Key takeaways
- Ask for references from facilities like yours, and actually call them.
- Good questions focus on reliability, communication and how problems were handled.
- A referral from someone you trust is helpful, but still check insurance and scope.
Online reviews are a start. References and referrals tell you how a company really behaves once the contract is signed.
Where to get them
- Provided references. Ask each company for two or three current clients, ideally with a similar building, size and schedule.
- Referrals. Ask peers, your property manager, your association board or neighboring practices who they use and why.
- Long-term clients. A client who has stayed several years tells you more than a brand-new one.
Questions to ask a reference
- How long have they cleaned for you?
- Do they arrive on time and finish the scope every visit?
- How do they handle a missed task or a complaint? How quickly?
- Has the crew been stable, or does it change often?
- Have you had any problems with security, damage or billing?
- Would you hire them again?
How to read the answers
- Specific answers are good. "They fixed it the same day" beats "they're fine."
- Hesitation is a signal. If a reference avoids a question, follow up.
- Look for patterns. One late visit happens. Repeated issues do not.
If a company will not give references
Be careful. Some companies have confidentiality rules with clients and can offer a short letter or a call instead. Ask. If they offer nothing at all, treat it as a warning.
Do not skip the basics
A good referral does not replace verifying credentials such as insurance, or putting the scope in writing. Use references together with a structured interview.
Read can you trust online reviews for how reviews fit in.