Prices vary according to size of window, whether it is fixed or sliding, ground-level or higher and whether it has French panes. "I or my partner ... personally do the estimates. That way we can communicate with the homeowner and understand expectations. It gives them a chance to meet us and feel good about the working relationship."
Pool and Spa Service
Ray Emling, owner of Valley Pool and Spa Service and Supplies of Hanford, Calif., recommends that you "get word-of-mouth references or ask for references." Emling has been in business for 17 years. He advises pool owners to ask how long a service has been in business or what their experience is.
One priority, says Emling, is liability insurance. "Don't just assume they have it." He suggests that homeowners ask specifically what the service provides and try to get that in writing.
"Ask what kind of chlorine is used and what is done on a weekly basis, such as cleaning filter, back washing filter, brushing sides and steps of pool and vacuuming pool as needed. A pool sweep doesn't always get everything," says Emling.
He charges $75-$80 a month for his services.
Indoor Plant Care
A relatively new household service is care for indoor plants. Bricem is the owner of Innergreen, an indoor plants business in Fresno that supplies and cares for houseplants.
There's weekly and monthly service. Watering, removal of ugly foliage, trimming, dusting, shining leaves, pest control and fertilizing are included in the weekly visits. The monthly service can include a plant check and cleanup in an atrium.
People can buy or rent plants from Innergreen. "Some people prefer to rent because they get tired of plants and like to change them," says Kim. "Or they may plan on moving at some point and don't want to worry about moving plants. Others get attached to their plants."
He says a houseplant service provider should be asked about bonding, liability insurance and what types of plants are offered. His company charges a base fee of $50 a month.
Cleaning Houses
Susan Bringard of Merry Maids housecleaning service says to check insurance and bonding. "Businesses can have third-party policies that put the customer's name on the policy," she says. Merry Maids is a nationally franchised company,
Bringard, who lives in Lemoore, believes customers should ask whether the people coming into your home are employees, as with Merry Maids, or are private contractors working through a referral agency. "Who is going to stand behind the work and who is responsible?" she adds.
Other things to consider, Bringard says, include "if chemicals are used, is the provider certified? Does she have the OSHA regulations? Does she provide equipment and supplies? Who pays Social Security, federal, state and local taxes?"
Bringard says customers should have written lists of what is provided in the service agreement. Merry Maids' basic services include dusting, vacuuming, washing floors, cleaning countertops and backsplashes, range tops, tops of refrigerators, microwaves, bathroom fixtures and mirrors.
The company sends teams of two to a home and charges a minimum $140 for a one-time job or $85 for weekly service.
Hiring a Gardener
Alfred Montez of Fresno, who has operated his own gardening service for 25 years, advises homeowners to "ask about experience and equipment. A gardener is as good as his equipment. If his equipment breaks down all of the time, then he will not be dependable and will not finish his jobs."
Besides having backup mowers and blowers, Montez says, gardeners should be knowledgeable about plants and pruning. He believes communication is the key to a successful business relationship.
One client makes a list of things she wants done that day and things she needs done in a couple of weeks and leaves the list on the gate, giving him time to prepare. "Gardeners do not read minds," he says. "Don't assume he knows what you want done." He says word-of-mouth references are usually best.
Basic yard service, which includes mowing an average-sized lawn, edging and blowing off the driveway costs about $25 a week. Pruning, fertilizing, tree removal and other jobs are extra.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)
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