How do you choosing the right domestic cleaning company for you? Do you plan to hire just ANY private domestic cleaner in London? Do not risk it!

We live in a busy world and women are under higher pressure than men. They have to work, look after their household and children and above all…CLEAN! It is always essential and easy to call someone for help, especially if you need to rest or simply have the spare time for yourself, for the family or your friends. However men are also under pressure; working hard to keep up the family budget or trying to help their partner by sharing the household duties.

You probably know people who already sought for help in keeping their properties clean and tidy, and are able to enjoy their free hours away from work. You might hear many different suggestions and advises on this question – Is it better having a private cleaner, hire a domestic cleaner through a cleaning agency or… simply clean everything yourself?

Let us exclude the last option because let’s face it…no one likes cleaning after a busy day or spending a whole weekend dusting and vacuuming instead of going out or relaxing the way you like best. The point here is what kind of domestic cleaner would be best for you and your household? And last but not least, your security and budget?

Hiring a private domestic cleaner

Probably you already have a bunch of leaflets and are wondering which telephone number to start with? They all say they are professional, reliable and above all…cheap! Well, you decide to call one of the leaflets and what you receive is a lady who can hardly speak English. You ask her to come for an interview and there she is with her references which you asked for in advance and a kind smile. So, so far so good! However, it is essential to think of additional things like:-

– Where does she live? If she lives too far away she would probably be late most of the time. We all know about the occasional transport problems in London.

– Where does she come from? She might have a passport, but she might not be eligible to work in the UK or might not be Tax registered. This means she could leave for her country at any time and you may never hear from her again!

– How can you trust her references and her reliability? Is it secure to hand her your house keys? And are you sure she will not send her friend to clean on her behalf when she needs to be elsewhere?

– Does she have insurance? What if she breaks something valuable or sets up the house on fire?

– What would you do if you have invited friends for dinner and she texts you, saying that she will not be able to come in as she does not feel well? You will need someone to help you and maybe spend a lot of money on a one-off service!

– Once she decides to leave, you will have to go through the daunting process of finding someone else all over again!

– What if you get too friendly with her and she pays no notice to your remarks about the standard of her cleaning, which was a lot better at the beginning, when you first hired her.

THINK AGAIN! Are you ready to risk all the above and hire private domestic cleaners solely based on one positive factor; saving £1.50 to £2.50 per hour?

Well, having described the pros and cons of having a private domestic cleaner, you will say – But what could an agency do for me better than what you’ve read on leaflets so far? The answer to this question is – A LOT!

Choosing a Domestic cleaning company in London

There are many domestic cleaning agencies in London and saying “A LOT” does not mean that all cleaning agencies answer this criteria. The questions here are how to find the right cleaning company for you? What is the procedure to hire a cleaner? And how much would it cost? “Cleaning Agency” does not mean several domestic cleaners working for the clients of an ex-cleaner.

“Cleaning Agency” means a cleaning company that has been established for several years, which has at least 1500 clients and 250 cleaners.

These domestic cleaning agencies work according to well established procedures of hiring, training domestic cleaners and maintaining high standards of home cleaning services. All professional cleaning companies have one main goal – keeping the clients’ satisfaction at all times and trying to gain higher number of clients, relying on a good house cleaning service, reliability and referrals from existing clients.

Signing up with a London cleaning company is quick and easy. You just need to have the answers for several questions ready:

– What services do you require? Cleaning service, ironing service, dog walking etc.
– How many days per week or every two weeks?
– How many hours per day?
– What days of the week will you require the cleaning service?

A professional cleaning company in London would not only offer cleaning on regular basis, but will also be one call away, should you need professional end-of-tenancy or pre-tenancy cleaning, carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, window cleaning, mattress cleaning, spring cleaning or after-builders cleaning.

When you are ready to hire a professional domestic cleaner you should know a few very important house cleaning tips:-

– All existing cleaners are extremely busy and if you prefer having an experienced cleaner you should be more flexible with the cleaning days. However, a cleaner could come for one and the same day and on one and the same time for every cleaning session, otherwise you might be offered a newly trained cleaner.

