Chorerelief announces plans for a simple-to-use business management tool for tradespeople and contractors

Coming Soon: August 2021

 

 

Contracting industries are demanding greater efficiency and more professionalism from everybody in every aspect of their business. But for many tradespeople, admin is the part of the job they enjoy the least. Excess paperwork, writing up invoices, sending quotes, the list of necessary but mundane jobs goes on.

Even when you do manage to get on top of it, there is always the question of where to keep everything so you can easily access it when needed. Wouldn’t life be so much easier if you had one simple to use a digital tool to help you manage your admin effectively and focus your attention on efforts on what you do best?

At Chorelief, we understand. Our founder and owner, Tarik Khribech, is a serial entrepreneur who has experienced the pride and challenges of starting your enterprise. And he’s come up with a solution to the admin problem faced by many contractors.

Launching this fall, Chorerelief’s business management software program is packed with features to help make running your business easier – freeing up more time to focus on your core business.

 

Features of the Chorerelief business management software

Estimates & Jobs

Create estimates and jobs in seconds with pre-populated products, service line items, and more. Reply to clients quickly and professionally to secure more business and encourage repeat business and recommendations.

 

 

Scheduling & Dispatching

Quickly shift times and dates to avoid scheduling overlaps and get status updates from your field technicians. Manage your entire business whenever from wherever so you remain in complete control.

 

Online Invoicing

Process credit cards securely using our fully integrated payment processing platform. Digital payments are now an expectation from clients. Simple, secure online invoicing capability is evidence that your business is modern and progressive.

 

Step-by-Step Onboarding

Get your business up to speed fast with step-by-step onboarding from a dedicated Customer Success Manager. You don’t need to be an expert in business admin – you just need to know someone who is. Your dedicated Customer Success Manager is there to support you in making sure you get the most out of our business management software and stay ahead of the game.

 

Enterprise-Level

Small business pricing with no per-user fees means your costs stay the same even as your business grows – one of the keys to boosting ROI.

 

Leads

Access to future customers from our network of homeowners and landlords in your area. Whatever business you’re in, a regular supply of customers is a must. The Chorerelief app is trusted and relied upon by homeowners and landlords for a variety of services, including:

• Domestic cleaning
• End of tenancy cleaning
• Handyman
• Electrician
• Plumber
• Painting and decorating
• Landscaping and more

 

Grow your business

Our business software management tool allows you to get a holistic view of your business to help you make decisions and plan for the future. It also gives you time to dedicate to growing your business. And as your business grows and you need more features from the tool, you simply add them on.

Provide quick and straightforward quotes and get paid onsite to prevent the need for invoice chasing later. Offer ongoing support and make your business easy for your customers to find by placing it where they spend most of their time – on their smartphone.

Customers don’t want to have to search for a tradesperson anytime they need a job doing. Their time is precious – but so is their property. What they want is to find a reliable local trader they know they can trust. Chorerelief guarantees its customers, fully-vetted tradesmen. When clients come to you through us, you have credibility before speaking to your potential client. Our business management software lets you add another level of professionalism to your business.

 

 

Say goodbye to multiple systems

It’s entirely normal for contractors to use multiple systems to manage the different admin tasks associated with running their business. As new regulations or requirements are brought in, you find a way of incorporating new working methods into your work life. But all too often, the need to manage multiple digital and paper systems becomes increasingly confusing and time-consuming. That’s when mistakes are made – sometimes very costly mistakes.

 

 

By placing all your admin into one user-friendly tool, you reduce the risk of errors, make your business slick and professional, and give yourself that most precious commodity – time.

ChoreRelief lets you complete your scheduling, dispatching, and job management efficiently. Connected to every other part of your business, ChoreRelief is an all-in-one, centralized software solution that puts you in control.

 

All-In-One Software

Create estimates, schedule jobs, dispatch technicians, send invoices, and receive calls from one easy-to-use system.

 

Increase Customer Satisfaction Rates

Online bookings, automatic notifications, and digital invoices keep clients coming back.

Get Set Up in Minutes

You don’t need to be a technical whizz kid to make efficient use of ChoreRelief. The system has been uniquely designed to be simple to use, so even your non-technical staff will love using it.

