Who Do You Trust With a Key To Your Home?

Who do you trust with a key to your home?

Great question. Often times we, as homeowners, find ourselves giving full access to our homes to contractors, babysitters, pet sitters, maid services, and many more. But are we doing our part in finding out who or what these companies are? We get recommendations from our neighbors, friends and co-workers on someone who has delivered a great service in their home, so we are quick to pick up the phone and ask for the same service from the same people.



As a maid service owner, I often get calls from potential clients who want a price on the phone. Our policy is to never give pricing on the phone. Why? Simple, you need to know who you are hiring to come into your home and I need to know who & what environment are we going to work in.



Case in point. We recently received an application from an individual who "owned her own cleaning service". Advertised in local papers and phone book. Had a "company" name. But, when we ran her background check, as we do with everyone who applies, we found this person to have 19 convictions. Some were drug related. 19! Obvious to us, she was a "trunk slammer", our name for those who work under the table. You know, we've all hired someone to perform a job for us who isn't legitimate. How would her customers know about these convictions? Easy, they wouldn't. Like 99.9% of the maid services out there, she gives prices on the phone and signs up customers. But, you cannot run a background check on her or anyone else she brings into your home. Ask and you will receive. But receive what? What are you gaining by employing someone who doesn't pay into a system?



How do you find the right service, any service? Insurance and bonding is the norm. But, don't settle for a "Yes" when you ask. Ask for proof. A certificate of insurance can be requested, a bonding certificate should be a normal request. Employees or contractors? If your paying $10-15.00 per hour, then this is a trunk slammer. Workers comp rates alone are high, factor in the insurance, bonding and supplies, at $10/hour there is no possible way that person can make any money. Period. Not even minimum wage. It won't even cover payroll taxes.

Think of it this way...if some one comes into your home and injures themselves, without workers compensation, you-the homeowner-are responsible. That claim goes on your homeowners insurance. If there is damage done to any part of your home, without insurance, your stuck with the repair bill. If a company you hire is not bonded, who is going to compensate you when a theft conviction occurs?

Don't settle for a quote over the phone. Meet with the company you want to do business with. We want to meet you too. We want you to have Peace of Mind!

For more information regarding our services, call 330-245-1580 or visit us at www.joannsprotouch.com.

Smart Home Purchases

As we all hurry to spend our tax rebate checks, I want to pass along a couple of tips in regards to home purchases that will keep some of the money in your pocket.

Every home needs a good, quality vacuum. Even if your Maid Service is coming on a regular routine basis, it's important that you have a good vacuum to rely on for the in-between jobs. But with so many choices out there, how do you pick one? Today let's look at the upright vacuums. The most versitile and safest to use.

Carpet & Rug Institiute examined a wide price range of vacuums, from the very inexpensive ($49.99 to the pricey $1400.00--no it's not a Kirby). Overall the Sears Progressive Bagless Vacuum rated the best with a price tag of $279.00 and the Eureka Boss SmartVac the best bagging vacuum at $150.00. Both weigh in at approx. 20 pounds and have on-board attachments, and both do well with removing pet hair.

When making your choice for a quality sweeper, remember that all vacuums clog, all vacuums need maintenanced, most have filters, some do not. Are the bags and belts readily available at the store you are purchasing from? We recently bought new Hoover bagless vacuums only to discover that the belts are extremely difficult to find and most often we have to order them. Who wants to do all that? Not very convenient for the consumer. Do you need a warranty? Not necessarily. Let's face it, products made today are not made to last. Plan to replace your vacuum every 2-3 years. Price doesn't guarantee longevity.

It's not necessary to spend $500-700 on the newest, hottest vacuum out today. It will perform the same job that the $150-$250 vacuums produce. Anything more than $300 is money you have wasted.

Check out Jo Ann's Professional Touch, www.joannsprotouch.com, for all your home cleaning needs.