– All cleaners are carefully vetted, all their paperwork and documentation checked and have been trained before starting work for the agency.

– You have the right to meet the cleaner in advance and show her around your property, explain to her your requirements and expectations.

– You will be the one to provide the cleaning equipment for the cleaning sessions – make sure your vacuum cleaner works properly and you have all required cleaning materials for best results of the cleaning session.

– All cleaners have liability insurance and you can be assured your property is safe.

– You can hand the cleaner keys if you are not able to be at home every time she is due for a cleaning session – she will keep your keys securely.

– If your cleaner is ill, the agency will arrange another cleaner for you and if needed – with your permission – the house keys too. The privacy and security of the client is very important to the agency and any issues will be discussed with the client in advance.

– The cleaning agency works online 7 days per week – the clients can easily communicate with the professional office staff either over the phone or via e-mail. Any additional information on services and booking form are available on their web site.

There are many professional cleaning companies available in London these days. Some can provide a general cleaning service while others decide to specialise in areas such as domestic cleaning, end of tenancy cleaning services or even commercial cleaning.

Hiring a cleaning company in London can prove to be a very cost effective and cheap way to get your home, office or specific item, such as a carpet or upholstery, cleaned efficiently.

Many cleaning companies provide cleaning services throughout Greater and Central London: South West London, East, North West London, West and South East London. They can cover Middlesex, Essex, Kent, Sussex and Kingston.

Here are some of the more specialised areas of cleaning:

Carpet Cleaning
As you will know, it is easy to spill a number of different substances on your carpet and there is also the deep-seated dirt and dust that can be hard to get out. If you require your home or office carpets to be cleaned thoroughly, then highly trained carpet cleaners and steam specialists can come to the rescue with their modern carpet cleaning techniques.

Domestic Cleaning
In this fast paced age, it’s easy to get behind on all those important household tasks such as dusting the house; the bathroom and kitchen proving especially challenging tasks, not to mention the washing up and ironing. Domestic cleaning services are available in London to help you out with all these house chores.

Office Cleaning
Professional contract cleaners can clean offices and office buildings for businesses of all sizes. From basic daily tasks such as office hygiene in kitchen and washroom facilities to the care of windows, walls and the carpets; office cleaners can clean the lot.

Rug Cleaning
Rug cleaning specialists can also be hired to take care of any rugs that need cleaning. Whether it is an Oriental rug that needs to be delicately handled, or an antique rug, the most suitable method for that type of rug can be used effectively by a rug cleaning service.

Mattress Cleaning
It is important to sleep in a really clean and hygienic bed, however, these days people rarely clean their mattresses, allowing dust mites and bacteria to thrive. This can be unhealthy, so regular mattress cleaning services can clean the mattress for you, leaving you to have many a good night’s sleep.

London Cleaning Agency
Lond Cleaning agencies are available to provide a range of domestic cleaning services to clients, usually domestic cleaning services to individuals as well as commercial companies. Cleaning Agencies can be hired to clean a home or office; to an exceptionally high standard.

Cleaning Companies in London
If your home or office is in need of a good clean, either on a one-off cleaning or on a regular basis, you can hire a professional domestic cleaning company to meet your requirements. The flexible range of services a London cleaning company provides can be relied upon to effectively clean your living or working environment to your complete satisfaction.

End of Tenancy Cleaning
This is a specialised deep-cleaning service that can be utilised to clean any rented home ready for new tenants to move in, or to get the place looking clean and tidy again so you can claim back your deposit. Either way, these cleaning services can sanitise the property and make it look clean and welcoming again.

Upholstery Cleaning
If your furniture upholstery and/or curtains are in need of a good clean, there are services available that can visit your home or office in London to provide a solution. Upholstery can be cleaned using either the wet or dry cleaning method which includes stain treatment.

