What if I don't share a language with the person cleaning my home?

Keep instructions short and written, use photos or a simple checklist, and try a translation app. Patience and clear expectations work well in any language.

Trust & Verification

Hiring Help at Home: Cleaners, Handypeople and Other Home Services

Updated September 29, 2026Consumer Guide

On this page (11 sections)

Start with the same things everyone should look for
Then look for signs of genuine inclusivity
A few things that would make us pause
Being a good client
Paying fairly and tipping
Reading reviews
Where to look
A simple checklist
FAQ
Find home services near you
Sources

The right home service business shows up when it says it will, does what it promised and treats your home, and you, with care. Here's how to find one.

A house cleaner, a handyperson, a lawn crew, a window washer. These are small jobs compared with a remodel, but they come with something bigger: a stranger in your home, sometimes every week, sometimes when you aren't there.

You want someone reliable and careful with your things. The person doing the work deserves fair pay, a safe place to work and basic respect. A few questions at the start take care of most of it.

Start with the same things everyone should look for

Before you think about fit, make sure the business is solid.

1. The quote spells out what's included

"Cleaning" can mean a quick tidy or scrubbing the inside of the oven. "Fix the door" can mean a new hinge or a new door.

Ask for a written quote that lists exactly what's included, how long the job should take and what costs extra. For cleaning, ask whether the price covers things like inside the fridge, baseboards, windows, laundry or dishes.

For bigger or ongoing jobs, ask for a walkthrough first. Get quotes from at least three businesses if you can, and compare what each includes, not just the price.

2. They're insured, and bonded if they say so

Insurance covers damage and injuries. Look for liability insurance in case something in your home is broken or damaged. If they have employees, ask about workers' compensation too. Without it, a worker hurt in your home could lead to a claim against you.

Bonding is different, and it's often misunderstood. When a cleaning company says it's bonded, it usually means it bought a surety bond that can pay you back, up to a set amount, if one of its workers steals from you. The bond doesn't prevent theft. It gives you a way to be reimbursed.

Ask for a copy of the insurance certificate and the bond, note the coverage amounts, and call the insurer or bond company to confirm they're active.

3. They're licensed where it's required

In many places, house cleaners don't need a trade license, though your city or county may require a general business license.

Handypeople are trickier. Some states let a handyperson do small jobs without a contractor license, up to a dollar limit. California, for example, raised its limit to $1,000 in 2025, and the exemption doesn't apply to work that needs a permit. Electrical, plumbing and structural work usually requires a licensed professional.

If a job needs a permit or touches wiring, pipes or gas, check your state's license lookup before you hire.

4. You know who will actually show up

The person who gives you the quote may not be the person who comes to your house. Ask:

Will the same person or team come each time?
Are they employees of the business, or subcontractors?
If they're subcontractors, does the business's insurance and bond still cover them?
Will you tell me in advance if someone new is coming?

For app-based services, workers are often independent contractors, so ask the platform what its protections cover.

5. They're clear about background checks

Some businesses run background checks on their workers. If that matters to you, ask what the check includes and how recently it was done.

If you hire someone directly and use a background screening company, federal law generally requires their written permission first.

Then look for signs of genuine inclusivity

Inclusion goes both ways in home services. It's about how the business treats you and your household, and how you treat the people who work in your home.

They respect every kind of household

Two moms. A grandparent raising grandkids. Roommates. A family that speaks Spanish at home. A household that keeps a prayer space, or pride flag, or medical equipment in the living room.

A good business works in your home without commentary. They use the names people give them, don't make assumptions about who's in charge and don't treat any part of your life as unusual.

They make communication easy

If someone in your home is more comfortable in a language other than English, ask whether the business has staff who speak it. If not, keep instructions short and written, and use photos or a simple checklist.

The same works the other way. If your cleaner or handyperson speaks a different language, a written task list, a translation app and a little patience go a long way.

For anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing, a business that texts updates and arrival times is making an effort that counts.

They ask about accessibility needs

If someone in your home uses a wheelchair, a walker or oxygen, or has low vision or a sensory sensitivity, tell the business up front.

A thoughtful crew will keep paths clear, put things back exactly where they were, avoid rearranging furniture someone relies on and ask before using strong scents or chemicals. If someone is sensitive to cleaning products, ask what they use and whether they can use yours.

They treat their own workers well

Notice how a business talks about its team. Do reviews mention the same friendly people over and over? Do the workers seem rushed and stretched thin? A team that is treated well and sticks around can mean more consistent service for you.

