Why should I do business with Summica Maids?
Summica Maids, is a recognized and trusted name in the cleaning industry. We have been in the cleaning business since 1999. We carry three types of insurance, protecting clients, employees and the company. Employees are required to get a criminal history/background check. New employees must go through specialized one-on-one training with a certified trainer. Employees also receive weekly in-service training.
Is Summica Maids a franchise?
No, it is a locally owned and operated company. Its founders are involved in the business on a daily basis. Not having to pay franchise fees or follow the franchise-prescribed systems, allows them to personalize their services and pass their savings on to you.
When a team comes to clean, do I need to provide mops, rags, vacuum cleaner, etc.?
We provide everything that will be needed to clean your home, and we take full responsibility for the products we use and their results. However, many of our customers prefer that we use one of their specialized cleaning products or vacuum. If you have a special cleaning product or vacuum that you want us to use, you must first get these approved by their office and sign a release of liability.
Do I have to sign a contract?
No. When you hire us, we ask that you sign a Customer Service Agreement. This simply states that you understand and consent to our agreed upon relationship. This agreement is legally binding, so both Summica Maids and you agree to comply with it. However, either party may cancel it at any time. As long as your house is cleaned to your satisfaction and requirements, you will continue to hire Summica Maids. As long as Summica Maids is paid, they will continue to clean your house.
What if something in my home is broken or damaged while the team is cleaning?
Summica Maids teams are carefully trained to know how to avoid breakage or damage while they clean. However, if something does get damaged, they will inform you immediately if you are home. If not, they will leave a note detailing what happened. They will also alert their management so that we can address the situation with you as soon as possible. If the damage was a result of an accident or a team member’s negligence, we will quickly make a proper repair or provide restitution.
Summica Maids cannot take responsibility for damage that results because items are not properly secured, hung, installed or put in a reasonably safe place. For example: Heavy mirrors or artwork that is not hung with the appropriate hanger, furniture that is not stable or shelving easily moved when touched. If you have items that are extremely delicate, are very expensive or have deep sentimental value that you want handled with particular care or not at all, please make this clear on your Personalized Service Instructions.
Does someone have to be home when you are scheduled to clean?
No. Summica Maids knows that you are busy and often away from your home. Cleaning teams are trained to work independently, completing their cleaning without the homeowner present. However, if someone is at home, this is not a problem.
How will your staff get into my home?
The best way is to provide us with a house key. Keys are secured in the office and coded. Your home is not identified. Keys are logged in and out by the team that will clean your home on the day of service.
How do you determine how much my cleanings will cost?
The price is determined by the size and condition of your home and how frequently it is cleaned. If we are hired to clean weekly, the price of the individual cleaning is less that if they are hired to come on an alternate-weekly or monthly basis.
What if I’m not satisfied with the cleaning effort of the team?
Because of Summica Maids’ commitment to excellence this is rare. However, if it happens, they want to know on the day of the cleaning. If the problem is minor, it can be addressed at the next cleaning or a team can return and redo the area as soon as it can be reasonably scheduled.
What if one of the Summica Maids’ team gets hurt in my home while it is being cleaning?
You do not hold any responsibility for the staff’s injury. Because Summica Maids staff members are full time employees and not “independent contractors” or part-time employees, they are covered by Worker’s Comp Insurance. This covers the employee’s injuries and protects you.
Am I responsible for paying any taxes or providing documentation to the IRS or any government agency?
Absolutely not. Since Summica Maids is a legal employer, these matters are taken care of.
Will I be able to communicate with the team members who come to my house?
Yes, all Summica Maids employees speak English.
Is there a lockout fee if I don’t make entry possible to a team or cancel a service at the last minute?
Yes. This is discussed with you during the consultation visit. Please notify management of a change at least 2 days in advance so that your cleaning can be rescheduled. Management will work with you in a genuine emergency, however, if a service is cancelled at the last minute for a non-emergency, you will be charged for the cleaning visit. Every effort is made to accommodate their customer’s scheduling needs and the needs of their employees.
What if I need to change my schedule?
Always call the office and speak with the management. The cleaning teams are not responsible for scheduling concerns.
Will I get the same cleaning technician each time?
Our goal is to provide you with the same technician each visit. This allows you to be familiar with the person cleaning your home, and provides for greater efficiency for our staff. It’s in both of our best interests to have the same technician each time. While we make every effort to accomplish this, we cannot guarantee the same technician each visit. If you prefer one specific technician, let us know. We will try to accommodate your request.
How do I modify the regular cleaning instructions or add something to meet a special need?
Call the office and discuss your changes. We realize that living situations change: A new baby, an empty nest, a new pet, a renovation project, guests or seasonal needs. They know that your cleaning requirements must be adjusted periodically and they are happy to accommodate you.
How do you handle antiques and collectibles?
Our technicians are trained to handle everything in your home with extreme care. On occasion, however, we may prefer not to clean items that are especially valuable or rare. In that case we will inform you at the time of your initial consultation.
I have an unusual surface in my home that requires a special cleaner. If I leave it out will you use it instead of your typical cleaner?
If the cleaning chemical or process is pre-approved by the office, a liability release form is signed and the cleaning staff are trained to use it properly, it can be used according to the label instructions, per your direction. Care must be taken to protect both your home and the staff member.
My dog is very friendly. Can he stay in the house while the team is there?
All the Summica Maids staff members are “pet friendly” and deal with dogs and cats on a daily basis. Because, they do want to maintain a safe environment for both the staff members and your pet, they ask that you be at home the first couple of times they clean. They want to meet your pet and make sure your dog or cat will accept the intrusion into their domain, especially dogs.
Do I need to do anything before a Summica Maids technician comes?
We ask that you put away clutter before we arrive: Pick up scattered clothing, put valuables where they belong, or file bills and papers. This allows their staff to clean your home more thoroughly.
When is payment due and how do I pay for my cleaning?
Payment is due on or before the day of cleaning. Credit card is the preferred form of payment and can easily be set up with our office. Many of our clients request that the service fees be charged automatically to their credit card. Just ask the office to make arrangement for recurring automatic billing. If you prefer to write a check it should be left for the staff on the kitchen counter on the day of the visit.
How do you make sure my house is cleaned consistently each visit?
Each technician has a Training Manager who is responsible for the quality of the cleanings on their schedule. Unscheduled on-site visits by the Training Manager ensure consistent quality is maintained.
Can I hire one of your cleaning professionals directly?
No. Our service agreement states that you agree not to hire any past or present Summica Maids employee, other than through our office, for a period of not less than 2 years from the date that employee last worked for Summica Maids. If you feel you must hire someone in spite of the service agreement, you will be charged a $2500 referral fee, due in full immediately upon employment or use of a past/present employee, regardless of whether it is regular or contractual employment.