Finding the right External Cleaner

Finding the right House Washer

​Complex External Cleaning 

The external cleaning industry, specifically house washing, has exploded and many people think they can just buy equipment and go to work on your biggest asset, your home.

There are so many things to look for when washing houses and only those with extensive experience will know how to treat different aspects for every job.

Here's how to research who's quoting your home, what experience they have and what quality of service they provide.

When hiring a house washer you should have this check list ready:

1. Is the house washer trained or experienced and how many years have they been in business? 
Reading the 'About us' pages on their website is only going to tell you what they think you want to hear but a quick check online will give you a better overview, go to https://abr.business.gov.au/.
It's a free service, just enter the company/trading name or ABN to see how long they have been in business. If you cant find it search the persons name. Still no luck then they are not registered and are probably not experienced in the services you are getting, its a big red flag.

2. Where did you find them?
Free directories and "Get 3 quotes sent to you" style platforms are commonly used by lessor experienced house washers as they are yet to build their customer base and reputation. 
Experienced house washers have a regular customer base or gain work by word of mouth and other types of advertising and often have a lead time before they can book you in.
Inexperienced cleaners will not be so busy and will likely turn up to a quote ready to work that day (if they can talk you into it).

3. Check the date that their ABN was registered
If it was registered 6 months ago but their website states 25 years then you'll know they're telling porkies. (there are very few house washers that have been around for 25 years and most of the longer term industry cleaners will know each other so ask around)

4. Are they insured?
They should have at least $5-10 million Public Liability for residential external cleaning (If concerned ask for a current copy)

5. Are they police checked 
Ask for a copy

6. If working at heights, do they have Working at Heights training?
For any work completed on your roof ensure your cleaner has Working at Heights Safely training and they should readily agree to show you their card.
While on your roof they should always be attached to a temporary anchor by harness and rope.

7. How is my house going to be cleaned?
They should be very upfront with the process in which they are going to wash your home.
Soft Broom House Washing is the best way to safely wash exteriors.
If they are offering to Pressure Clean the outside of your home you need to think about what the state of your paint is going to look like after cleaning. 
Soft broom house washing is all in the name; soap and chemical is applied to your homes exterior, then scrubbed softly removing any mould, grime ,dust or bat/bird droppings. This is the best option for house washing because you know that all areas have been scrubbed thoroughly.

If you've booked a job in, look for these indications:

8. Ask your house washer for a check list on things you need to do or move before they turn up.
Any good and experienced house washer will have supplied you with a checklist before they commence and will check things around your house before they commence washing.

9. You need to pay particular attention to the house washer covering your electrical points/switches
If they don't do this you can experience power outages which is a real pain. Covering them first will save this from happening. 

10. Ask them about any raw or stained timber areas
Timber around your home such as decks, railings or furnishings should all be covered or moved to protect them from chemical staining or water marks. A good house washer will automatically do this or know how to clean around these, but if they don't you should be concerned. 

10. Windows and doors leaking
A minimal amount of water can make it's way in which shouldn't cause too much harm, but  if it's pouring in you will need to stop the house washer immediately and ask why this is happening.  Some timber windows cant be helped but an experienced house washer should realise this and not spray heavily around these areas.

11. Make sure that your windows are streak free
Some house washers can leave your windows worse off than when they arrived.
The majority of house washers will wash off windows afterwards to remove any left over cleaning solution (not a professional clean) but some don't and having a clean house and dirty windows is like having a great smile with rotten teeth. 

11. Always check the job after completed to make sure you are happy with the works
The cleaner should always come and ask if you would like to do a walk around prior to packing up and leaving. That way, if you see something you're not happy with the cleaner can attempt to rectify it right away.

12. Payment
When checking the cleaners ABN, check if they're registered for GST.
If they're not registered for GST then they cant charge you for it, this should always be noted on the invoice they provide you.

We hope that this will help with the next time you are looking for a House Washer, its better to be safe than sorry.
Your home is your castle and finding the best person for the job isn't always easy so check out www.australianhousewashing.com.au to find experienced cleaners in your area and if we don't have anyone we'll find someone for you!

www.complexexternalcleaning.com.au

Complex External Cleaning 

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​www.complexexternalcleaning.com.au 

Complex External Cleaning Ph: 0416 364 603