How long will it take for Save Time And Relax to provide me a Housekeeper?
It usually takes between 2 and 10 working days depending upon your area and our workloads.
Can I choose which day the Housekeeper comes?
Yes of course! We ask for a first and second preference (just in case your first preference is not available at present). If you are not fussed you can leave allocation to us.
Will I have the same dedicated Housekeeper every week?
Yes, we believe that it provides consistency for both yourself and the Housekeeper. The Housekeeper will become accustomed to your individual requirements, and tailor a cleaning programme suited to you. Your Housekeeper will provide you with their personal contact number so that you can communicate directly about any day to day matters.
What if I do not take to the Housekeeper at the initial meeting?
We appreciate that human nature, being as it is, we do not always get along with everyone. Therefore please let us know, we have an extensive pool of Housekeepers and we are sure that one of them will suit you perfectly.
What if I have problems with my Housekeeper once they have started?
We do always ask clients to allow the Housekeeper the first 2 or 3 cleans until they understand the flow of the house and work to maximum efficiency. Experience shows us that clients and Housekeepers usually discuss any problem directly for speedy resolution, which can often be just a simple misunderstanding. We appreciate however that it is sometimes difficult to confront the Housekeeper yourself and we are there to resolve any problems and to provide a new Housekeeper if required.
What happens if my Housekeeper goes on holiday?
We ask our Housekeepers to inform each of their clients at least 2- 4 weeks in advance. The Housekeeper will ask if temporary cover is required and inform the office who will arrange this and inform you of the temporary Housekeeper allocated to you. (Most clients prefer not to have a service whilst their Housekeeper is on holiday, but temporary cover should be available if required).
What happens if my Housekeeper is unwell?
Our Housekeepers are instructed to let you know if they are ill and they would most likely arrange another suitable time to carry out the service for you. If there are occasions where this is inconvenient, then please contact the office and we will do our best to provide a temporary Housekeeper.
How are the Housekeepers selected?
Very thoroughly and very carefully. Our recruitment process is designed to be very selective and ensure that the Housekeeper has suitable experience, good communication skills and is comfortable with answerphones (should they need to leave you a message at any time). The majority of our Housekeepers now come through word of mouth. One criteria of the interview is “would we be happy to allow this person in to clean our house”, and only if they pass this do we then take up full references and perform all relevant ID checks. Not until we are 100% satisfied that the Housekeeper meets our rigorous standards do we allow them to register as our Housekeeper.
Do you provide an ironing service?
Yes, at your request we will allocate a Housekeeper to you that is able to provide this service.
Whose equipment and product are used?
Our Housekeepers use the equipment and products provided by yourself. Our recent survey demonstrated that over 90% of our clients preferred to use their own chosen products. It not only keeps down the cost, but also ensures that our housekeepers use the products that you have found best suits your floors/ work surfaces/furniture. This ensures that you will be 100% happy with the cleaning products being used in your house. By using your vacuum cleaner we also ensure that no animal hair is transferred between houses.
Is there a minimum length of time that I must agree to?
Only first initial 13 weeks and you can cancel any time after that.
How much notice will I need to give should I need to cancel the service at some point in the future?
4 weeks notice will be required in writing.
Can I have a One-Off clean?
Of course. We will be happy to facilitate this for you. Minimum service will be for 3 hours. The total cost will be £25.00 per hour (all-inclusive), £12.00 per hour paid in advance by cheque or bank transfer and remaining £13.00 per hour paid on the day of clean.
What are your insurance arrangements while Cleaner / Housekeeper works for us?
All our Housekeepers are covered for public liability and personal injury while in your home.
The cleaner and all the work they carry out are insured under our policy. It covers a number of areas and all of the cost is included in our standard fee.
- Your home and contents should anything be damaged or broken by the cleaner. They are instructed to leave the broken item safely wrapped with a note and to tell you and the agency. If a claim is needed, our insurer will deal with you directly.
- The cleaner is covered for personal injury should they have an accident while at work.
- Should you entrust them with house keys and they are lost, then a replacement key will be paid by cleaner ( see our Key security form) .
-
Should the keys be taken from the cleaner and misused, then theft of property is covered. The policy only covers activities inside your home, and a copy of our policy is available from your local representative if you wish to view it. Certain bleach based products are not covered by the insurance.
