With many trades, it's not difficult to find a window cleaner, open any free paper and find dozens of window cleaners offering their services in your area, but which one do you chose? You are effectively inviting a person to your property, with a view to maintaining the appearance of your house.
Window cleaning is slightly different to most trades, regular visits are required (usually monthly) and on occasions the service provider may be asked to clean internal windows, this is one good reason to find a credible and honest person.
Do your homework...
Here are some tips that will help you avoid the cowboy.
Ask how long the window cleaner has been in business, with a view to local recommendations from existing customers.
Appearance can suggest a lot; does he arrive in a clean, sign written vehicle or an old estate car with ladders on top? Ask if he is a member of any trade associations (Trading Standards approval is highly regarded) Ask to see his insurance details, any professional window cleaner will happily oblige.
Will he respect your property? Wearing overshoes whilst cleaning your internal glass is a strong indication of a true professional.
Will he be using old ladders and dirty water from his previous job, or has he invested in the latest pure water cleaning systems that offer safe, thorough cleaning.
Don't forget that more often than not, the person employed to clean your windows will often be at your home when you are at work or out, this person needs to demonstrate a responsible and considerate attitude before you agree to employ him (or her) to visit your home.
Interestingly, some window cleaners really do consider their trade as a business, complete home care packages are even available that offer scheduled window, fascia, garage door and conservatory roof cleaning; this will appeal to busy working families, ticking one extra job off of their list!