Look past the bottom line
- Pull every task and its frequency from each bidder, in writing.
- Ask how many labor hours per visit the quote is built on.
- Check which supplies are rolled in and which land on the invoice separately.
- Confirm whether floor care and the other periodic jobs sit inside the quote or get priced apart.
What the contract should spell out
| Contract term | What it should say |
|---|---|
| Scope | Each area, the tasks in it and how often they happen. This is what you hold them to. |
| Schedule | Days and times the crew is on site, plus the holiday plan. |
| Price | The monthly or per-visit charge, which supplies that covers and who signs off on extra work before it hits the invoice. |
| Insurance | Paperwork for liability coverage. Workers compensation too, if they have employees. |
| Keys and codes | Who holds them and the plan if one goes missing. |
| Inspections | How often someone grades the work, and how missed items get reported and fixed. |
| Length and cancellation | How long the agreement runs and the notice either side owes to end it. |
Red flags
- A price offered without ever looking at your space or asking about it.
- Nothing in writing, or a scope with no frequencies attached.
- Dodging or stalling when you ask for proof of insurance.
- A long term with no exit if the cleaning falls off.