FAQ
The Answers You Need
IS THERE ANY
WEEKEND SURCHARGE?
HOW MANY HOUSE CLEANERS WILL YOU BE SENDING FOR MY HOUSE CLEANING?
At times, other companies might advise 2 cleaners for 3 rooms and above. However, at HelpToClean, we felt that hiring 2 cleaners or more at one time defeat the whole purpose of engaging our services because it will be more worthwhile hiring a maid. Still, if requested, we are able to send more than one cleaner over.
WHAT CAN HelpToClean DO IF SOMETHING LOST AFTER HOUSE /OFFICE CLEANING SERVICE?
Even though our cleaners are trustworthy, all of your valuable items should be kept to avoid any misunderstanding while there is house/office cleaning. If something lost, please inform us immediately, and we will assist you in getting help from the police to investigate the cleaner. We, HelpToClean will not be responsible for any complaint after 24hrs.
WHAT CAN HelpToClean DO IN CASE OF ANY HOUSEHOLD ITEM BREAKAGE?
HelpToClean is not liable in any way for any loss or damage, costs and expenses suffered arising from your use of our services or from any act, default or omission of the domestic cleaners. However, we are always here to help and will provide any assistance (if required). Cleaners from HelpToClean are always careful in handling things that can get easily broken.
Any dispute about the quality, performance, loss or damage caused by the domestic cleaner must be resolved directly with the domestic cleaner.
I HAPPENED TO BE BUSY ON A PARTICULAR SESSION AND WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE BOOKING. WHAT SHALL I DO?
You can simply submit a change request for that particular session by contacting us and the cleaner will either accept or reject by giving you an alternative date. Alternatively, you can submit a job request for a 1-time cleaning by another cleaner.
Do Take Note that upon acceptance by the cleaner, for any changes less than 24 hours before the booking, 50% of the session fee will be incurred.
CAN I LEAVE MY HOUSE / OFFICE KEYS WITH THE CLEANER?
We recommend you to be around while the cleaning is in progress. Once you feel comfortable with the cleaner, it is at your own discretion to leave your house keys with him/her while you are away.
Nevertheless, owners/employees are urged to keep valuable items away to prevent any misunderstandings.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF HELPER SUGGESTS ME TO HIRE THEM OUTSIDE?
If in any circumstances that the helper suggests going around us, please report to us immediately. If you hire our helper directly, we will be unable to provide any support or customer service if there are any problems between you and the helper.
DO I NEED TO PROVIDE CLEANING EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS?
Customer must provide cleaners with basic cleaning equipment such as a vacuum cleaner / broom, mop, cleaning cloth, pails, cleaning detergent, pails and sponge.
If you are still unsure of what to prepare, feel free to contact us.
IS THERE ANY AGENCY FEE?
No, we do not have. Likewise, at HelpToClean, transparency to customers is of utmost importance to us. Companies out there might promote themselves as offering a cheaper rate but at the same time asking for a ridiculously high agency fee.
CAN I REQUEST FOR THE SAME CLEANER?
Yes, if you are satisfied unless the frequency is for 7 days. However, please note that it is on a first-come, first-served basis.
DO I HAVE TO BE AT HOME DURING THE CLEANING?
This is entirely up to you. However, we do recommend that you are there at least for the first booking. This allows you to meet your cleaner and to provide them with any special instructions regarding the cleaning.
If you cannot be at home, please leave a note in your booking advising us of where the cleaner can locate the key. You can also text or call us to discuss the booking.
CAN I EXTEND THE CLEANING HOURS
Yes if the cleaner's schedule permits. In the event that the cleaners have another customer after you, we will not be able to extend as it will affect their next appointment,
IS THERE MINIMUM SERVICE PERIOD TO ENJOY THE PACKAGE PRICE?
No, We do not believe in locking customers down. True loyalty doesn’t come because of an signing a minimum service period (e.g. 6 months). It is about the relationship. At HelpToClean, there is only one boss-the customer. And they can fire everybody in the company, simply by spending their money somewhere else if one does not meet their expectations.
WHY HIRE HELPER FROM HelpToCLEAN OVER HIRING A MAID?
The helper’s salary generally varies according to the number of years of experience, but expect to pay around S$500 and more. The foreign domestic worker levy is paid directly to the government. The normal monthly rate is S$265 and the concessionary rate is S$60. Agency fees can vary greatly, depending on the services that are included in the fee. Agencies don’t typically publish their prices but you can expect to pay about S$1000. The work permit application costs S$30 and you pay another S$30 when it’s successfully issued. This is renewable and is valid for up to two years. As the employer, you are responsible for buying insurance for your domestic helper. Most insurance companies offer an insurance policy that covers both aspects with premium from around S$200 for 26 months. If you’re employing an Indonesian maid, hiring or renewing a contract will set you back a further S$70. This fee covers a performance bond of S$6,000, the full figure of which you’ll only need to pay if you breach the terms of employment. Similarly, if you’re employing a maid from the Philippines, you’ll need to pay about S$40 for a S$2,000 bond. The initial medical examination required to apply for a work permit costs about S$80. Subsequently, domestic helpers are required to go for a medical checkup every month, and this ranges from $25-$45 depending on what is needed, as some tests are due only every two years. You will have to send your domestic helper to a Settling In Programme (SIP) upon arrival and this costs S$75. You’re responsible for the airfare of your domestic helper, and this costs anywhere from S$200-S$600 depending on the time of the year. In addition, a live-in domestic helper is having another member in the household, which means managing another relationship. Communication breakdowns and cultural misunderstandings can be quite stressful for both sides, especially in the beginning.
Taking all these costs into consideration (excluding meals, accommodation, etc), an employer can incur a cost of around $900 per month.