Find out more or schedule a demo to discover all the fantastic benefits of our business management software and how you can use it to take your business to the next level.

 

The post Chorerelief announces plans for a simple-to-use business management tool for tradespeople and contractors appeared first on ChoreRelief.

source https://chorerelief.com/business-management-tool-for-tradespeople-and-contractors/

6 Jobs You Must Do Around The Home Over Summer

There are few more relaxing ways to spend a summer day than sitting in the garden with a cool drink. But before you pour yourself a glass of your favorite tipple, it’s important to take care of a job or two around the home. That’s because some jobs are best done (or should only be done) over summer when the weather is good. And if you make time to do one job each weekend, there’s no reason why you can’t keep the place in tip-top condition and also find a bit of time for that all-important sitting in the sun.

So let’s dive in and take a look at six crucial home maintenance tasks for summer:

 

1 – Exterior Paintwork

Painting outdoors in the rain is no fun. And it’s impossible to do a good job. Rainwater will make the paint go streaky and prevent it from doing its two jobs – looking great and protecting your property.

Painting in the sun, on the other hand, can be a delightful job. It’s not too strenuous, so you can take your time, enjoy the sun and catch a few rays while still putting your time to good use.

Wood, metal, and brickwork can all benefit from a fresh coat of paint once a year. Before you get started, be sure to use wire wool on metalwork to remove any flaky paint. Before painting wood, assuming it is in good condition, gentle sanding to make the surface smooth and remove any debris is recommended.

You’ll need good quality brushes and a dust sheet to protect the floor. These can be picked up from any hardware store and, if cleaned correctly stored, will last for years.

Exterior paintwork provides a vital barrier from the extremes of weather your property will be subjected to overwinter – so don’t put this off.

If you don’t have the tools, skills, or time, you’re the best option is to find a local handyman for exterior paintwork. A little investment now could prevent costly repairs in the future.

 

2- Give Your Patio or Decking a bit of love

Decking is built to withstand the rigors of weather but needs to be maintained for longevity. A light sanding followed by the application of a wood protector will help keep it in good condition for the following summer. That’s a job for late summer, though.

In preparation for the time you intend to spend in your garden during the warmer months, early summer is cleaning time.

A pressure washer will blast away weeds and debris that have infiltrated your decking or patio. You can also use it to apply detergent and restore your patio or decking to its former glory.

You’ll be amazed at just what a difference it can make. This is also an excellent time to clean your outdoor furniture. Even if you washed it before putting it away for winter, dust and dirt from your shed or garage would dull its sheen. Plastic garden furniture can be wiped down with detergent. Wooden furniture should be lightly sanded and revarnished or repainted to protect it.

 

3- Cleaning the gutters

Gutters get clogged up with all sorts of debris and leaves over fall and winter. Climbing the ladder to clear them is no fun on a cold, wet January day, but a thorough clean once a year in summer should be sufficient maintenance.

Blockages will stop the gutter from working and cause water to run down the brickwork. This can lead to damp or water damage which is both expensive to put right.

As always, prevention is better than cure. You’ll need someone to hold the ladder steady. Other than that, all required is a decent pair of gloves and something to dump the debris in.

To help prevent the problem from reoccurring, you can invest in gutter guards. These are easy to install and require no tools or expertise.

If you don’t have a head for heights, you might want to ask a friend or hire a handyman to clean your gutters. What’s for sure is that this is another job that can’t be ignored.

 

4- Tiling & Decorating Projects

Even inside jobs such as tiling and painting are best done over the summers. If you choose to paint the interior of your house in November, the chances are you won’t be able to (or won’t want to) open the doors and windows.

Get these jobs done in summer, and you can leave doors and windows open. This will help paint, varnish, and grouting to dry quickly. It will also help disperse fumes and odors associated with decorating. And, when those winter months come round and confine you to the house, you’ll have a nice place to spend time.

 

5- Clean The Windows

The sun shining in the sky is a beautiful thing. But it does have a habit of showing up dirt and smears on the windows.

Cleaning windows is straightforward and only requires a bit of time and some essential equipment. There are several window cleaning devices on the market. But an old cloth and some soapy water work just as well as long as you have patience in your toolkit.

