T. Bowles

My pricing is generally by the hour with discounts for reoccurring service. Service area is approximately 25 miles with a travel fee after that.

Not every job is a perfect fit for the homeowner or the contractor although I try to work with those that desire a certain level of cleanliness. When we first meet, I'd like to understand your expectations and will take notes along the way. I'm here to make your free time more enjoyable by doing the tasks that we agree upon so you don't have to.

I've attended countless seminars and training classes but the best training is hands-on training as I've dealt with nearly every cleaning situation. If I don't know the answer, I'll research the concern/question and develop a list to accommodate a certain task which is largely based on customer input as well as my knowledge about such topics.

After I left the military, I landed a job as a consultant with General Electric Co. in Schenectady. My main duties were instructional; I taught approximately 160 union employees on proper methods to use: cleaning tools, chemicals and equipment. A sales representative from a local supply company and I had developed some colleagueality and one day, upon leaving my office he turned around and said I'd make a good cleaning contractor. He mentored me for a solid 12 months, even after my contract expired with GE.

I have worked with homeowners from most every walk of life. Commercially, I have worked with religious institutions, 4-Star hotels, medical facilities and professional corporations.

I was called upon to work in a religious institution, twice per week and the contract was month to month. Each party could end the relationship with 30 days notice. After 3 years of steady work, it was time to move on although I very much enjoyed my time there and felt I made a good contribution in their hospitality section.

Attention to detail is key; anyone can do a superfluous cleaning but it takes an eye to know what is acceptable and what can be improved upon. Just because a person looks busy, does not always indicate that he/she is doing the right kind of job. Proper equipment is essential; having the right stuff coupled with a positive attitude is a great start. How a contractor handles him/her self initially, is a good indicator beyond the first few cleanings. I haven't met a homeowner or building manager yet, that wants to continually hire/fire a housekeeper or building service professional. Your home is a sacred place so when you initially set out to find a good housekeeper, make your decision count because anyone can purchase a vacuum and mop & bucket and call themselves a housekeeper.

You should reconcile your budget with your expectations. Have an idea what it will take to effectively clean your home. Most housekeepers enjoy their work. While it's important to be efficient, we also want to do a good job. And doing a good job takes focus.