered documented in case any disputes should arise later.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are happy with your housekeepers work, show your appreciation. If you begin requesting additional duties, be sure to offer fair compensation as well. Tip your housekeeper on holidays, birthdays and when she goes above and beyond the call of duty.

• Be wary of references that are relatives of the applicant. Be sure to ask the applicant to include not just personal references, but professional, such as former co-workers or organizations for which they have volunteered.