Window Cleaning
It is relatively common to find that your windows look dull, dirty and smudged. This can greatly affect the outside view. Professional window cleaning services can ensure all the accessible windows in your home or office are left sparkling clean and smudge-free so you can appreciate the view once again.

Ironing and Washing
Have you ever wished you didn’t have to do all the washing and ironing that seems to be constantly piling up? Even if you just want a short break from these chores, domestic cleaning services are available in London that can take care of these responsibilities for a while. Professional London cleaning services can be hired on a regular or even monthly basis to take away the burden of these necessary domestic tasks.

After Party Cleaning
Once the party is over sometimes the mess left over can be a real nightmare. By utilising these services the rubbish can be cleared, pots washed and the bathroom and kitchen can be returned to normal for you.

After Builders Cleaning
The builders may have left, but the devastation left behind in your home or office can make you feel distraught. Cleaning services can remove all the leftover building dust and dirt before cleaning, dusting and scrubbing all the surfaces for you, making the area look habitable again.

Party Help
Cleaners can also provide assistance at parties; whether you need help with the cooking, serving drinks or the general cleaning – both before and after the event.

1. Finding a Home Builder with … Passion!

Do not make the largest purchase of your life, without doing your homework. If you are ready to build your dream home, you must invest the time, to learn more about the Home Builders in your area.

Before you make a final decision on who will be building your dream home, do your research. As in any industry, not all professionals are the same. Not all home builders will have the same passion for the project as you do.

“Home Builders with Passion” – In every town, there are always a few Home Builders that are so passionate about their craft, that every home they build is a “Work of Art”.

Their attention to detail, and continuous learning of new real estate construction ideas, ensure that they will always be at the top of their industry. Every home of theirs is a “Signature Piece”, reflecting the values of their company.

When you first meet a “Home Builder with Passion”, you will notice their charm, and keen listening skills. They are very similar to a great doctor. Their focus will be entirely on listening to the patient, or you the home buyer. They will have many questions, which will help them diagnose or determine your needs.

Once they understand your needs and desires… Hang On. They will begin a presentation of ideas and possibilities that will astound you. You will tour some of their previous projects, to see first hand their quality and dramatic ideas.

Their passion for their craft, and desire to build the best home each time will take you back. You will sense that they are more, than just a Home Builder. Their love of the Home Building Profession, and the pride they have in their homes will be evident. Now, the hard part, finding a “Home Builder with Passion”.

To find your “Home Builder with Passion”, you will have to do your homework. Begin by asking for referrals from friends, subcontractors in the housing industry, Interior Designers, Architects and anyone who has recently built.

Look in the Yellow Pages under Home Builders. Also, look in the real estate ads under New Real Estate Developments and New Home Construction. Next, get in the car and take a trip. Drive to some of these new subdivisions and developments.

Think of yourself as a Judge in a Parade of Homes. What is unique about each home, that is visually appealing. You are looking for clues in Unique Design and Architecture. One of the “Secrets to Great Curb Appeal” in a new home, is the importance of “Staggered Visual Lines”. Square boxes are not visually interesting, without another visual dimension added to it. Our eyes and our emotion, love to focus on… curves, angles, depth, texture, and color tones.

Take detailed notes on which style is appealing and why? Note the names of each builder. If there are workers on the job site, get out and talk to them. Who do they think is a Home Builder with Passion in your area? They love to share their thoughts. The best “Out of the Box” idea would be to bring along some donuts or snacks. A couple dozen donuts is pretty cheap, and can earn you a lot of goodwill, opening up conversations on Home Builders in your area. Note – Be sure to pick a time when they are on break or eating.

Next, pick up the phone, call to set up an appointment to meet with a number of Home Builders. Remember, great Home Builders are waiting for your call. They love to talk about what they do.

