Don't hire a window cleaner without reading...

Eight Tips To Choosing a Window Cleaner To Clean Your Windows In Your Home Or Office.

Anybody can call themselves a window cleaner. All they have to do is buy a squeegee and bucket at the local hardware store, get some cheap business cards, and they're a "window cleaner". But are they really? The following tips will help you know what to look for if you're looking to get your windows cleaned.

1. Image - What kind of an image do they have? Do they look professional and are they in company uniforms? If they're not willing to invest in looking professional, then they're probably in this for the short term. Make a note of your initial reaction to them when you first greet them. Remember they're going to be in your home or office, so if a window cleaner's first impression to you isn't good, then the 2nd and 3rd impression won't be good either. And if they portray a bad image, it'll show in their work as well. So you'll be constantly looking over your shoulder in addition to wanting to follow them around while they clean your windows. That's too much stress and strain on you, so don't put yourself through it.

2. Estimate Presentation - This ties into image a little bit, but observe how the window cleaner presents the estimate to you. Does he/she scribble the price on the back of a business card? Is it a verbal estimate only with nothing written down? Or is it a formal written estimate with full pricing in addition to a thorough explanation of the service provided? Obviously the last option is the best.

3. References - This is very, very important! If a window cleaner cannot or will not produce any references with phone numbers to you, then do not use them. If a window cleaner is new to the window cleaning business and hasn't built up any references yet, then don't take the chance on using that window cleaner. Only use a window cleaner that is able to provide you with references. If the window cleaner is smart, references should be included within the estimate presentation talked about above.

4. Screen cleaning - A window cleaner should take the time to "scrub" your screens with brush, soap, and water. This assumes of course that you have screens. We have seen window cleaners simply pop them out and then wipe them down real quick with a touch of a towel and move on. Saves them some good time, but not good for you. These dirty screens will cover up the clean glass and make the overall job look sloppy. So make sure they actually scrub the screens.

5. Tracks and Sills - Ask the window cleaner if they will open your windows to clean the tracks. And make sure they clean the sills and frames as well. Cleaning a window involves more than just cleaning the glass. To do a thorough job, it's necessary for the window cleaner to open the window. Many window cleaners will even bring in a small canister type vacuum to suck out those dead flies, bugs, and dirt that are in the tracks.

6. Ladders or Poles - If you're in a single story home/office, then this doesn't apply of course, but if you have multiple stories, make sure the window cleaner uses a ladder to get the high windows/glass. Some window cleaners never use a ladder when doing 2 story/3 story homes or offices.  You want to make sure that the window cleaner will use ladders and get right on top of the glass. It saves the window cleaner time using a pole, but the overall job will not be as satisfactory vs. if ladders were used. It doesn't matter how skilled a window cleaner thinks they are with a pole, there will be spots missed and streaks left. So ask them specifically if they use poles or ladders.

7. Insured - It's imperative that you hire a window cleaner who is fully insured. Most window cleaners will volunteer this information during the estimate process, but if you don't hear the words "I am insured", then ask them if they are. And don't hesitate to ask to see their insurance policy for that extra peace of mind. There was a video on You Tube recently of a window cleaner who was actually recommending that other window cleaners don't get insurance. His reasoning was that it's not worth it. Crazy. It's most definitely worth it to you. So make sure before you hire any window cleaner, that they are fully insured.

8. Pricing - Are you looking for a cheap window cleaner? In our opinion, you're taking a risk if you hire someone like that. They will be cutting corners throughout the job like "touching" the screens with a rag, not opening the windows, using poles instead of ladders, etc. etc. And more than likely they may not have insurance to protect you. Is it worth saving $20 or $30 and take a chance using a window cleaner like this? Hiring a window cleaner isn't like hiring someone to cut your grass. So don't automatically go for the lowest priced window cleaner. It'll be a rare situation if you are able to get a low price and also have the window cleaner follow/apply the above mentioned tips.

And that's it! Remember to ask prospective window cleaners lots of questions using these tips as your guide. If you do, you'll soon be hiring yourself a professional window cleaner who will treat your windows as their own. Isn't that what it's all about?

Brought to you by the Professional Window Cleaners in the 3 Bears Window Cleaning Directory