Sparkling glass makes the whole place look brighter. So, once the windows are gleaming, you might just find you’re a little more motivated to get on with other jobs.

If you don’t have the time or patience to clean the windows yourself, get a handyman in for window cleaning, and you’ll still be inspired to do a few of those jobs you do fancy.

 

6- Trimming Hedges and Shrubs

The key to garden maintenance is to do it little and often. A quick trim of your hedges and shrubs once a week will prevent them from getting out of control. It might be necessary for particularly dry spells, but you should get into the habit of trimming bushes as soon as the growing season gets underway in spring. This will help you keep on top of your garden maintenance and encourage you to get on with some of the more straightforward tasks too. Mowing the lawn and weeding is easy to put off. But if the hedges are looking neat, you’ll want to keep the rest of your garden tidy too.

 

These jobs will keep your home looking its best over the summer while also preparing it for winter. Finding the time to at least do a few of them can be extremely rewarding. For those you can’t do, ChoreRelief is on hand to help.

Download the app to access reliable local tradespeople in your pocket for these and any other jobs. All the tradesmen we introduce you to are fully-vetted, and you can check reviews from previous clients. So, with ChoreRelief, you get quality work and peace of mind. Download the app now.

The post 6 Jobs You Must Do Around The Home Over Summer appeared first on ChoreRelief.

source https://chorerelief.com/6-jobs-you-must-do-around-the-home-over-summer/

ChoreRelief vs HomeAdvisor vs Thumbtack vs Houzz vs Angi vs Yelp

1- ChoreRelief

Pros for Homeowners:

• The mobile app is user-friendly.
• You can hire contractors for emergency services or home projects.
• Chat groups allow you to communicate directly with your contractor to discuss the job.
• You can post photos associated with your project.
• ChoreRelief has a great referral program that pays you whenever someone you referred to the app uses it to hire a contractor.
• A portion of the referral fee goes to charity.
• Customers can name their price

Cons for Homeowners:

• Contractors are not required to complete background or credential checks, but you can see which ones have or haven’t completed them.

 

Pros for Contractors:

• The mobile app is user-friendly.
• You only pay a fee to ChoreRelief after you get paid by the customer for a completed job.
• ChoreRelief quoting and invoicing system is free to use!
• You can choose which projects to bid on.
• You can chat with customers for free.
• Because you don’t pay upfront, you can be an instant match with a new customer.
• Great way to meet new customers and drum up new business. You can work on word of mouth after that.
• Also, come with full operation software to run your business and manage your team from your phone.

Cons for Contractors:

• Customers know if you haven’t completed a background or credential check.

 

 

 

2- HomeAdvisor

Pros for Homeowners:

• Free to use!
• Appointments can be scheduled online.
• Contractors are pre-screened for any criminal and financial infractions.

Cons for Homeowners:

• The pre-screening process can lead to a false sense of security. See News Report from KOAA 5
• Once you sign up, your information is sold to a ton of other contractors, which can result in unwanted phone calls and emails.
• You can be matched up with contractors who are not local, so you might waste time talking to contractors who cannot or will not take on your project.
• The reviews are vetted by Homeadvisor, so you might not get an honest opinion.

 

Pros for Contractors:

• You could potentially get a lot of leads since Homeadvisor is well-known in the home improvement space. This can help get you started if you’re a new business.
• A good way to meet new customers. You can work on word of mouth after that.

Cons for Contractors:

• There is a yearly membership fee, on top of the fee you pay for each lead.
• You may pay a hefty price for leads that don’t bring about work.
• Leads are sold to an unlimited number of contractors/ business owners, which means a lot of competition.

 

 

3-Thumbtack

 

Pros for Homeowners:

• The app is free to use.
• You can find tradespeople as well as other home services.

Cons for Homeowners:

• You may inadvertently cost a contractor/ business owner money just by reaching out to him.
• No background checks.

 

Pros for Contractors:

• You can connect with potential customers.
• You can pay for a leads subscription at a 20% discount.

Cons for Contractors:

• You pay a fee whether the homeowner you’ve connected with hires you or not.
• Fees are based on the job’s value, so you don’t always know what you’ll be charged for a lead.