When you meet with the Home Builder, listen to their story. How are they different from the other Home Builders in the area? What is unique about their company? Ask about the materials they use. What are some of their favorite floor plans, and why? Ask to view some of their previous homes. How do they capture trends from around the world and New Home Building Construction Ideas? Do they travel to other cities? Do they attend “National Home Builders Conventions”, where many new products and new construction ideas are introduced to Home Builders, Architects and Interior Designers? Also, what were some of their biggest Home Building mistakes? This is an important question, to get a sense of their humility. What are they doing different now and why?

Again, you are looking for someone who can listen and incorporate … your needs. They must have Unique Home Design Ideas, and have a reputation in the community for building quality homes. The interview process will be a large investment of your time. Do not rush this step! You want to meet a number of Home Builders in your area. Sometimes, after a few meetings, you will begin to sense, who should build your dream home. Your homework is beginning to payoff!

Important – do not make your decision on the lowest bid. Almost anyone can make various cuts to lower their final estimate. Pricing is important, but do not be fooled by the lowest bid. You are looking for Quality Construction, Dramatic Ideas, and… Value.

Rapport is so important in the building process. You will be working together for the next 4 to 18 months, so it is important to partner with someone that can address your needs and concerns. You will soon begin to notice that, “Home Builders with Passion”, are usually the most charming too. There ability to balance your enthusiasm for the perfect home and the realities of building are what make them so unusual.

Finally, coordinating the details of a real estate construction project is not an easy task. New design changes and problems can arise everyday. How these issues are handled, can determine the final effect of the project.

Remember, when you are choosing the builder for your Dream Home, always work with a “Home Builder with Passion”.

2. Saving Money On Your Lot? … Maybe Not

If you are saving money on your lot today, you will have to pass this savings on tomorrow. The Number One Rule is … go heavy on you lot purchase. This is Critical!

Rarely, will you find a good deal on a lot. Great location comes at a price. If you are talking to a Home Builder who is promoting one of their lots, make sure you have done your homework and thoroughly analyzed the other available building lots in the area.

Do not make you decision based on price alone. Look at the other homes that are in or will be built near your location. Are they in the same price range? Are there water issues in the area? What are the current and future traffic patterns? What is the surrounding zoning? What direction does the lot face? What are the current and future schools?

Note – Location truly is everything. This is one of those decisions in life, when you cannot make a mistake. Always, go heavy on your lot investment; you will never regret this decision.

3. Common Floor Plan? … Lost Opportunities

Creating drama is much easier when building a home from the ground up. Within your building plan, you must design and designate some areas of unique opportunities. This is where you will be able to create the drama in you home. You do not necessarily have to spend a lot of money here, but you must think this process through.

The additional investment for a Tray Ceiling, Niche, Barrel Ceiling, Dome Ceiling, Unique Drywall Spaces, Dramatic Dining Room, or Grand Columned Entry Way, are minimal for what they can add to the total market value of your home.

Bring your Interior Design team together when you are drafting your floor plan. Their experience from previous projects and gift for great design can offer you a collection of ideas to introduce in your home. This additional step can ensure that you do not miss out on the many creative opportunities in the designing stage.

4. Is Your Custom Floor Plan Marketable? … Review Your Plan With An Architect

Custom floor plans are the Pinnacle of Home Building, but make sure that your dream home is marketable in the future. We have all seen floor plans that were not as well thought out, as they should have been.

If the floor plan for your dream home is truly unique, I would strongly encourage that you discuss your project with an Architect. They have the vision, to view a project from a perspective that is beyond what we can see.

Your project is too important not to go the extra mile, to get a second opinion from an Architect. Your floor plan must flow naturally, create opportunities for drama, and be marketable.

An Architect can see where there are potential problem areas, discover additional areas of opportunity, and suggest options that you may not have considered. Take advantage of their valuable insight and ideas, when you are drawing up your dream home.

Finally, someday, maybe sooner than you think, you will be selling your home. Could you sell your home tomorrow? Are there sufficient bedrooms for a variety of family sizes? What is it about your home that will generate Home Buyer’s knocking at your door?

