Cleaning by Design Terms of Service Agreement

Upon acceptance of these terms, it is presumed that the client has carefully read, understood, and agreed to the stated conditions. The client commits to being accountable for complete payment, communication, adhering to this agreement, and following the satisfaction guarantee procedures. Cleaning by Design does not acknowledge involvement from third parties. Please note that these terms are subject to change without prior notice.

Quality Assurance

We are a bonded company with cleaning techs who have passed rigorous criminal background checks and are certified in Perfect Maintenance Cleaning. We guarantee our work. If any aspect does not meet your expectations, please inform us the same day. We will promptly send someone to re-clean the missed area within 24-48 hours.

Payment

Deposit:

Credit card information is mandatory to book your appointment. First-time clients must secure their appointment with a credit card. A non-refundable deposit of 50% will be charged on the booking day.

Balance:

After completion of the service, the remaining balance will be charged. By providing your credit card details, you agree to ensure payment for the services rendered.

The Cleaning by Design Guarantee

Cleaning by Design’s mission is to provide joy and sparkle to the lives, homes, and communities we touch. If you are not completely satisfied with your cleaning, we gladly return and re-clean whatever is in question at no additional charge. If you see something that’s not up to your standards, please just take a picture and send it to us within 24 hours after the cleaning. We promise to correct it by returning it at the earliest possible moment.

Tips for the team are never expected but always appreciated!

Refunds and Complaints

If there is anything that is not up to your expectations please let us know that same day or within one business day so we can send someone back out to re-clean the area that was missed. Refunds are not available. If a re-cleaning offer is declined, it will be considered a resolved complaint.

Protecting your home:

We understand the importance of knowing that your home is safe and that your home is one of your most valuable possessions. We treat it that way, by handling your home, your key, and your belongings as carefully as if they were our own. Even if you are not home when we come to clean, rest assured that we keep your home and possessions safe and secure throughout the cleaning process. We value the trust that you place in us. Cleaning by Design is bonded and insured. Our coverage includes liability and workers’ compensation. If something should happen, you are fully protected. If the safety or belongings in your home are ever in question, please contact us immediately so it can be addressed at once.

Photography and Privacy

We reserve the right to take photographs in your home for marketing and social media. Rest assured, no personal or distinguishing items will be photographed.

Supplies and Estimates

The estimate provided is valid for 15 days and may vary slightly on the cleaning day based on the home’s condition. Our quote includes all necessary cleaning supplies. However, you will need to provide a vacuum, a toilet scrubber for each bathroom, and trash bags for the kitchen. (please refer to the vacuum policy below).

Why doesn’t my home “smell clean” after the cleaning visit?

Many commercial household cleaners are packed with chemicals and artificial fragrances that create an illusion of a ‘good’ smell. However, the truth is, that natural products are equally effective and much safer for your home environment. At Cleaning by Design, the safety of you, our employees, your pets, and the environment is our top priority.

Additional services

Unless specifically arranged and integrated into your cleaning plan, the following services are NOT part of our standard offerings for initial or recurring services:

• Dishes
• Full interior cleaning of the refrigerator/freezer
• Oven cleaning
• Laundry (washing, drying, folding, and putting away)
• Organization tasks - Clearing clutter before cleaning is the essential first step toward a sparkling and organized space. By removing the mess, you pave the way for a more efficient and effective cleaning process. If an area or room is too cluttered to clean, we will work around the cluttered area if possible.

The inclusion of these additional services in your cleaning package will be indicated in the details provided in the invoice.

If you agree with this estimate, kindly sign and return it to us. Upon receipt, we will get your job scheduled. Should you have any inquiries or concerns about this quotation, please feel free to contact us via email at [email protected] or by calling us at 337-442-0062.

Unfair Solicitation Agreement

We value our employees and pour an enormous amount of time, energy, and expense into our screening, hiring, and training processes. We work hard at Cleaning by Design to have a low employee turnover rate.

• Clients and employees agree not to engage in unfair solicitation, safeguarding our commitment to quality.
• Clients hiring our employees privately are subject to a $2500 finder’s fee.
• Any solicitation results in permanent termination of service and forfeiture of unused gift cards.
• Employees cannot work directly with clients for one-year post-employment termination.

