Frequently Asked Questions
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For insurance reasons, and for the health and safety of our employees, we are unable to handle biological hazards, human & pet excrement, mould, and pests. We also cannot wipe exposed light bulbs as the risk that they will shatter is too high. At this point, we do not offer specialty cleaning services like carpet cleaning, air duct/chimney/furnace cleaning, air conditioner cleaning, drain cleaning, window/gutter cleaning, pool/hot tub cleaning/maintenance, fire & flood restoration, mould remediation, crime scene clean-up, or auto detailing. We also do not offer deep mattress cleaning, pest control/extermination, dustless blasting, or air purification/HVAC system installation at this time. We have an extensive referral network, and we are happy to refer our clients to other trusted Edmonton-area businesses for the services we do not offer. We will keep our clients apprised if/when we expand our portfolio of services, and those changes will be reflected on our website as well.
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Homework was founded in late 2019.
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Yes, we are fully insured. Homework carries a $5m general liability insurance policy, which includes theft coverage. The company is also covered by the Workers Compensation Board (WCB). While we’ve never had an accident, if one were to occur that caused damage to property or injury to employee, we’re covered.
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Payment is due within three business days of services rendered. At this time, clients can choose to pay by cash, cheque, or e-transfer; invoices and receipts will be issued regardless. If you operate a home-based business or use your home for business, a portion of the costs of our services may be tax deductible.
Due to economies of scale (or lack thereof) and a desire to minimize extra costs which must ultimately be passed along to the consumer, we do not accept credit or debit cards at this time.
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Yes. While tipping is not expected, you are welcome to tip your cleaning specialists to show appreciation for a job well done. All gratuities are split between the cleaning technicians that work in your home on the day a tip is provided.
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Unfortunately we do not provide laundry services at this time. We are happy to refer you to a trusted partner to handle your laundry and dry-cleaning.
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No, you do not. If you prefer to provide us a key or electronic access through a smart lock, we can let ourselves in and complete our work while you’re out.
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Yes, all Homework Cleaning employees have been trained before they begin work at clients’ homes.
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That depends entirely on your lifestyle, the occupants of your home, and the activity within. If you have pets and small children or a large family/household, your home should be cleaned more often than otherwise might be needed. Many of our clients choose to have their homes cleaned weekly, while others prefer bi-weekly or monthly services. We are happy to accommodate whatever schedule is most appropriate for you and your family.
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This can vary by client and even by day, but generally our cleaning specialists work in crews of two or three. Homework emphasizes speed and convenience for clients, and allocates manpower according to these priorities.
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Homework Cleaning supplies its own cleaning products and tools. If your home is equipped with a central vacuum system, we often prefer to use this alongside our own Miele™ canister vacuums.
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Yes, we use Smart brand microfibre cloths. Each cloth is freshly laundered and used only in your home.
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No, Homework Cleaning avoids the use of harsh, toxic, allergenic, or asthmagenic chemicals to preserve the health of your family and to minimize environmental impact. Instead, we rely on phenols, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, baking soda, and Attitude® brand green cleaning products.
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Absolutely not. That being said, it is certainly easier and faster to clean a tidy home rather than a cluttered home.
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We operate during ordinary business hours, five days a week, eight hours per day. We are closed for business on statutory holidays. Our services are available by appointment during the weekend and on statutory holidays for an additional fee.
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We maintain standard business hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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Homework Cleaning makes a best effort attempt to dispatch the same cleaning specialists to your home week after week. That said, illness, vacation, schedule changes, and emergencies can preclude such consistency.
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No. The service agreements that Homework Cleaning uses do not lock clients into long-term commitments. If you wish to cancel our services, you need only provide two weeks’ notice. To cancel or reschedule an appointment, we appreciate if you can give us as much notice as possible, and minimally seventy-two hours. Homework Cleaning may not always be able to accommodate rescheduling requests. Cancellation fees may apply for clients who repeatedly cancel or reschedule late.
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We love pets! Please ensure that they are up-to-date on their shots, including for rabies. If your pet has trouble with strangers or is likely to disrupt our work, then we ask you to confine him or her while we visit your home. If you have a venomous pet, we need to know where the anti-venom is kept.