Take the additional step to discuss your Home Plans and Home Design with an Architect. The added assurance they can bring to your Home Building Project will be well worth the time and any additional cost.

5. Lost In My Design Layers … Share A Coffee, With An Interior Designer

Once you have agreed on your floor plan, and have drafted your unique spaces or opportunities for drama, the next step is … Interior Design.

Here you will coordinate all of the layers of your Interior Design Project. This can be overwhelming at times. They will include wall colors and blends, style of carpet, unique wall finishes, Italian Venetian Plaster, Faux Finishes, or Wall Paper.

Your choices will include, type of ceiling and drywall finish, knock down style, crows feet, orange peel or a Level 5 smooth finish. Your ceiling options can range from texture to an Italian Venetian Plaster, Tin Ceiling or a unique Italian Finish, layering a patina metallo effect.

Your selection of flooring, tile, marble or wood floor, choice of wood, style of doors, wood trim, lighting decisions, style of fixtures, kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, counter top styles, granite or marble. All of these decisions are difficult. But more importantly, all of these design elements must flow congruently, to create a dramatic effect throughout your home.

Sometimes this can become overwhelming. Your Home Builder can help you with many of these decisions, but keep in mind, most Home Builders do not have a background in Interior Design. I would strongly encourage you to discuss your project with an Interior Designer. Ask around for names and referrals. Everybody loves to share a name, when they have had a great experience working with a designer.

Interview a few Interior Designers. Share your project with them, ask them about some of their previous work and discuss their fees. Most people do not think they can afford an Interior Designer, this is not true. Fees can vary from nothing, to an hourly fee or a percentage.

One final thought; make sure that the final effect is a collaborative decision, and one that you truly love. If you are not comfortable with an idea, then keep looking for other options. This is not the time to hold your opinion. Share your thoughts about the direction of the Interior Design Project. The best results are when all members of your design team, Home Owner, Home Builder, Interior Designer, Architect and Professional Decorative Artist are involved in this fun, yet challenging Interior Design process.

6. Electrical Decisions … I Wish I Would Have

This has to be high on the list of regrets for many homeowners. It is so hard to visualize all of the areas where you will have future electrical needs. During the holidays it may be a receptacle on the stair landing, front porch, or separate breakers for outside lighting.

Important – go through the seasons, reviewing how all areas of your home will be used. Will a bedroom someday become a future office? Garage receptacle locations, separate light switch for outside holiday lights, entry way outlets, deck or outside activities, TV/Internet locations, Plasma TV wall outlets, ceiling speakers, (note – the speaker you don’t put in will be the one you regret) outside deck speakers, correct location for main audio equipment, present and future wiring for speakers in your current and future media rooms.

Like many of us, who are serous about their media room, I would strongly encourage you to discuss your project with a Home Theater Specialist. Their expertise will ensure that your media room is ready for the present and future systems that are not on the market yet.

Another thing to keep in mind, is the importance of lighting. When you are staging a room to create a functional and dramatic effect, this must be well thought out. There are so many lighting options available today, whether it is a wall sconce, rope lighting in a tray ceiling, unique puck lighting or shadow lighting an area, which is being staged, before a room of opportunity.

These are not quick decisions to make, you must do your homework. Discuss the various lighting options available with your supplier of lighting fixtures. Also meet with your Home Builder, Interior Design, Architect, Electrical Contractor and if, you are fortunate, a talented lighting specialist in your area.

Important – Unfortunately, many times during the home building process, you will feel like you are being rushed through the various stages. Lighting decisions are one of those steps where you need to do your homework. If you invest the time, you will be well prepared when you get the phone call to meet with your Electrical Contractor.

7. Budget Blues, Not Designating Funds For … “The Wow Effect”

Everything in the Home Building Construction process will revolve around the target budget you have in place for your new home. But almost everyday, you will be confronted with new cost overrun decisions. Some of these can be challenging to make. Determine which items are high priority and which are low on your wish list. Everything is more expensive in the future, after you have built.

