QUICK ANSWER
Ask a prospective contractor to explain the proposed scope, relevant experience, insurance, communication, specialist capability and how changes are managed. A clear written response is more valuable than a generic promise that every task can be completed in the same way.
Start with the work you actually need
Before comparing contractors, write down the outcome you need, the areas involved, timing, access and any specialist additions. A clear brief makes it easier for a contractor to say whether the job is routine, needs a site visit or should be planned around other works.
For a school, managed property or commercial site, ask whether the contractor has worked in a similar operational setting. Relevant experience can be more useful than a broad list of unrelated services.
- What rooms, surfaces or external areas are included?
- What is the deadline or regular schedule?
- What access, safeguarding or security restrictions apply?
- What evidence or handover does the client need?
Check practical accountability
Ask who will be your contact, how a concern is reported and how changes are agreed. A provider should be able to describe its communication route without promising an unrealistic instant response in every circumstance.
CLEANWISE is founder-led: Lewis remains closely involved in enquiries, quotations, planning, client communication and quality control, supported by a trusted network of cleaners and specialists.
- Named contact and escalation route.
- How schedule or scope changes are recorded.
- How completion evidence is handled where agreed.
- How quality concerns are reviewed and resolved.
Ask about suitability, not blanket promises
Specialist cleaning, high-level work, exterior surfaces and post-construction work each need their own assessment. Ask how the provider decides whether the task is suitable, what information they need and whether a survey is required.
Do not assume that every cleaner is automatically suitable for every setting. The most reliable approach is to match the right people and equipment to the property, programme and risk controls.
- Insurance and documents relevant to the proposed scope.
- Task-specific competence and equipment.
- Survey, access and safety requirements.
- Clear exclusions or separately assessed elements.
Compare proposals on a like-for-like basis
A low initial price can conceal a shorter visit, omitted areas, no specialist resource or assumptions about access and condition. Compare written scopes rather than relying only on a headline figure.
The best fit is the provider that can explain its plan, limitations and next step clearly. That is especially important where several sites, trades or holiday deadlines have to be coordinated.
- Scope and exclusions in writing.
- Proposed frequency, programme and working hours.
- Specialist tasks clearly separated.
- Review point after the work starts.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Every property and site needs its own confirmed scope.
Guidance can help you prepare, but the final service depends on the condition, access, timing, safety and requirements you share. Where something needs further assessment, CLEANWISE will explain the appropriate next step.
GUIDE FAQS
Common questions about this guide.
Is CLEANWISE insured?
CLEANWISE maintains £5 million public liability insurance. The proposed work still needs to be considered against its own scope and site conditions.
Can I speak directly with Lewis?
Lewis remains closely involved in enquiries, quotations, planning, client communication and quality control.
Do all jobs use the same team?
CLEANWISE matches the project with suitable cleaners or specialists from its trusted network rather than assuming one general team is right for every requirement.
Can a contractor quote without a survey?
Some scopes can start from clear photographs and a useful brief. Larger, specialist or access-sensitive work may require a survey before a scope is confirmed.
What should a written estimate explain?
It should identify the work included, assumptions, exclusions, timing and the process for changes or separately assessed tasks.