A few things that would make us pause

The quote is vague. "We'll clean the whole house" without a list of what that means sets you up for a disagreement later.

They can't show insurance. If they say they're insured or bonded, they should be able to prove it.

They want payment up front for recurring service. Paying after each visit, or on a clear schedule, protects both of you.

They pressure you to pay in cash only. A check, card or payment app leaves a record if something goes wrong.

They make remarks about your household. Comments about your family, your faith or who you live with are a reason to find someone else.

Being a good client

Be clear about supplies. Decide who provides cleaning products, tools and equipment. If you want specific products used, have them ready. Some businesses charge more when they bring their own.

Plan for pets. Tell the business about any pets ahead of time. Secure pets that might get out, get anxious or get in the way. It's safer for the animal and the worker.

Sort out access. Decide how the worker will get in. A lockbox or a temporary door code you can turn off is better than a spare key that stays in circulation. Don't share your main alarm code if you can set up a separate one.

Put away valuables and private papers. Secure jewelry, cash, medications and personal documents before anyone arrives. It protects everyone from misunderstandings.

Make the space safe to work in. Point out loose steps, broken fixtures, mold or anything else that could hurt someone, and make sure there's a bathroom they can use.

Read the cancellation terms. Ask what happens if you cancel late, and if they do. A last-minute cancellation fee is fair, as long as it's in writing.

Paying fairly and tipping

A price that seems too good to be true may mean someone is being underpaid, or corners are being cut.

Tipping isn't required, and practices vary. If you tip, ask the business whether tips go directly to the worker. Some people with a regular cleaner give a holiday tip or bonus. A thank-you note and a good review also mean a lot.

If you hire a cleaner or yard worker directly rather than through a business, you may be their employer in the eyes of the IRS, with tax obligations above a yearly wage threshold. IRS Publication 926 explains the rules. Some states and cities also have domestic workers' bills of rights that cover things like overtime and days off.

This is general information, not tax or legal advice.

Reading reviews

Look at more than one site. Check how recent the reviews are, and be wary of a burst of glowing reviews in a short time. Read the low ratings too, and notice how the business responds. A calm, specific reply that fixes the problem is a good sign.

Look for mentions of reliability, communication and respect, not just price.

Where to look

Source	What it gives you
Referrals from neighbors, friends and family	Someone who has had the business in their own home
Better Business Bureau	Complaint history and how the business responded
Your state or local license lookup	License status for trades that need one
Review sites and local community groups	A range of customer experiences
Inclusive business directories	Businesses listed with a source you can check

A name from any of these is a lead to check, not a final answer.

A simple checklist

Before you hire, ask yourself:

Do I have a written quote that lists what's included?
Have I seen proof of insurance, and a bond if they claim one?
Do I know who will actually come to my home?
Is a license required for this job, and did I check it?
Have we agreed on supplies, pets, access and cancellation terms?
Are my valuables and private documents secured?
Is my home safe for someone to work in?
Did they treat everyone in my household with respect?
Am I paying a fair price for the work?

If the answers are yes, you're off to a good start.

FAQ

What does it mean when a cleaning service is bonded?

It usually means the business has bought a surety bond that can reimburse you, up to a set amount, if one of its workers steals from you. A bond doesn't prevent theft, and it isn't the same as insurance. Ask for a copy of the bond and confirm it's active.

Do house cleaners need insurance?

It's a good idea to hire one who has it. Liability insurance covers damage to your home, and workers' compensation covers workers hurt on the job. Without coverage, an accident in your home could lead to a claim against you.

Does a handyperson need a license?

It depends on your state and the job. Some states allow small jobs without a contractor license up to a dollar limit, but work that needs a permit, or electrical, plumbing and structural work, usually requires a licensed professional. Check your state's contractor license lookup.

Should I tip my house cleaner?

Tipping isn't required, and practices vary. If you tip, ask whether tips go directly to the worker. A good review or thank-you note is always welcome too.

How do I give a cleaner or handyperson access to my home safely?

Use a lockbox or a temporary door or alarm code you can turn off, rather than a spare key. Secure valuables and know who is coming.

Am I responsible for taxes if I hire help directly?

You might be. If you control what work is done and how, the IRS may consider the worker your household employee, and above a yearly cash wage threshold you generally owe Social Security and Medicare taxes. Agency workers generally aren't your employees. See IRS Publication 926.