anyone use house cleaning services?

[Deesknee]

Moderators feel free to move this if you feel it belongs elsewhere.

I think I may need a house cleaner. I am hoping this is not permanant.
My question is regarding cost. DH has had to pick up more work hours, so he doesn't have as much time to help clean. So... I would like to maybe get someone once a month or so, but have no idea what would be average for this service.
I have a 9 room house. 1 bathroom.

 

[pbrim]

You are going to need to call around and get estimates. This is HIGHLY dependent on where you live. I live in Dallas, TX and I got a cleaning service that cost $50 to clean my 2 bedbroom 2 bath apt every two weeks. My mom lives in a tiny town in the Texas panhandle and pays $50 to an individual who comes in once a month to clean her 6 bedroom, 4 bath house, and that's paying above market rate to get a good person.

Aside frrom the market in your area, the price may vary based not only on the size of your home but also factors on how messy does it get (do you have a lot of kids or pets?), how easy to clean (carpets or hardwood floors? Lots of fussy little knicknacks to dust, or sparse decor?) and how often (Once a month will cost more per time than once a week because it gets dirtier inbetween). Also, typically they charge more the first time because people don't tend to call until things are really out of control.

You need to call around locally and ask not only prices but what they usually do (base boards? Change sheets? load dishwasher?). Bear in mind, typically they clean, but don't pick up and put away, so you need to get it uncluttered enough they can clean. But again, it all varies.

 

[jmartinez1895]

Another thing that may influence the cost will be if you hire a company ( like merry maids) or if you hire an individual. I tink a company might charge more because of higher over head cost, but the maids have back ground checks and if you are not happy you can call and request someone new.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

You might get more responses to this on the Community Board.

I agree with the PPs that it is highly dependent on your area and whether you go with an individual or a company. I live in Columbus, Ohio and pay $100 for a once a month cleaning of my 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath house.

 

[Deesknee]

thank you everyone. I will post also on the community board. thanks again.

 

[JennyDrake]

I live in a rural area in TN; the going rate here is $12/hour which I think it pretty dang high especially given that it is individuals who are not licensed, bonded or insured. The latter may not make any difference to you--but check to see if your homeowners covered any damage or breakage. No, I don't have expensive stuff (quite the contrary!) but someone cleaning spilled cleaner on hardwood floors and ruined the finished. Floors had to be sanded and redone.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

It really is very area specific. I'm in Northern CT and I don't think we've ever paid less than $25/hr for a non-agency cleaner over at least the last 15 years. Our house is 7 rooms and 2 bathrooms. I have no idea what an agency would cost around here (we've never used one). We're currently paying $40/hr and with the woman we have, it's definitely worth it. She's gone above and beyond for us doing things that aren't normally done by a cleaner many times. The best cleaners we've had have come from recommendations from people we know. It might be worth asking around to see if you know anyone who has had luck either with an individual or an agency.

 

[Deesknee]

I want to sincerely thank you all. This is a difficult decision for me, on a couple of levels. One being I hate to admit I can't do these things myself anymore. And two, we had a very dear friend who passed away in March who owned his own cleaning business. I keep hearing his voice in my ear. He was way to generous with his skills. His customers became his friends, so in the almost 30 years I knew him, I never knew him to increase his prices. We never had a cleaning service, so obviously we weren't customers. But, perhaps I can get in touch with some of his old customers and see who they now use. That is just going to be emotional. Thank you again for all the advice & wisdom. At least I have a starting point. I knew I couldn't use my friends old prices. To give you an example, I know he did a 13 room 3 bathroom & "rumpus room" for $85. weekly. He also would help bring out holiday decorations, put up Christmas trees, etc. They had become his friends... no extra charge. Sorry.. probably TMI. Like I say this is a bit difficult for me.
Thanks again to everyone.
Dee