Keep in mind these words … Drama, Effect, and Staging. If you truly wish for your home, not to be like every other home in your area, then you must designate some of your budget for “The Wow Effect”.

The opportunities that you have drafted and designed into your floor plan will not create the dramatic effect, if you have not provided a budget to fund them.

We have all gone through the annual Home Builders Parade of Homes, and waited in line for the 1 or 2 homes, that truly understand “The Wow Factor”.

It is hard to describe its effect. It will stop you in your tracks. You will stop and stare, trying to absorb what you are seeing. All senses are kicking in. Conversations can be heard around you.

“Wow, look at this room, what is it?”

“I love the colors. What is the finish on the walls? It is almost translucent.”

“Wallpaper is coming back?… I loved it in the Powder Room.”

“The Shadow Lighting is perfect … Wow! What a great idea.”

“What is on the Ceiling. That is really something. Who did this?”

“Did you see the Barrel Ceiling finish, is that Italian Venetian Plaster?”

“Did you feel the Dining Room Walls? Cold like stone, but felt just like marble or granite… Wow!”

“I never thought of a having a Tin Ceiling in our office, that is so … Cool.”

“You have to see the Wine Cellar, what was that on the walls? Something you would see in ancient Rome”

“Did you notice the movement of the Bedroom Ceiling? What was that?”

The very best Home Builders and Interior Designers will try to include a room that will take your breath away. It is bold, but not brash. It can change your taste in an instant. You may be standing in front of something new that was not on your color palette before. Many of your likes and dislikes are falling by the wayside. The “Wow Factor” has now pushed you out of your comfort zone.

Where do you go from here? Many times when we find something new that we love, we are hesitant to ask questions. Unfortunately, most of us will not risk, or invest the time to learn more about it.

But some… will not hesitate. Some will take the first step to learn more. Grab a cup of coffee and invest some time contacting the Home Builders, Interior Designers, and Decorative Finish Artists on these “Wow Projects”. Meet with them and share your ideas about your Home Building Project.

This will be an important investment of your time. The best in their professionals are sometimes challenging to meet with. Their schedules are always busy, but stay with it. Your passion for your Home Building project will come through in your conversation, which will impress upon them your desire to create a dramatic project.

Building “Your Dream Home” is an important goal for most families. They will save for many years before they can finally achieve this dream. But a word of caution, the Home Building process can also be very stressful. Ask anyone who has every built before, they will echo this sentiment.

Almost everyday, you will be asked to make long term and sometimes critical, home design decisions. Your emotions can run the gambit, from highs to lows, as couples try to negotiate the many Home Building options.

So before, you begin the Home Building process, if you are married, I would strongly suggest that you discuss the following rule … “Preferably, over a Glass of Wine and some Great Italian Food.”

“The Marriage Saving, Home Building Rule”

“As a couple, if you cannot agree on a Home Building Decision, then wait on the decision. Sleep on it that night. The next day, begin to look for a better idea. You will not be as emotionally charged, and together, you will come up with a much better solution.

“When emotions are high and each side has dug in, you will be glad you have discussed this rule. This will give you a reason, to set aside a difficult Home Building decision, preventing it from becoming a much bigger issue than it really is. Trust me … It Works!

Finally, study your floor plan all the time. Carry it with you and try to visualize all of the activities in your new home. There are so many opportunities that you will miss, if you do not … “Live In Your Floor Plan”. Your new house is in constant motion. Your opportunities for any change in design are… very brief.

One last thing, always keep your eyes open for new Interior Design ideas and possibilities. Talk with your Home Builder, Interior Designers, Professional Faux Finishers or Decorative Artists and Friends, discussing your project. Always listen to the ideas and experiences other people have had building. You may not use all of them, but the few ideas you do use, may help to ensure that your dream home is well on the way to creating … “The Wow Effect”.

The “New Home Building Process” is a great experience. You will never forget the memories, the lessons, the laughs, and the new friendships you have made in this exciting chapter of your life. Enjoy this … Fun Walk!