Service Limitations and Safety Policies

At Cleaning by Design, we prioritize your safety, the safety of our staff, and the integrity of your property. To ensure the best service experience, please note our service limitations:

Our Staff DOES NOT:

• Clean areas beyond the reach of our two-step ladder, except with our extendable duster.
• Clean or remove blood, bodily fluids, fire, water damage, or mold due to lack of training and equipment.
• Clean the interior of curio cabinets
• Handle animal waste, handle litter, or offer services related to pets, children, or diaper disposal
• Clean/Shampoo carpets or provide fabric/furniture stain removal.
• Clean chandeliers, wash walls or windows, or service outdoor areas.
• Move or lift items over 20 lbs.
• Handwash, scrub, steam, or deep clean floors. We strongly recommend hiring a professional flooring specialist for regular deep cleaning. This ensures meticulous maintenance, upholding your flooring to the highest standards.
• Disassemble light fixtures, and seals on shower doors, ovens, or refrigerators.
• Disassemble and/or lift furniture, fragile items, and appliances, except oven racks and fridge shelving.
• Enter drawers or closets in kitchens, bedrooms, or bathrooms, (unless instructed for move-out cleaning).
• Clean TV screens or open the windows unless window track cleaning is purchased.
• Move appliances or clean underneath excessive clutter or décor. For 5 or fewer items, the surface will be cleaned; specific allowances can be discussed. Alternatively, we apply the ‘3-finger rule’; if there isn’t enough space for three fingers, we dust around the items.

We enforce these guidelines to ensure the safety of your belongings and our cleaning technicians.

Policies

Tipping

Our cleaners are the backbone of Cleaning by Design, and we have an incentive program to recognize outstanding service provided to our clients with a recognition review. If you leave a positive Google review for outstanding service, we will tip our cleaners on your behalf. Personal tips to our technicians are welcome but not mandatory. The standard tipping amount is 15%-20% of the cost of service. Feel free to contact our office if you wish to add a tip to your credit card payment.

Entrance/Lock Out Policy

Cleaning by Design must have access to the property at the time of service or the deposit will not be returned. This includes being able to access the home as well as the driveway and walkway. If a recurring client declined our services at the door, we would apply a 100% charge. This compensates our staff for lost time and work.

Skipping & Cancellation Policy

A 50% fee applies for skipping or cancellations made with less than 2 business days’ notice. Failure to grant access upon arrival or refusing service at the door results in a full-rate charge. In the event of our cancellation, alternative dates/times will be promptly provided.

If a recurring appointment is skipped and not rescheduled, your next cleaning will reflect that change and you will be charged accordingly. For example, biweekly clients who skip their cleaning will be charged for a monthly cleaning on their next scheduled cleaning. If the client skips two cleanings in a row, the rate will be adjusted according to our General Cleaning rates.

Repeated Skipping Policy

Clients skipping ½ of scheduled cleanings within 60 days will be notified and automatically moved to a biweekly/monthly visit with a new biweekly/monthly quoted price.

Sickness/COVID Policy

We adhere to CDC guidelines regarding sickness and COVID. Cancellations due to illness or COVID-19 exposure are exempt from charges and will be waived.

Pet Policy

Cleaning by Design loves our furry friends so please feel free to leave your friendly pets in the house. However, we ask that you please secure any pet who may get overanxious, stressed, or maybe a threat. Please know that we can not clean up after sick pets or clean up any pet accidents.

Children Policy

Children should be away from areas we clean due to potential hazards from equipment and products.

Insect/Rodent Policy

We reserve the right to refuse service if the home has a visible infestation and may require professional pest control services. In such a case, Cleaning by Design will consider this a cancellation and follow the standard procedure of the cancellation policy of a 50% charge for services. This is to compensate our staff for the loss of time and work.

Change of Service/Work Order Policy

Please notify the office if any changes need to be made to your routine cleaning visits. Changes must be approved by the office manager before your scheduled visit or they may not be able to be completed.