 

 

 

4-Houzz

Pros for Homeowners:

• Free to use!
• You can use Houzz’s database of pictures when planning your project.
• You can connect with contractors online.
• You can purchase products through Houzz.

Cons for Homeowners:

• Products are priced excessively high.
• It isn’t easy to return or to exchange items purchased through Houzz.
• Lousy customer service.
• Reviews are biased, so you might not get an honest opinion.

 

Pros for Contractors:

• Houzz is free to use.
• You can build a profile and promote your business with pictures and information.
• You can pay to advertise, which will push your profile to the top of the list.

Cons for Contractors:

• Your profile can be bumped down the list if another contractor pays for advertising.
• Excessive cancellation fees for advertising contracts.
• Houzz automatically renews year-long contracts, so you might get caught if you’re not paying attention.
• Advertising can be costly.
• Houzz owns all the content in your profile.
• Contractors report getting negative views for jobs they never did.

 

 

5-Angie’s

 

Pros for Homeowners:

• Free to use.
• Background checks are performed on contractors.
• Many contractors have over a decade of reviews with Angie’s List, so you can feel which ones have a good reputation.

Cons for Homeowners:

• You must provide personal information if you want to read reviews and get in touch with contractors.
• Customer service is lacking unless you buy a membership.
• You may receive calls from contractors even though you didn’t sign up for anything.
• Information supplied to Angie’s List also goes to Homeadvisor, so this could lead to many unwanted calls or emails.

 

Pros for Contractors:

• Angie’s List is the oldest company in the home improvement space, so they have a large following.
• You can pay for more visibility.

Cons for Contractors:

• You may receive leads from people who don’t want to be contacted.
• You pay for advertising, not leads, so there’s no guarantee of getting jobs.
• You must pay to have your profile show up on the first page.
• There is a lot of competition since potential projects are sent out to multiple contractors.

 

 

6-Yelp

Pros for Homeowners:

• Free to use!
• You can connect directly with contractors/ small business owners.
• There are a lot of pictures and reviews to browse.

Cons for Homeowners:

• Background checks are not conducted.
• Reviews can be skewed since paying businesses are given priority.
• There is no customer service department to turn to for help.

 

Pros for Contractors:

• This service is free to use.
• You can create a profile, post pictures, and gather reviews for free.
• Yelp receives a lot of traffic which is good for your company’s visibility.

Cons for Contractors:

• If you do not pay for advertising, other contractors who do pay can appear on your profile.
• Reviews are filtered, so not all positive reviews end up being seen.
• The cost per click in the self-service advertising feature can change at any time, resulting in high costs.
• There is no guarantee that your advertising dollars will lead to jobs.
• Yelp salespeople are relentless in trying to sell advertising.

 

The post ChoreRelief vs HomeAdvisor vs Thumbtack vs Houzz vs Angi vs Yelp appeared first on ChoreRelief.

source https://chorerelief.com/chorerelief-vs-homeadvisor-vs-thumbtack-vs-houzz-vs-angi-vs-yelp/

Handyman vs. Plumber: Who To Use For What Job?

 

When a ‘wet’ job needs doing around the home, it’s often hard to know whether you should get a plumber or a handyman in to fix it. Of course, a plumber is trained to carry out extensive and small jobs, whereas a handyman may only be capable of tackling small plumbing tasks.

What’s The Difference Between a Plumber and Handyman?

The main difference between a plumber and a handyman is that a plumber must be licensed in 46 of the 50 states. That’s why plumbers are recommended for significant jobs such as heating or boiler repairs or fitting equipment. The term ‘handyman’ is broader and generally refers to someone who is available to carry out a wide range of home repairs and home improvement tasks. As a general rule, when trying to decide whether a plumbing task is suitable for a handyman, it’s best to think about whether the average person would be able to complete the task safely and to a good standard without any formal training. So, jobs such as replacing a washer or installing a washing machine would generally be ok for a handyman. Usually, there are no specific requirements necessary to provide handyman services. However, it is still best to check documentation, reviews, and insurance status before committing to having any work carried out by a handyman.

 

Why Hire a Plumber Over a Handyman?

