FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
As everything I do is tailored uniquely to your space, needs and preferences, no request is inconsiderable and no price is non-negotiable. I believe whole-heartedly in transparent invoicing, free estimates, respectful objections and package pricing. I also believe in contract negotiation with a side of coffee and the occaisional edible payment.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
While the process of getting to know a family, no matter the size or circumstance, is never the same twice, there are a few things you an always expect from me. 1. Every initial estimate is presented in detailed written form with a 30 day garantee that, unless services are added or my understanding of the project was incorrect, the final invoice amount will not go up more than 20%. If I made a mistake in the estimation, I sincerely hope it wasn't a big one because, as long as the service is booked, completed and paid in full within those 30 days, I will honor my botched estimate, and your budget, regardless. 2. I will ask a lot of questions at first in order to understand your needs and expectations as well as to honor and respect your home. 3. An initial deep cleaning often takes more than one visit. Establishing that highest standard can not always be accomplished in a few hours. 4. I almost NEVER charge by the hour. I am a detail oriented person and I would never disrespect a client's home by deeming some details not worthy of my time and full attention. However, I understand that, at times, this can cause I project to take significantly longer than expected. I would never disrespect a client's wallet but charging an open-ended hourly rate that could, very easily, exceed the agreed upon and budgeted for, bottom line. In most cases, a flat rate, per specific service, fee is charged for the finished product, no matter how much or how little time it takes. 5. Whether I am coming to assemble a gazebo or an entertainment center, renovate a bathroom or organize a pantry, every finished product includes a full cleanup of any work areas including disposal of packaging materials, vacuuming of debris and full disinfecting of anything I mttay have touched and anything that came from outside the home. Following disinfecting with natural, CDC approved, alcohol or peroxide based cleaners all new wood and leather items, including flooring are treated with almond oil, all new glass items are treated with water repellant and all smudges and streaks are buffed out and any new fabric items are treated with a first coating of scotchgard. If more coats are recommended, the rest of the can will be left, along with instructions for completion, in your care. 6. You an almost always expect a little surprise or two, more as I get to know the preferences of your family members. 7. You can expect periodic follow up messages and I expet you to be very honest when I ask how something is holding up. If you tell me the disposal I installed is leaking when I call 2 weeks later, I'll be there to fix it within 48 hours, with a sincere apology and a smile. But if you let it leak until I check in 6 months later, I can fix the disposal (as always, I stand behind my work, free of charge) but replacing two other pipes and an entire kitchen cabinet is going to cost you. (Luckily, most of what it will cost is found in the parts themselves. In a situation like that, labor would always be deeply discounted. 8. You should know that I am well aware of my own limitations. You should also know that if I am unable to present a finished product that meets your needs or our agreed upon expectation, I will always call in assistance. Whether I work side by side with them or they show up in an hour to finish what I started or to start what I couldn't, unless the call was made because the scope of the project exceeds the original expectation immensely, this project anchor will not cost you a single dollar more than that written estimate you agreed to. The last 3 things you should know about me: A. I have difficulty, sometimes, with punctuality and will never be offended at being taken to task for such. In fact, when I have disrespected your time in that way, I expect that you'll make sure I know it. B.I am seldom able to answer or hold conversations on the phone as I'm seldom still or in a place that is quiet or free from distractions. An email will get you a faster and more complete response and a text message with get my undivided attention. C. I've been told that my determination and is suh that it can only be matched by me talent for using WAY TOO MANY WORDS. My apologies.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I can honestly say there has been nothing remotely formal about the training I've received and continue to receive. It started with my father assigning us age appropriate chores as far back as I can remember. I learned to take pride in our home and in my contributions to it at a very young age. I also learned to accept nothing less that a very high standard of clean. All chores had to pass inspection before they were checked off the list. My mother taught me, with her tireless work ethic, that if my best isn't good enough, it probably wasn't my best. She also taught me that no matter what it was I wanted to learn to do, there was someone or something (in those days it was usually a **gasp** BOOK!!) that I could learn it from but the only way to KNOW it was to DO it.