Housekeeper

Nightowlz · ‎03-11-2010

What should I look for as far as finding someone honest & not shady? My in-laws need someone to come in once per week to clean bathrooms, vacuum, dust, mop.

I just don't want to put someone in their home that may harm them or try to rip them off etc.

I know everyone thinks I should do it but their house it way too hot. They have the heater on 78° mine is on 63° right now.

I would do some of it if they both go to church so I could turn on the AC & get it done. That's the only time they are not home.

Fressa · ‎03-20-2012

I would run an ad in you local township paper, check sites like Angies List, etc and get some quotes from established groups like Molly Maids, etc. Check the BBB and do a background check.

My friends who have cleaning help have had the best luck with finding them thru an individual ad or by word of mouth. The established cleaning services are bonded which gives you some peace of mind. Some of the other services may be as well. Each one is different so make sure who has been checked and who has not.

Good Luck.

software · ‎06-08-2016

@Nightowlz wrote:
What should I look for as far as finding someone honest & not shady? My in-laws need someone to come in once per week to clean bathrooms, vacuum, dust, mop.
I just don't want to put someone in their home that may harm them or try to rip them off etc.
I know everyone thinks I should do it but their house it way too hot. They have the heater on 78° mine is on 63° right now.
I would do some of it if they both go to church so I could turn on the AC & get it done. That's the only time they are not home.

Find someone through someone (word of mouth) who uses them or use the Maids or some other bonded franchise service. They are in & out quickly, plenty of transparency, uniforms, car is vividly marked.

I also believe you can negotiate the service and payment.

Don't use craigslist!

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

Word of mouth is best.

Finding a friend or church member or someone that either you or they know very well, who has experiences with a particular person is the best.

If that doesn'e pan out, then hire a legit national or local company. At least you know those people are bonded and vetted. They don't always do as good a job, but it would be the place to start if you can't find someone through personal connections.

If it were me, I'd do it (if I was able) and simply tell them the heat would have to be adjusted for those hours.

Sueliz · ‎12-06-2015

@Nightowlz wrote:
What should I look for as far as finding someone honest & not shady? My in-laws need someone to come in once per week to clean bathrooms, vacuum, dust, mop.
I just don't want to put someone in their home that may harm them or try to rip them off etc.
I know everyone thinks I should do it but their house it way too hot. They have the heater on 78° mine is on 63° right now.
I would do some of it if they both go to church so I could turn on the AC & get it done. That's the only time they are not home.

@Nightowlz I actually do something similar for seniors, I help them with driving, shopping , doctors appts etc. I find people through my church, they have a kind of outreach program that bring folks together. Check if any of your local churches etc have a similar program. Best of luck.

LTT1 · ‎03-09-2010

@Nightowlz

My friend who keeps our house helped my in-laws. She and her partner helped them so much before they passed. They all attended the same church.

What a blessing!

Maybe look for a story such as this.

~Have a Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit~

Nightowlz · ‎03-11-2010

Thanks for the replies. I figured they would be able to find someone through their Church that way they would be comfortable with them in their home.

I was looking online at Care dot com. I would never use Craigslist.

I will just have to do some more checking to see what I can come up with.

They wanted to move into a retirement facility until we told them it was $2500 per month which they cannot afford.

We finally found someone to do the mowing for $30. That's cheap & he only does it when it needs it. The mowers around here do it weekly or they won't do it.

DH's dad won't let me turn on the AC to stay cool while cleaning. He's always cold that's why the heat is on. He's like my Aunt that ran her heat in the summer!!! Even if he would let me turn on the AC I would never get finished because they both want to chat. I would only do it with them not there which makes it difficult. I don't even go visit because it's so hot.

kivah · ‎03-11-2010

I suggest u check out the nextdoor dot com site.This is a site by communities ---- and people are on there every day asking for references, ie, plumbers, various service people, including housekeepers. People recommend who they've been working with, etc. Also, u need to tell ur in-laws to hide their money, jewelry, valuables, etc. because people do get robbed!!!!

My friend and her husband hired a woman to clean their big house and everything was fine for several years. One time my friend/husband went to Las Vegas and, stupidly, gave the housekeeper a key to their house. The housekeeper brought her new husband to the house and they stole things, including valuable coins her husband had in his office.

Basically, you can't trust too many people.

I have found several great service people on this site - and I have recommended others to them.

I also suggest they set up cameras.