s/o housekeeper

cjsbdl

If you have one do you use a service or did you hire someone independently? Are they licensed and bonded?

We've done it both ways, and, to be honest, I've been burned every time I've tried to use a service...they aren't reliable or consistent and I just don't have time to deal with that foolishness. I really want to go back to hiring someone who works independently, but also get nervous about having someone working the house who is not licensed and bonded.

 

OrangeSmoke

Our aunt lives down the block and has had her cleaning lady forever.  So when we moved into the hood, we just used her.

She's awesome.  I love her.

 

schmoodle

Mine is a service, but I have no idea if they are licensed/bonded and it's not a major company - I got a flyer to my door for "Vicky's Polish Cleaning Service" and called and have been happy with them. If I had to guess, I'd say they maybe have 10 people max working for them. They are fairly reliable unless I try to change our day/time. Otherwise we have the same 2 girls every time and I trust them enough now that if we have to go somewhere I'll leave them and let them close the door behind them and we lock it when we come home.

beebe929

We just have a regular lady (nice).  She cleaned at my Dad's house and I was having trouble finding someone.  She is mostly reliable, isn't an exceptional cleaner, but is still way worth it.

 

charmcitygirl

We got a recommendation for a lady from a friend.  She worked for her for more than a year before she also started working for us.  We pay her under the table and I'm sure she's not licensed or bonded.  But she's been working for us for the past 6.5 years and she is terrific!

epphd

We're using a service and so far have been very happy with both consistency and reliability.  Although we are quite happy now, we may explore switching to an independent person that a friend recommended because it would be a big money saver.  Like you, I worry about the licencing and bonding issue - but also about how this person will be supported in terms of benefits and taxes. I like that a service must pay a fair wage and at least pick up part of the tax bill.

 

MayDayGirl

I don't have a housekeeper but I pay to have my sisters house cleaned 7 hours a month. We have used 2 people we know personally and honestly she hasn't been terribly happy with either of them, she says they aren't nearly as detailed as she wants and feels like she has to coach them.  So sometimes I wish I would have just hired a service.

LVBlvd

Independently.  

 A bunch of homeowners in our neighborhood use the same guy to mow their lawns.  He has always been very reliable and trustrworthy.  So I asked him if he had any recommendations.  I don't mean to sound racist at all, but I wanted a Mexican woman, and I figured he would know some.  

She has now been cleaning my house and my parents house for almost 4 years and we love her. 

dana316

I found mine in the paper...she's worked for me for years, and is great. 

I have even used her to come let my dogs out when I wasn't going to be home, and I've used her to sit with my Mom after surgery.  She's awesome.

 

BoxTer

DH found the last one through a coworker. When she moved away, I found our current one through a friend. Both are individuals, not a company, and we haven't had a problem. Can you get a referral from someone?