Trash Policy

We will put all trash in a large bag and place it in an “animal safe” area (For example: Inside the garage or the trash can if it is near the home and is accessible.) We DO NOT take the trash with us in our vehicles.

Rate Increase

We may adjust rates with advance notice to clients.

Vacuum Policy

We use your vacuum for sanitation. This is to ensure sanitation, as well as not bringing in pet hair/dander from other homes into yours. If unavailable, our technicians will use their backup vacuum.

Make Ready/Vacant Property Policy

All utilities must be on for safe cleaning, and properties must be vacant.

​Scratched Glass and Window Covering Waiver

Cleaning by Design is released from any liability regarding potential scratches on tempered and plate glass, including broken blinds, during the cleaning process. Due to the manufacturing methods of tempered and plate glass, Cleaning by Design cannot be held responsible for scratches on glass surfaces. ALL parties involved understand that the proper use of razor blades and scrapers is a standard practice in window cleaning, effectively removing limited debris like drywall, paint, texture, tape, stickers, frog poop, hard water stains, etc., without damaging the quality glass. These tools are used only as necessary during window cleaning.

If customers prefer not to use razor blades or scrapers, Cleaning by Design will make every effort to remove debris without them, although complete removal cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, clients are requested to raise all blinds before window washing and lower them afterward to prevent any rare mechanical failures during the service.

Spot Cleaning Walls Waiver

By signing this waiver, the client acknowledges that spot-cleaning results are not guaranteed, and certain marks, scuffs, and stains may not be completely removed. Additionally, the cleaning process or products used may cause fading, staining, discoloration, or removal of paint. Cleaning by Design holds no responsibility for any damage or liability arising from the spot cleaning process. If the home has been smoked in we advise that you do not use this service, as the entire wall may require washing.

Payment Processing Policy

Payment is due upon service. All clients are required to have a Credit/Debit card on file BEFORE services begin unless previously discussed. All clients are required to ensure CC is up to date so payments can be automatically processed after services are completed. The credit card on file will be automatically charged; late payments incur a $15 fee.

Holiday Schedules

We are closed for all services on major holidays including Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Breakage/Damage Policy

Accidents happen, and each situation is different, so we conduct a thorough investigation after any incident. If there are valuable, exceptionally fragile, or unsteady items like pictures not hung securely, top-heavy objects, or items prone to tipping, please inform us before cleaning so we can avoid them. We cannot be held accountable for such items. Items valued above $25 must be verified. In certain instances, we might arrange for the repair of broken or damaged items through a professional restoration company.

Arrival Window

Cleanings are scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour arrival window. Technicians make efforts to be on time but may adjust due to unforeseen circumstances. If we are running behind or ahead of schedule, our office staff will contact you with an updated arrival time.

House Temperature

The home must be left at a safe and comfortable temperature for the team member(s) to clean. The team member will adjust the thermostat to a reasonable temperature while cleaning it and return it to its original setting upon leaving.

Right to Terminate/Refuse Services

Both the client and Cleaning by Design have the freedom to terminate services at any point. Cleaning by Design retains the right to end services if they determine that the client and CBD are no longer compatible due to the following reasons:

• The home has become unsanitary.
• Client expectations exceed what our company can provide.
• Cleaning technicians feel unsafe on the property.
• The client consistently misses appointments, leading to scheduling inconsistencies.
• Illegal substances, including drugs, are found on the property.
• Attempts to poach our staff by offering them private cleaning jobs.

How can I prepare for my cleaning appointment?

We kindly request that you ensure all dishes are removed from the kitchen sink before our arrival, allowing us to thoroughly scrub and disinfect your sink. Please have a well-maintained vacuum readily accessible in your home when we arrive for the scheduled service. If you currently do not possess a fully functional upright vacuum, feel free to reach out to us, and we can offer some excellent recommendations! We also appreciate your efforts in tidying up as much as possible, enabling us to focus on the more intricate cleaning tasks.

We understand that life can get hectic, so if there’s additional tidying you require, please inform us in advance, and we can include it as an extra service. For your peace of mind, kindly store away any important documents or valuable items, and let us know in advance about any precious belongings we might encounter during our cleaning process.