You can spot a bad window cleaning job from across the street. Streaks, missed spots, water stains on the frames. The trick is avoiding that mess before they show up. Here's what I've learned from hiring the wrong people and the right ones.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for a certificate of insurance before you let anyone climb a ladder. General liability covers damage to your property. Workers' comp covers their crew if someone falls. If they can't produce both within a day, move on. A license isn't always required in your town, but most reputable outfits carry one anyway. Call the insurance company to verify the policy is active. Cheap insurance is a red flag — they're either cutting corners or don't know better.
Experience & References Questions
Nobody starts as an expert. Ask how long the company has been in business. Three years minimum. Then ask for three recent references — not their best friend, not a job from last summer. Call those people. Ask if the crew showed up on time, if they cleaned up after themselves, and if any windows got scratched. A good operator will have dozens of repeat clients. If they can't name a few regulars, that's a bad sign.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get a quote in writing before they come out. Most charge by the pane or by the hour. Ask which method they use and what happens if the job takes longer than expected. Avoid anyone who gives a ballpark estimate over the phone without seeing the house. For a two-story home, expect them to be on site for a couple hours. If they promise to finish in 45 minutes, they're rushing. Rushing causes misses.
Contract Questions
A handshake won't do. Get a simple contract that lists the number of windows, the price, the date, and the payment terms. Watch for hidden cancellation fees. Most reputable companies don't require a deposit over 50%. If they want full payment upfront, say no. Ask about their satisfaction guarantee — what happens if you're not happy? A good one will return within 48 hours to fix any issues at no extra cost.
Before you hire anyone, compare local window cleaning services on RatingsNearMe to see what real customers have to say.