Is your cleaning subcontractor respecting the quote?

You pay a subcontractor every month for the maintenance of your buildings. But how can you be sure you're actually getting what you pay for? Without any means of verification, everything relies on trust and complaints from occupants.

Signs that the quote is not being respected

• Complaints are increasing, or always return to the same premises.
• Periodic tasks leave no trace. Window washing, stripping, high-level dusting: are these really being done at the scheduled frequency?
• The points of contact are forgotten. Handles, switches and handrails look clean, but there is no proof of this.
• The staff changes frequently. Each new employee starts from scratch, without knowing your quote.
• You have no data to submit. When it comes time to discuss with the subcontractor, it's your impression against theirs.

It all starts with a clear quote

You can't verify what isn't written down. Your quote must specify, for each type of premises, the tasks to be performed and their frequency: daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. Don't have a quote, or is it several years old? That's the first thing to fix.

How to manage your subcontractor

1. Define in writing the expected level of quality. The quote says what to do; it must also say what result is acceptable for each type of premises.
2. Have the work checked regularly. A check-up visit at fixed intervals, ideally without prior warning, shows the reality of everyday life.
3. Check the recurring tasks on the calendar. Note when window washing or stripping needs to be done, and confirm it.
4. Share the results with the subcontractor. The report and photos become the basis for a discussion about facts, not impressions.
5. Request a corrective action plan with a deadline. Then check at the next visit that the corrections have been made.

Why use a third party?

An audit conducted by an independent firm is neutral. It is neither the client's nor the subcontractor's. The results are easier for both parties to accept, and the discussion is based on facts.

Good quality control isn't just about finding mistakes. It also helps the subcontractor improve, and can even reveal that a frequency specified in the quote isn't sufficient for your needs.

Take stock of your housekeeping

CF Salubrité offers a housekeeping quality control service Independent, based on your quote. No quote? We'll prepare one with you. Start with an assessment visit to a sample of your premises.

514-795-5962 (French) - 514-730-1801 (Spanish)