Please never ask our Housekeepers to work privately. This is a breech of contract and the cleaner is not insured. So if any problems arise we would not be able to assist.
What is the minimum service you provide?
Minimum 2 hours per week. Typically we find that many clients sign up for the average three hour weekly service and an additional 1 hour ironing.
What is the quarterly standing order payment for?
This the management fee part of the total hourly rate, which pays for the management of the service (including providing temporary cover if requested), along with insurance costs whilst the housekeeper is in your home. This is not in addition to the advertised hourly rate but simply a part of it. Separating it is this way allows us to keep our hourly rate down for you as the whole amount does not become liable for vat and other business taxes.
Why do I have to pay the quarterly fee in advance?
As with most service providers a cost is payable in advance, e.g. BT charge the line rental in advance. Our agency has to purchases insurances and organises the services in advance before we can arrange Housekeeper for you.
Is the quarterly fee (standing order payment) taken immediately?
No, we assure you that this is only taken once you have met with the housekeeper and agreed on a start date for the service
How can I apply for a job with your agency Leicester?
If you are a house keeper looking to register with our agency then whatsApp message your details to 07554 05 18 06
Can I meet the Housekeeper first?
Yes, we can arrange a meeting with you and the cleaner at your house at a convenient time once we have received completed order form and standing order mandate
What happens if my Housekeeper leaves?
If your cleaner has left we will reallocate a new cleaner, to carry on your regular cleaning.
What if I'm not happy with my Housekeeper for any reason?
Simply let us know of your concerns and we will do all we can to remedy the situation as quickly as possible. If this is not possible. We will allocate you another cleaner of whom should meet your needs.
Can my Housekeeper come when I am at work?
Yes. You can leave a set of keys with the cleaner. You don't have to be in on the day the cleaner comes. All our cleaners are trained in safe key-holding so we can assure you that your keys are safe with our staff. We provide Key Security Deposit form for secure key Holding.
What if I have pets?
Please let us know if you have pets when you book and we will find you a cleaner who is happy to work around both cats and dogs.
Who pays the Housekeeper, you or me?
You do, our clients pay the cleaner via cash or cheque an agreed hourly rate at the end of each cleaning visit
What happens if I cannot use all my hours of cleaning?
You can ask your cleaners to do other things like ironing or laundry please check our task list for list of other task that your cleaner can perform.
What tasks will the Housekeeper normally carry out?
Your cleaner will do all the usual vacuuming, dusting and polishing and will clean the bathrooms, kitchen, hallway and most other general household cleaning duties within your home at your request. However the cleaners are not allowed to perform any deep or specialised cleaning of any antique, delicate or valuable items. Also they will not do outside window cleaning or work on heights
What if my Housekeeper doesn’t show up?
We make every effort in matching you with the right reliable Housekeeper who will always show up in time. If on the very rare occasion your cleaner is running late and has not contacted you, please contact them direct and can arrange an alternative time convenient for both for that week. In case you have still issues let us know and we will be glad to help you immediately. If unfortunately your cleaner does not turn up for any reason at all any more, please call us as soon as possible to arrange a replacement cleaner for you.
What if I am not happy with the service?
Will endeavour to match you with a cleaner who will meets your cleaning needs. If you are not happy with the service for any reason, please get in touch by phone or website and one of our team will be happy to help.
How do I get a replacement Housekeeper?
Give a quick call to arrange a replacement cleaner. Replacement cleaners are not sent out automatically, as not all clients require them. It is also important for us to know that you’re happy to have another cleaner.
Can I give my Housekeeper a tip?
If you find your cleaner to be a perfect match and you love her work. You are free to top up her fees. This will keep your cleaner happy and motivated. A happy cleaner is always a good cleaner.
Do you offer refunds for service fees?
Unfortunately we do not offer refunds as service payment is required to maintain the services and retain the cleaners available. We only offer service credit where a missed clean qualifies.
Can I solicit my Housekeeper away from the agency?
No. The agency invests many resources in vetting and recruiting the cleaners for supplying them to our clients. You will be responsible for paying the agency fees as long the cleaner introduced by the agency continues to work for you whichever the case. You are always welcome to rehire the cleaner through the agency. The cleaner will be breaching the agreement.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF HOURS PER VISIT?
The minimum number of hours per visit are:
- 2hrs on a weekly basis
- 3hrs per visit on a fortnightly basis