You’ll generally find that a plumber charges a higher call-out fee than a handyman, so if it is a job that a handyman can do, that’s usually your best option. And if you’re lucky, you may find that when you’re searching for a handyman online, you’ll find one that is also a trained plumber.

If you hire a plumber, you will probably pay more, but you’ll have the peace of mind that the person carrying out the work is qualified. You can sometimes find plumbers offer special rates for specific jobs, so if you particularly want to hire a plumber, it’s worth asking.

A licensed and trained plumber will not only have the necessary qualifications, but they will also be up to date on regulations and laws to ensure work is carried out in line with health and safety.  A licensed plumber with broad industry knowledge and experience will leave your property safe and compliant. They will also diagnose complex problems and issues with your plumbing system and advise on the best course of action. A handyman will not be able to do that

The risks of employing a handyman for a complex plumbing task are many, and you could end up seriously out of pocket. So for major plumbing jobs, it’s always better to find a local licensed plumber.

Shop Around Before Committing

When finding a professional to carry out work in your home or rental property, you should always seek at least three quotes before agreeing to any work. This is to ensure you know you are paying a fair price. For smaller plumbing jobs that you think might be suitable for a plumber or a handyman, ask both. It will give you a good idea of the difference in price between the two, and you may find that you only have to pay a little more for a plumber.

Make sure you’re clear in describing the job – or the symptoms if you don’t know what needs doing. If you know there is a problem but don’t know its cause; you should always call a licensed plumber.

Ask if they clean up

In many cases, a plumber will not clean up any damage caused in getting to the problem. This might include a plumber removing a section of the ceiling to gain access to pipes or taking tiles away to locate a leak. Under the terms of the contract, you will be liable for repairing the damage. If the job is suitable for a handyman, they will usually put right any such damage. Depending on the time it takes to make good, they may offer this as an additional service or charge extra.

 

None of us want to spend more than we have to on things like home repairs. If you have a minor plumbing job but not the tools or know-how to do it yourself, a handyman is likely to be your cheapest option. For bigger jobs, it’s best to find a reliable local plumber and be prepared to pay the going rate to get the job done correctly. Poor plumbing work can be hazardous and could lead to water damage that would be severe and costly.

ChoreRelief is the place to find plumbers, handyman services, and many other tradespeople in one place. Download the app for free and input details of the job you need doing. You can choose to send details to plumbers, handymen, or both. You can select a price range you’re willing to pay and then sit back and let us do the donkey work for you. No need to ring around for quotes. No need to repeat yourself to numerous tradesmen.

Only tradesmen with availability and who are prepared to do the work within your given price range will contact you so you’ll know from the outset what the job will cost, and there will be no nasty surprises.

Download the app today, so you’ve always got the tradesmen you need in your back pocket to cope with emergencies and unexpected plumbing problems.

The post Handyman vs. Plumber: Who To Use For What Job? appeared first on ChoreRelief.

source https://chorerelief.com/handyman-vs-plumber-who-to-use-for-what-job/

6 Curb Appeal Techniques to Maximise the Value of Your Property

So, you’ve decided it’s time to sell your property. You’ve instructed a real estate agent who has visited, valued it, and put it on the market. Now it’s time to make sure you get a maximum dollar!

Curb appeal is one of the most important factors when preparing your home for sale, and there are plenty of ways you can make it look its best. But, whether people are viewing it online or at the relators, passing by, or arriving for an arranged viewing – first impressions last.

Selling a home is far more than simply putting a price on bricks and mortar. It’s about selling a dream and a lifestyle. Potential buyers want to be able to imagine themselves living happily in the property. To do that, they need to view it in good condition and look smart from the moment they first lay eyes.

So, let’s take a look at 6 simple and inexpensive ways for you to maximize the value of your home.

1. TRANSFORM THE EXTERIOR

Visitors’ first glimpse of your property will be from the curb – hence the phrase curb appeal. Likewise, a tatty or dirty exterior is likely to turn people off, but tidying up the exterior of your home can be fairly simple.

