Line up the work behind each total
- Have each provider put every task and its frequency in writing.
- Find out the labor hours per visit behind each price.
- See which supplies are in the price and which get billed extra.
- Ask if periodic work such as floor care is in the price or a separate quote.
What the cleaning contract should cover
| Contract term | What it should say |
|---|---|
| Scope | Every task, room by room, with how often it happens. It is the standard the provider is held to. |
| Schedule | Which days, which hours, and the plan for holidays. |
| Price and inclusions | Monthly or per-visit rate, the supplies it covers, and the sign-off process for extra work. |
| Insurance | Proof of liability coverage, and workers compensation if the company has employees. |
| Keys and access | Who carries keys and alarm codes, and what the process is if any go missing. |
| Inspections | Inspection frequency and the steps for flagging and fixing anything missed. |
| Length and exit | Contract length and how much notice either party needs to walk away. |
Red flags
- A price thrown out before anyone has seen or asked about the building.
- A scope that is verbal only, or written with no frequencies.
- Reluctance to hand over proof of insurance.
- A multi-year lock-in with no way out when the cleaning slides.