A short call can clarify whether the candidate’s services match the home before either side travels for a walkthrough. Keep the scope in front of you and use the same core questions for each person.
Summarize the job first
State the area, home type, approximate size, visit frequency, preferred schedule, priority tasks, pets, supplies, and any unusual condition. Ask the candidate to confirm that the location and broad scope fit.
Ask about comparable work
- What types and sizes of homes do you clean regularly?
- Which tasks are included in a standard visit?
- Which tasks require extra time or a separate quote?
- How do you estimate the first visit compared with maintenance visits?
- Have you worked with the surfaces or laundry care used in this home?
- How do you handle a task that cannot fit into the booked time?
Specific answers help reveal whether both sides use the same meaning for “deep clean,” “housekeeping,” and “regular cleaning.”
Discuss products and safe methods
Ask who supplies the vacuum, mop, cloths, gloves, and cleaning products. Explain fragrance, allergy, pet, or surface restrictions. A responsible cleaner should be willing to follow product labels and should not casually mix chemicals.
If the role involves ladders, heavy lifting, exterior windows, biohazards, mould, pest waste, or renovation dust, discuss whether it falls within the candidate’s services and training.
Confirm time and pricing
Review hourly or per-visit pricing, minimum visit, first-clean premium if any, supplies, parking, taxes where applicable, and cancellation policy. Ask how a change in scope is approved. A quote should say what is included rather than only giving a total.
Ask about reliability and access
Discuss notice for lateness or absence, whether the person works alone, whether substitutes may attend, and who will have access to keys or codes. If a business team is involved, ask how worker identity is communicated before the visit.
Do not provide permanent alarm codes or unattended access during an initial call.
Clarify privacy and household boundaries
Ask how the candidate handles private rooms, documents, damaged items, found valuables, and photographs. Disclose cameras in the home. Explain whether family members work from home and where cleaning should not interrupt meetings or care routines.
Close with next steps
Invite the candidate’s questions and decide whether photos or an in-person walkthrough are needed for an accurate quote. Share images only when they do not expose personal documents, people, access codes, or other sensitive details.
Record the answers under consistent headings and flag differences between the advertised scope and the candidate’s assumptions. A strong match can proceed to an in-person walkthrough and interview.
If the call changes the proposed task list, send the revised scope before the walkthrough so the candidate can prepare an accurate estimate instead of relying on memory.