Recladding or re-rendering will have the most impact on the look of your home. You will be able to find a local tradesman to carry out either, but they won’t come cheap, and often the extra value you achieve isn’t worth the outlay. This is usually only worth considering if your property looks a bit ugly and rundown and is proving hard to sell after a considerable time on the market.

2. REVAMP THE FRONT DOOR

This is the gateway to your palace. Your front door is likely to be the first part of your home any potential buyers touch. Don’t forget; they’re judging everything. And they are going to be stood by the door while they wait for it to be opened. It’s said that buyers make their decision within 8 seconds of viewing. That whole 8 seconds is going to be spent right by the front door. So, this is a vital selling tool.

Fortunately, reviving a front door is often a simple job. For UPVC doors, a good clean is sometimes sufficient. Unfortunately, front doors tend to be omitted from many cleaning regimes, but you mustn’t neglect them when selling up.

If your wooden door is looking a little weather-beaten, a quick refinishing may bring it back to life. Or you might want to add a fresh lick of paint or varnish to give it that ‘good as new look. Metal polish can be used to remove rust and dirt from the fixtures.

These are all straightforward jobs you can do yourself using items easily available from any hardware store. But if you’re pushed for time or want to get a professional in, you can find a local handyman to get the job done.

 

3. REVIVE WINDOWS AND PAINTWORK

While revamping the entire exterior of your property can be expensive, bringing the windows and paintwork back to life will most likely cost you under $500 and can make a huge impact on the amount you spend. First, of course, it’s important to wash the windows before viewing, but clean windows in shabby frames won’t look their best. For a professional job, you might want to get a cleaning company in to do the business, but that’s not necessary. UPVC window frames are easy to clean using just soap and water. Woodwork requires a little more TLC but is easy to do and requires a few simple tools, paint or varnish, and patience.

Well-maintained woodwork may need to be cleaned and gently rubbed before applying fresh paint or varnish. If the woodwork has been neglected, it may be better to sand it down fully and start from fresh wood. If you identify damp or rotten wood, do not ignore it. The surveyor will pick up on it, and it could affect the value they put on the house. Instead, find a professional and get advice on how to fix it. You may be surprised just how affordable it is to put right.

4. TIDY UP YOUR PATHWAY AND GARDEN

This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to provide curb appeal. Clear any weeds, replace broken paving stones and give it a sweep for a quick fix. If you have time and your budget allows, investing in a power washer will make it look even better – and you can take the power washer with you to your new home. Alternatively, hire a local handyman to come in and do the job for you.

The rest of the garden is important too and requires some basic gardening. Weed the beds, mow the lawn and trim any shrubs or bushes. Don’t forget to do the back garden too. And if you’ve been keeping piles of junk or old appliances lying about for months, this is your ideal time to get rid of them. But, of course, if you don’t fancy doing it yourself, you can always find a local gardener.

5. HIDE THE BINS

Bins are essential but unsightly. So while it might be convenient to keep them by the front door, it doesn’t exactly make for nice viewing. If you have a bin shed, use it (and make sure the shed itself is clean and looks well-maintained). If not, place them neatly out of the way.

6. FIX BROKEN GUTTERS

Broken gutters look bad and suggest a lack of care. As soon as potential buyers see a piece of broken guttering, their minds will turn to the risk of water damage. Gutters that are hanging off the wall will give any potential buyers a perfect opportunity to offer you a reduced price based on the fact that they will have to carry out work as soon as they move in – and that’s if they even consider putting in an offer.

They are pretty easy to fix and, even if you have to find a handyman to fix gutters, the outlay will be worth it.

Maximizing the retail value of your home doesn’t need to be costly or time-consuming. Often, all it takes is a bit of time and some basic equipment you already have in your garage. However, if you’d rather get a professional in, download the Chore Relief app to find reliable local professionals for all sorts of jobs in and around the home.

The post 6 Curb Appeal Techniques to Maximise the Value of Your Property appeared first on ChoreRelief.

source https://chorerelief.com/6-curb-appeal-techniques-to-maximise-the-value-of-your-property/

Are You Looking for a New Cleaning Company?

Are You Looking for a New Cleaning Company? Here Are Some Things to Consider Before Making Your Choice

 

Cleanliness and good home hygiene have never been more important than they are right now. But as things begin returning to normal, many of us are finding that we simply don’t have the time to do all those little jobs that help keep our homes germ-free.

