10 Questions to Ask a Cleaning Company Before Hiring in Calgary

10 Questions to Ask a Cleaning Company Before Hiring in Calgary

Choosing a cleaning company involves trusting strangers with your home. These 10 questions are a practical framework for separating professional, accountable Calgary cleaning companies from those that will frustrate you.

1. Are you fully insured and WCB-covered?

This is non-negotiable. You need: - **Liability insurance**: Covers damage to your property - **WCB (Workers' Compensation Board) coverage**: Covers injuries to cleaning staff in your home

The answer should be immediate and confident. "We are working on getting insurance" is not acceptable.

2. Are your cleaning staff employees or independent contractors?

Employees are held to the company's standards, trained consistently, and subject to company policies. Independent contractors operate with more autonomy and the company has less accountability for their work. Both models exist in Calgary — neither is wrong, but knowing which model you are dealing with sets accurate expectations.

3. Are your cleaners background-checked?

Background checks on cleaning staff are standard at reputable Calgary cleaning companies. The question is not whether checks are done, but what they involve — criminal record check, reference verification, and an initial trial period all indicate a thorough process.

4. What is your cancellation policy?

Life happens. You need to know: How much notice is required to cancel without a fee? What if the company cancels on you? What is the rescheduling window if you are within the cancellation window? Professional companies have written policies on this.

5. What does your service actually include?

Ask for a written checklist. "We clean everything" is not sufficient. Know whether inside the oven is included, whether inside the refrigerator is in scope, and whether grout scrubbing is standard or extra. This prevents the most common source of client disappointment.

6. What is your satisfaction guarantee?

A professional Calgary cleaning company backs its work. The standard guarantee: if an area is not cleaned to the agreed standard, they return within 24 hours to address it at no charge. Some companies offer a credit instead of a re-clean. Either is acceptable; vague promises are not.

7. Will the same cleaners come each visit?

For recurring cleaning, staff consistency matters. You want cleaners who know your home, your preferences, and your priorities. Ask whether the company makes an effort to assign consistent staff to recurring clients.

8. What cleaning products do you use?

This matters if anyone in your household has allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities, or if you have specific preferences (eco-friendly, fragrance-free). Ask whether they can accommodate requests and whether there is an additional cost.

9. How do you handle access to my home?

How are keys stored? What is their key tracking system? Can I use a lockbox? Understanding how the company manages key access for recurring clients helps you make a comfortable decision about granting access.

10. What happens if something is damaged?

The answer should be clear: their liability insurance covers damage, there is a claims process, and resolution is prompt. A company that is evasive about this question — or that expects you to deal with your own insurance — is not operating professionally.

Bonus: How long have you been operating in Calgary?

A company that has been operating in Calgary for 5+ years with consistent reviews has a track record you can evaluate. A new company is not automatically worse, but longevity with consistent quality is the strongest signal available.