After covering the basics, dive into comparing property factors by assessing services offered, maintenance schedules, transparent costs, response times, quality standards, and long-term value.
Selecting a Factor: Ensuring Clear and Fair Service Quotes
Core Services: You will need to specify what essential services you need such as cleaning, landscaping, repairs, and routine inspections.
Service Frequency: Clearly state how often each service is needed, e.g. weekly cleaning, annual gutter cleaning.
Preventative Maintenance: Ask if they offer a structured maintenance plan to prevent issues (e.g., annual roof checks, gutter clearing), which could help reduce major repair costs.
Flexibility in Scheduling: Confirm if the schedule can be adjusted seasonally or in response to specific needs that may arise, like after extreme weather.
Fixed vs. Variable Costs: Confirm how services are charged for e.g. annual, monthly, charge per services, and check if any call-outs are included. There will likely be additional charges for additional work requested – be aware what those charges are upfront.
Breakdown of Fees: Request to see quotations so that you have full transparency.
Emergency Services: Confirm their process for handling emergency repairs, including response times and any additional charges for unscheduled call-outs.
Availability: Ask about out of office and holiday availability in case issues arise outside of standard service times.
Service Level Agreement (SLA): Request an SLA that outlines their commitments for quality and timelines for response and resolution of issues.
Accountability Measures: Enquire about their approach if standards are not met or if there are recurring issues (e.g., credit for missed services, follow-up actions).
Sustainable Practices: If a priority for you and your neighbours, check if they follow eco-friendly practices (e.g., using sustainable cleaning products or low-impact landscaping options).
Reputation for Ongoing Services: Request references from current clients who have used their ongoing services over a longer period to gauge reliability and satisfaction.
Discover insights and tips in our Starting Out series.
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