For many people, hiring a cleaning company is becoming less of a luxury and more of an essential. For others, the idea of allowing someone into their otherwise empty house raises concerns. That’s perfectly natural and it’s only right that you should ensure you have complete trust in the cleaners who will be coming into your home. But there are other things to consider to ensure there are no surprises for either of you once work gets underway.

So, we’ve put together a list of the most important things to consider when looking to hire a cleaner:

 

Do your research

This is the most fundamental step. Before you even get in contact with a potential cleaner, check their website for references and find out whether there is any independent verification through Trustpilot or other similar sites.

Have a look on social media. Are there any comments or photos, positive or negative that give an indication of the quality of the work? If you know people who have used the cleaning service before, ask them about it. A reliable word-of-mouth recommendation from people you know and trust is the best indication you’ll get.

 

Check their documentation

A good cleaning company will be able to provide evidence of insurance and confirm that all staff has been background checked. Without these, do not proceed. A cleaning company’s insurance is there to protect you as much as them. Letting in cleaners who are not insured can be an extremely expensive mistake.

Ask questions about the service

‘Cleaning’ can mean different things to different people. Most cleaning companies will have a list of services which includes the price, timescale, and details of the cleaning tasks. You should get a good idea of the services available when you do your initial research. If you want anything clarified this is the time to ask. If there are jobs you want to be done that aren’t listed under any of the services, mention them. If the company does agree to additional tasks, make sure the cost is clear and you have written confirmation.

 

Find out about the products they use

The first to know about the products is who will supply them. Does the cleaning company bring them or do they use what you have in the house? If they give you the option, it’s worth noting that theirs will most likely be better and more cost-effective. If they bring their own, you may want to know what the active ingredients are. Likewise, you might want to ask whether their products are eco-friendly.

Find out how long they have been operating

A well-established company with experienced staff is likely to put you more at ease than somebody just starting out on their own. That doesn’t necessarily mean the new starter is not up to the job. In some cases, you can get a good deal while they are still establishing themselves. The important thing is that you make your decision based on as much knowledge as possible.

 

Ask who will carry out the work?

When you hire a company, you may get different cleaners each week. Again, whether you are comfortable with this is a personal choice. But it’s best to know. If you particularly want the same individual, look for smaller companies or freelancers. Make sure you’re clear about what you want and have written confirmation.

At this stage, it is also wise to discuss access. If you’re not home when your cleaner comes, how will they get in? It’s unwise to hand out keys to your home so a key safe or keypad entry is preferred.

 

Talk money

It won’t surprise you to know that most disputes between cleaners and clients are overpayments. Both parties need to be clear on what is included, what it costs, and how payments will be made.

If you pay by the hour, make sure you cap it. It’s wise to talk about what can be achieved in a given timeframe too. If you pay per job, it’s still worth asking how long the service will take. You’ll want an idea of the hourly rate you’re paying. You’ll also want to know that what you’re paying for can be done to a good standard.

Check the cancellation policy too. This should be provided in writing to avoid confusion if you decide to stop using the service.

Ask whether they offer a satisfaction guarantee

 

What happens if a task is not completed to your satisfaction? Agree on a communication method for such an event before committing. This will ensure you have the necessary email or number if needed. It will also demonstrate that you expect a high quality of service.

Finding a reliable and trustworthy cleaning service is not always easy. In the absence of recommendations from close friends or family, it can feel like you’re just taking a chance.

Scouring local papers and ads in shop windows takes time and doesn’t guarantee quality. For peace of mind when looking for reliable local cleaners, download the Chore Relief app. With access to hundreds of fully vetted cleaners, you can rest assured. Check reviews, communicate through the app, and only receive contact from cleaners who are available to do the work.

After downloading the app, set yourself up with an account and enter the details of the job. We’ll get the message out to local cleaners, you just sit back and relax. When the inquiries come in, follow the guidelines laid out above and you can be confident in your new cleaner.

