Compare scope as well as price
- Obtain the scope in writing from every provider, with each task named and its frequency stated.
- Find out the labor hours per visit that the price assumes.
- Confirm which supplies the quote covers and which are invoiced on top.
- Establish whether periodic floor care is built into the price or quoted as its own item.
Terms worth having in a cleaning contract
| Contract term | What it should say |
|---|---|
| Scope of work | Each task and area, along with how often it is done. The provider's performance is measured against this. |
| Schedule | The days and times of service, and how holidays are handled. |
| Pricing and inclusions | The price per month or per visit, which supplies it covers, and how additional work is approved and invoiced. |
| Insurance | Proof of liability insurance, and proof of workers compensation coverage if the company has employees. |
| Keys, codes and badges | Who holds keys, alarm codes or access badges, and what happens if one is lost. |
| Inspections | The inspection schedule, plus the steps for reporting a missed item and getting it corrected. |
| Term and cancellation | The duration of the agreement and the advance notice required for either party to end it. |
Warning signs to watch for
- A price arrived at without a visit to the space or any questions about it.
- A scope that is not in writing, or that omits frequencies.
- Hesitation when proof of insurance is requested.
- A long-term contract with no exit if service quality drops.