The post Are You Looking for a New Cleaning Company? appeared first on ChoreRelief.

source https://chorerelief.com/cleaning-company-checklist/

Top 10 questions homeowners Should ask a handyman

 

Handyman services are great for actually getting those little jobs around the house completed. The average American homeowner has 9 repairs required in various rooms around the house, and 32% have been putting off at least one job for over a year.

But before you get a local handyperson in, what are the questions you need to ask them to ensure they’re qualified to do the job?

 

1. How many experiences do you have with this type of work?

One of the best things about hiring a handyperson is that he has a range of skills. So it’s important to find out what sort of experience your handyman has in the job (or jobs) that you need doing. Some of this information will be available on their website, but there’s no substitute for hearing it from the horses’ mouth. So, don’t be shy!

 

2. Are you licensed?

Different states and counties have different rules and regulations when it comes to licensing handyman services. Find out the law where you live by checking the local government website and ensuring you see evidence of your handyman’s license before any work begins.

 

3. Are you insured?

This is crucial. But don’t just ask for proof that your handyman has insurance. Make sure you check exactly what insurance he has. Liability and workers’ compensation insurance are essential. If they can’t provide evidence of insurance, look elsewhere. Accidents happen, and the last thing you want is to be liable for somebody else’s mistake or get left with a damaged house and an expensive repair bill.

 

4. Are you planning to hire sub-contractors for this project?

It’s important to know who will be carrying out the work. It may not bother you that a sub-contractor comes in, but you’ll want to have their details and confirmation that they are experienced, licensed, and insured to do the work.

 

5. What’s the best way to get in touch with you?

You’re trusting someone with what is most likely your most valuable asset, so you must have a named point of contact and a reliable method of communication. Please find out the best days or times to call and make sure you know their business address, so you have somewhere to send correspondence or report any issues.

If sub-contractors are carrying out the work, be sure to get contact details for the handyman and complete the work.

 

6. How be bill additional charges dealt with?

When you hire a handyperson, you’ll be given an estimate of the cost, but things can change, and unexpected costs may arise during the completion of the work. To avoid any conflict or unnecessary disputes, ask your handyman to inform you of any additional costs and get your approval before carrying out any work not included in the original brief.

 

7. Can you provide references?

References are a great way of checking that your handyman is experienced and has provided good quality work to previous clients. The most reliable references you will get are from friends or family who has used the same tradesman. You know you can trust them and can ask to see the workmanship too. If you can’t get references from people you know, look online.

In particular, look out for references from clients who instructed the handyman to carry out tasks similar to yours. But keep an eye on comments about their level of customer service too. This could be vital as the project unfolds.

For added peace of mind, check out whether any complaints have been lodged against the handyman at the local Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, or the state licensing department.

 

8. What is the expected timeline for completion?

A good quality handyman will be able to give you a pretty accurate idea of how long the project will take. Again, unexpected issues might mean the job takes a little longer than anticipated. Ask how long it will take to reach certain milestones so you can easily see if things are on schedule.

 

9. Who is responsible for acquiring building permits?

If building permits are required for the work to be carried out, agree who is responsible for obtaining them. This should be decided before agreeing to any work. If you’re told it’s your responsibility, it might be worth looking elsewhere for a contractor who will take care of everything.

 

10. What is the payment schedule?

A reliable and reputable handyman will not ask you to pay the full price upfront for any major. Standard practice is to pay a 10% deposit of the estimated cost with further installments as agreed milestones are reached. This suits both parties and should ensure a trouble-free working relationship.

You may agree to pay on completion of the work for smaller jobs, but make sure you have a written quote before any work begins.

Hiring a handyman takes the burden of those jobs around the home off of you. Instead, a reliable and trusted professional will carry out the work. This gives you peace of mind and frees up your time for other things.

By following the guidance above, you can make sure the handyman you get in is qualified, competent, and professional. If you’re looking for local handyman services and want tradespeople who are fully vetted and pre-qualified, download the ChoreRelief app. We check out all our professionals. Independent reviews give you confidence.

To find out more about the services available from a handyman or to get in touch with a handyman in your area, head to our services page.

The post Top 10 questions homeowners Should ask a handyman appeared first on ChoreRelief.

source https://chorerelief.com/top-10-questions-homeowners-ask-about-handyman-services/